From Dream to Reality: Jim’s Outdoor Kitchen Journey

[Jim White]

And so it begins. I’ve been babbling for a couple of years about my dream outdoor kitchen. Finally, the process is in motion to turn that dream into reality. We now have a signed contract with a builder and the deposit check is ready to be picked up.

It may take up to four weeks to get the permit issued. Once work begins, we anticipate a 12 to 16 week project.

Here are some “before” photos of the old setup. Note that the Pit Boss Ultimate 5 Burner Griddle is already here and in use. The empty table you see will get casters and other slight modifications to then hold the Lone Star Grill 48 by 24 Adjustable Grill that is now haunting me from its crate in our garage.





Here are photos of the final version of the plans.

[Jim White]

First steps will be demolition. The old structure will go away. John, our crazy Cajun friend who helps on the farm, has been told that the Kamado and drum table are his if he can haul them off. Our daughter will take the old patio furniture. The decrepit, dead hot tub goes to the dump. The new one is on order.

Even the slab for the old porch goes away. The new one is about twice as big. Note the kitchen area extends well out from the house beyond the new hot tub into what is now yard.

As I write this, John is back there with his tractor doing prep for us finally to transplant the gardenias and camellias that are in the way of the project.

I will do my best to keep this thread updated as the project moves along.

(Don’t tell anyone, but that “gap” in the cabinets near the refrigerator will magically sprout a sink after the final inspection. Septic hookups are expensive and a simple drain will suffice.)

[mrichie1229]

Looks awesome! Looking forward to seeing the progress and finished product.

[Steve B]

Congrats Jim. This is gonna be a great project.
Looking forward to seeing the progress.

From what I understand from the plans. It looks like the columns will be removed to open up the space entirely?
And is that the hot tub underneath the plywood in the second pic next to the pups? Or are you adding a new hot tub?

[Jim White]

Ha ha. The plywood is on the old hot tub because Bean the Destroyer destroyed the cover. The new hot tub will not be recessed into the ground like the old one. The new slab will be continuous.

And yes, a major goal was to go without columns. Further, we will have the ceiling starting at around 9 feet, so the new area will feel much more open.

[CaptainMike]

Wow, very exciting!! And 4 weeks for plans! Try 4 months out here, plus another 3 months for engineering. You must live in America.

My BIL owns a sawmill outside of Huntsville, AL (Moulton, AL to be specific) and his planer shed caught fire and partially burned several years ago. This was a very large industrial building and he went to the county to obtain a permit to rebuild it. He said after the folks at the county stopped laughing they told him it was his building and he could do whatever he wanted to with it!

[Uncle Bob]

Round here we don't need no stinkin' permits, the only thing they inspect for is whether it's going to involve the septic. Jim got that figured out already.

[Alan Brice]

Wow! This is very exciting! I will be fully tuned to this channel. Cannot wait Jim White

[Attjack]

This is going to be epic. I can't wait to see it come to fruition.

[ofelles]

Sweet! Looking forward to the journey.

[rlozinak]

I am excited for you. Will be great when done!

[Porkies]

Congrats on your plan and vision! I look forward to watching the project move forward.

[klflowers]

So I should be the around the end of May to help break her in???

[Jim White]

That works for me. Got a nice guest room or there’s plenty of room for the RV.

[Draznnl]

Very exciting Jim. Hoping your permits are expedited and your build goes smoothly.

[RonB]

Congrats! I am lookin' forward to following along.

[CHNeal]

WOW that is exciting. Congrats and I am looking forward to watching the progress.

[Bruceski44]

Very nice! I hope everything goes smoothly.

Not trying to pick your plans apart, but just trying to prompt additional thoughts. I forgot to add a 2nd hose spigot when I did my BY and kitchen and that always nagged at me. Is there a hose spigot near your hot tub? I usually have a charged hose nearby when I'm cooking out. Also, I don't see TV or sounds. I can't hardly cook at all without my blues blaring. Plenty of outlets and amperage available for add-ons? It looks like the right side of your floorplan will get afternoon sun exposure unless your lot is shaded there. Maybe some sun protection like an awning there? Lastly, what are you thinking for dining furniture? I bought Polywood table, chairs, rockers, etc. and those things are indestructible. They aren't wood, so are immune to termites.

[Jim White]

Yes. There already is a spigot there that we will tap the sink. There is very good shade, so we are good there.

Entertainment will be later add-ons, but we will be wired to handle it.

We are a ways off on furniture, but I like the looks and lines of the Naples line from Hanover. I plan to go with multiple tables of various sizes to arrange for whatever group is dining. There is likely to be a small seating area, too that can add a propane fire pit at some point.

https://hanoverhome.com/nap

[Richard Chrz]

So exciting!