Outdoor Kitchen & Patio Design Ideas for South Jersey Backyards
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Patrick Breen Masonry & Concrete — South Jersey since 1983
(856) 223-1100 · Mullica Hill, NJ
An outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard from a place you occasionally sit into a place you actually live. Paired with a stamped concrete patio, it creates an outdoor living space that extends your usable square footage and becomes the center of every gathering from April through October. Here's how South Jersey homeowners are building their dream outdoor spaces — and what it actually costs.
Why Outdoor Kitchens Are Booming in South Jersey
South Jersey's climate gives you a solid 6-7 months of outdoor living — roughly April through October, with bonus days in March and November. That's over half the year where an outdoor kitchen isn't just nice to have, it's a second living space.
The trend has exploded since 2020, and we're seeing more outdoor kitchen projects in Mullica Hill, Cherry Hill, Washington Township, and across Gloucester County than ever before. Homeowners are investing in their backyards instead of taking vacations — and the return on investment is real. Outdoor kitchens recoup 55-75% of their cost at resale, and they make your home significantly more attractive to buyers.
Outdoor Kitchen Components
The Essentials
Every outdoor kitchen starts with these basics:
Built-in grill — The centerpiece. A 30-36 inch built-in gas grill from brands like Lynx, Blaze, Bull, or Weber is the most common starting point. Drop-in grills are designed to be built into a masonry surround with proper ventilation.
Countertop space — You need at least 24 inches of counter on each side of the grill for prep and plating. More is better. Popular countertop materials: granite, bluestone, concrete, and Dekton.
Storage — Built-in cabinet doors and drawers below the counter. Stainless steel for weather resistance.
The base/surround — This is where we come in. We build the structural base from concrete block, then veneer it with stone, stucco, or manufactured stone to match your home and patio.
Popular Upgrades
Side burner — For sauces, sides, and anything that needs a stovetop.
Refrigerator — A built-in outdoor-rated mini fridge keeps drinks and ingredients at arm's reach. No more running inside.
Sink — Requires a water line and drain, but dramatically improves usability. Essential if you're doing serious outdoor cooking.
Pizza oven — Wood-fired or gas. These have become the most requested outdoor kitchen add-on we install.
Smoker — Built-in or standalone, integrated into the kitchen layout.
Bar seating — A raised countertop overhang with stools creates a casual gathering spot where guests can talk to the cook.
TV/audio — Weatherproof TV mounted under a pergola, with outdoor speakers. For football Sundays and summer movie nights.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Ranges
Level What's Included Approximate Cost Basic Built-in grill, countertop, block base with stone veneer, stamped concrete pad $12,000 – $18,000 Mid-Range Grill, side burner, fridge, sink, L-shaped counter, stone veneer, stamped patio $22,000 – $35,000 Premium Full kitchen with grill, burners, fridge, sink, pizza oven, bar seating, lighting, pergola, full stamped patio $40,000 – $65,000+
These include the kitchen structure, appliances, and the stamped concrete patio. Pricing varies based on size, materials, appliance brands, and site conditions.
Patio Design Ideas That Work With Outdoor Kitchens
The patio and kitchen should be designed together — not as separate projects. Here's how to create a cohesive outdoor living space:
Zone Your Space
Think of your backyard like a floor plan with distinct zones:
Cooking zone — The kitchen itself. Needs a dedicated stamped concrete pad with proper drainage, gas line access, and electrical for lighting and appliances.
Dining zone — A table and chairs area adjacent to the kitchen. Size it for your typical gathering — 6-person dining needs roughly 10x12 feet of dedicated space.
Lounge zone — Outdoor sofas, fire pit, conversation area. This is the relaxation space away from the cooking action. Can be a different stamped pattern or elevation for visual separation.
Transition zone — Walkways connecting the kitchen/patio to the house, pool, or other yard areas.
Multi-Level Patios
One of our most impactful design approaches is creating multiple levels connected by stamped concrete steps:
Upper level at the house — Kitchen and dining area, stepped down to...
Lower level in the yard — Fire pit, lounge area, or pool deck
The level change creates visual drama, defines spaces naturally, and solves grading challenges on sloped lots — common in Mullica Hill, Pitman, and the hilly areas of Washington Township.
