Wait until you learn a secret about outdoor granite counter tops.

Wanting something and needing something antagonizes us as human beings. Often, we can want something so badly that we convince ourselves that we need it. The "I must-have" outdoor kitchen falls into that category. 

No matter how bad you want an outdoor kitchen, there are three main problems in fulfilling this "need."

#1. The cost

If you are in "need" of an outdoor kitchen, I'm sure you've done a bit of research and find yourself struggling to understand what all the parts and pieces will cost when you put it all together. With this tidbit of knowledge, you formulate a vision for what you want and determine a threshold of pain as you imagine Benjamin Franklin's leaving your hands.

Did you know that you can get an eight-foot outdoor kitchen for as little as $6,000 to $7,000 or that same eight-foot outdoor kitchen for more than $30,000? Can you believe that someone would spend $30,000+ for abuilt-in BBQ grill? Inside lingo, we call it the shiny stuff. The outdoor appliances, cabinets, and cabinet inserts will be the most significant factors to the total cost of an outdoor kitchen.

Silver travertine stacked stone panel outdoor kitchen specs: Delta Heat 32" BBQ grill, Delta Heat refrigerator, Delta Heat cabinet inserts, Level 2 granite

Total cost: $10,591

Built-in BBQ grills,at least the ones deserving to be in your home, will cost between $1,500 and $20,000. Outdoor refrigerators, the critical term here is outdoor-rated refrigerators, cost between $750 and $4,000. Don't forget the $3,000 to $11,000 ventilation hood and canopy.

Natural stacked stone outdoor kitchen specs: Kalamazoo K750B BBQ grill, Kalamazoo cabinet inserts, Large Big Green Egg with Eggcessories, Perlick outdoor refrigerator, Renoir quartzite countertops and back splash

Total cost: $44,186

Countertops are next in line for swaying the cost of an outdoor kitchen—a little more inside information. Sshh, granite, and stone fabricators generally have a minimum charge, and that minimum is 30 square feet of material. The eight-foot run we've been talking about only needs 21 square feet of material. At this point, you need to consider having your backsplash made from the same material. The backsplash will be almost free! (Please keep that information to yourself.)

SapienStone porcelain outdoor kitchen countertops with 3" mitered edge.Cost of Countertops: $7,211

Do-it-yourselfers and handymenhave some less expensive options for countertops because they don't have to warranty or guarantee it. Most professionals generally start with a fool-proof, Level 1 granite that costs $35-$38/square foot. But, if you're one of those crazy people that want it so bad that you need it - you can spend upwards of $100/square foot for granite. And it doesn't stop there. Diresco is the only outdoor quartz material, and it runs $85- $150/square foot. You have Dekton, Sapien Stone, and Neolith, to name a few more excellent products for outdoor countertops that will continue the reach for the sky. 

Tumbled ivory travertine outdoor kitchen spec: Twin Eagles 36" BBQ grill, Twin Eagles 2-drawer refrigerator, Twin Eagles cabinet inserts, Delta Heat drop in cooler, built in speed rail, Level 3 granite

Total cost: $26,962

Listen, we both know you're probably not going to hang here long enough to read this entire article. You're going to need to call somebody to find out which countertop is right for you. 

With a relaxed conversation and some free advice, you will quickly settle on a BBQ grill, refrigeration, and storage. Then BAM! Problem #2steps into your life - the finishes you need to make it perfect. What is your style? 

1. NatureKast 
2. Fibealumn
3. Polymer
4. Ledge stone panels
5. Natural stone
6. Porcelain tile
7. Stucco 
8. Your imagination

Using your imagination!

You may even be asking, "What are these?" And there are a hundred color choices in each of these categories. Now you have to coordinate that with your house paint and flooring plus find a countertop and backsplash to match. The task is daunting. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours and as long as a year to make up your mind. If you could have all the free advice you need to get it perfect, and all you have to do is request a call, why would you not do it?

I am dropping you right in the lap of  Problem #3 

Most of us do lots of google research these days on almost every topic or problem that comes to mind. The written words or videos we find from multiple sources solidify the collected data in our minds as the truth we now believe. In this age, we've come to trust these erroneous sources over that of human interactions. We like having enough information to decide for ourselves.

The ceiling project with two colors of Synergy Tongue & Groove cypress cost $20,636. There are no others like this on the planet. The customer went way, way out on a limb in hopes we could pull it off.

However, when we need or want something that does not exist until designed and created, there is no choice but to trust someone we've never met. We've all been screwed over by someone or some company. And most of those times were probably getting something fixed or built. When you're trying to figure out an outdoor kitchen, every part of it is an unknown. There are too many aspects to your usual research activities to bring your brain to a solid conclusion: "I've figured it out."

Volume Up!

You can trust us to use our imagination to figure out the best way to get it done. 

We are real people who love what we do and love to have fun!

Many good companies design and build outdoor kitchens as their primary business. They are staking their reputation solely on outdoor kitchens and have access to the best products for your backyard hangout. Many good companies install pavers, swimming pools, plumbing, shrubs, or imported crap and try to make outdoor kitchens to make an extra buck. They do not have access to the best products to design and build your outdoor kitchen. 

Have faith that after an initial interaction with a professional that decided to specialize in outdoor kitchens, you will soon trust them to help you get what you "need" to fulfill your "want."

To conclude, after designing and building hundreds of outdoor kitchens with 100% satisfaction, we've found that the cost, the finishes, and trust are the most significant problems that stand between you and your outdoor kitchen. 

The outdoor experts at

HL Posey Builders have taken the worry out and put the fun back in choosing the right materials, cabinets, and outdoor appliances for hundreds of people since 2007. Call Now at 239.893.3700 or email Elena at elena.hlposey@gmail.com and get your perfect backyard hangout with an outdoor kitchen.