Pattern and Color Coordination
Kitchen pad: We typically recommend matching the kitchen pad pattern to the main patio for a cohesive look. The kitchen surround's stone veneer provides enough material contrast — you don't need a different concrete pattern too.
Fire pit area: This is where a secondary pattern works well. A circular fire pit surrounded by a cobblestone-stamped ring, transitioning to Ashlar Slate on the main patio, creates a focal point.
Borders: A contrasting border pattern (cobblestone or soldier course brick) around the main patio field ties everything together and provides a clean edge.
Fire Pit Design Options
Fire pits are the second most requested outdoor feature after kitchens. They extend your outdoor season into fall and create an irresistible gathering spot.
Built-In Fire Pits
We build custom fire pits from concrete block with stone veneer to match your outdoor kitchen. Options include:
Round fire pit (36-48 inch diameter) — Classic campfire feel. Fits naturally in a circular stamped concrete pad.
Square/rectangular fire pit — Modern, clean lines. Pairs well with contemporary patio designs.
Linear fire table — A long, narrow gas fire feature built into a table-height surround. Very modern, great for conversation.
Gas vs. Wood-Burning
Gas fire pits are cleaner, easier, and turn on with a switch. They require a gas line run from your home. Most popular in newer developments and HOA communities.
Wood-burning fire pits are more atmospheric and don't require a gas line. They produce smoke and sparks, so check your township's regulations. Some South Jersey municipalities have restrictions on open burning.
Fire Pit Costs
Built-in gas fire pit with stone veneer: $3,500 – $6,000
Built-in wood-burning fire pit: $2,500 – $4,500
Linear fire table: $5,000 – $10,000
Add stamped concrete surround pad: $2,000 – $4,000
Water Features
Custom waterfalls and water features add another sensory dimension to your outdoor space. The sound of running water creates a tranquil atmosphere and masks neighborhood noise.
We design and build custom water features that integrate with your patio and landscape design — from simple bubbling rocks to multi-tier waterfalls with natural stone.
Pergolas and Shade Structures
South Jersey summers get hot. A shade structure over your outdoor kitchen and dining area extends usability during peak summer:
Wood pergola — Classic look, natural material, provides filtered shade
Vinyl/aluminum pergola — Low maintenance, clean lines, modern aesthetic
Louvered pergola — Adjustable louvers control sun and rain. Premium option.
Pavilion — Fully roofed structure for complete weather protection
We coordinate with trusted local builders for shade structures to ensure the stamped patio and structural footings work together.
Permits and Utilities
Outdoor kitchens require more planning than a simple patio:
Gas line: A licensed plumber must run a gas line from your home's meter to the kitchen location. This requires a permit in most South Jersey municipalities.
Electrical: Outdoor-rated GFI outlets for appliances, lighting, and potentially a TV. Requires a licensed electrician and permit.
Water/drain: If you're adding a sink, you need a water supply line and a drain. Some homeowners connect to the home's plumbing; others use a simple garden hose connection and gray water drain to a dry well.
Building permit: The outdoor kitchen structure itself may require a building permit depending on your municipality. The stamped concrete patio typically does not if it's at grade.
We coordinate all of this for you — from permit applications to scheduling the plumber and electrician around our concrete pour.
Planning Your Outdoor Living Space
The best outdoor spaces are designed holistically — not pieced together over time. Even if you're building in phases, having a master plan ensures everything fits together when it's done.
Phase 1: Stamped concrete patio — the foundation of everything. Get the size right for your full vision, even if you're not building the kitchen yet.
Phase 2: Outdoor kitchen and/or fire pit — the features that make the space functional and inviting.
Phase 3: Upgrades — pergola, lighting, water features, landscaping, TV/audio.
This phased approach lets you spread the investment over time while ensuring a cohesive final result.
Get Your Outdoor Living Estimate
Patrick Breen Masonry & Concrete designs and builds complete outdoor living spaces — stamped concrete patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, custom waterfalls, and more. 43+ years, third generation, 2,167+ projects across South Jersey.
Build Your Project Online — Start designing your outdoor living space.
Request a Free Estimate — We'll come to your property and help you plan.
Call: (856) 223-1100
Patrick Breen Masonry & Concrete — Mullica Hill, NJ — Family-Owned Since 1983 — NJ Lic #13VH00144300