Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Fireplaces, and Fire Pits in Richmond, Va
Richmond Concrete Pros - The best concrete contractor in the Richmond area. No job too big or too small. Our Richmond Virginia based operation covers all facets of concrete work from foundations to patios and driveways. We also do stamping, resurfacing, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, and repair work. Call us at 804-552-0590 for a free quote.
Additionally, we understand the importance of good communication, which sadly is lacking in the contractor industry. We will return your calls promptly, carefully coordinate scheduling, and follow up. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Additionally, we understand the importance of good communication, which sadly is lacking in the contractor industry. We will return your calls promptly, carefully coordinate scheduling, and follow up. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Richmond's Best Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Fire Places, and Fire Pits |
Outdoor Kitchens in Richmond Va
Kitchens are really the heart of most homes, providing a gathering place for friends and family to keep everyone equally engaged in dialogue and fun, even if one or more are hard at work. To achieve that type of appeal the outdoor kitchen requires some advance thought and planning. To make the setup practical and comfortable, you need to do more than put up a couple of appliances, a table, and a few chairs.
The focus needs to be on making things as usable and practical as they are in the indoor kitchen without breaking the bank, though these things can get quite expensive depending on the options chosen. For example, consideration needs to be given to insuring the outdoor kitchen is properly equipped to insure no one is constantly having to run back and forth getting things that should be out there and available all the time, so ample weatherproof storage is crucial in the design. There are a lot of options when it comes to outdoor kitchens. We have an experienced staff at Richmond Concrete Pros that can look at your setting and walk you through the many choices you may not know you have. The base and structure of the outdoor kitchen varies based on the temperatures and weather conditions they will have to endure. Since we are Richmond based, we are very familiar with local conditions and understand what is required to construct the most durable and practical outdoor kitchen in Richmond Va based on a thorough knowledge of the area and weather. |
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Construction options for these types of projects can get a bit complicated due to the strength of the kitchen infrastructure required to provide lasting durability. We will provide you with a list of considerations to be thinking about regarding your new kitchen.
Concrete Block or Masonry
Two of the most popular options are to build the frame out of concrete block or masonry. These require a solid, level concrete base. Of course both of these options are permanent so you need to be sure it is exactly where you want it. Another thing to be aware of if you decide to go this route is that the equipment and traffic required to get the materials into your yard and installed can be very time consuming, sometimes taking months, and also will take a toll on your existing yard. For example a cement mixer may be required to pour the slab. So if you have a beautiful, mature lawn or lots of beds creating tight spaces, this might not be a good option. You can put plywood down on top of the areas you do not want torn up, but plywood is not very grass-friendly and could kill it depending on the type of grass you have. Additionally bricks, mortar, tools, and foot traffic can really take a toll.
Stainless Steel
This is a popular option that is functional and offers a lot of possibilities to accommodate any size of outdoor living space you may have. This is a yard-friendly option (not much equipment required) and the time required to build these is only a day or two, depending on the size. Stainless outdoor cabinets can easily accommodate a huge variety of sizes and shapes of appliances including electric grills, plus since they are fire-resistant require no insulating jacket. The cabinet door styles come with lots of styles and color options. You can even get wood grain finishes. These come powder coated to increase longevity even more.
Metal Stud Frame
These are very popular also. Built with metal studs and cement board, this framing requires a front finish which can be steel, cement, or wood. Installation can go on for days or weeks and there is a lot of maintenance involved, including possibly replacing some components. The metal frame itself is not subject to water damage but the panels spanning frame are subject to water damage.
Wood Frame
These bases use pressure treated pine due to its ability to hold up to the extreme heat of a grill and its resistance to rot. We have found using cement backer boards helps to protect the wood frame from water and heat, though fire issues are always a concern. The wood frame requires some type of decorative outer placement like stucco, tile, stone, brick veneer, or concrete panels. Wood frame construction allows for the ability to customize the visible part any way you would like. There is a lot of maintenance required to prevent rot and keep the kitchen looking good. Construction time frames are typically a couple weeks depending on the size.
Concrete Block or Masonry
Two of the most popular options are to build the frame out of concrete block or masonry. These require a solid, level concrete base. Of course both of these options are permanent so you need to be sure it is exactly where you want it. Another thing to be aware of if you decide to go this route is that the equipment and traffic required to get the materials into your yard and installed can be very time consuming, sometimes taking months, and also will take a toll on your existing yard. For example a cement mixer may be required to pour the slab. So if you have a beautiful, mature lawn or lots of beds creating tight spaces, this might not be a good option. You can put plywood down on top of the areas you do not want torn up, but plywood is not very grass-friendly and could kill it depending on the type of grass you have. Additionally bricks, mortar, tools, and foot traffic can really take a toll.
Stainless Steel
This is a popular option that is functional and offers a lot of possibilities to accommodate any size of outdoor living space you may have. This is a yard-friendly option (not much equipment required) and the time required to build these is only a day or two, depending on the size. Stainless outdoor cabinets can easily accommodate a huge variety of sizes and shapes of appliances including electric grills, plus since they are fire-resistant require no insulating jacket. The cabinet door styles come with lots of styles and color options. You can even get wood grain finishes. These come powder coated to increase longevity even more.
Metal Stud Frame
These are very popular also. Built with metal studs and cement board, this framing requires a front finish which can be steel, cement, or wood. Installation can go on for days or weeks and there is a lot of maintenance involved, including possibly replacing some components. The metal frame itself is not subject to water damage but the panels spanning frame are subject to water damage.
Wood Frame
These bases use pressure treated pine due to its ability to hold up to the extreme heat of a grill and its resistance to rot. We have found using cement backer boards helps to protect the wood frame from water and heat, though fire issues are always a concern. The wood frame requires some type of decorative outer placement like stucco, tile, stone, brick veneer, or concrete panels. Wood frame construction allows for the ability to customize the visible part any way you would like. There is a lot of maintenance required to prevent rot and keep the kitchen looking good. Construction time frames are typically a couple weeks depending on the size.
Countertops
The cabinets and counter tops are what will really set off your outdoor kitchen aesthetically. You have a few choices regarding the counter tops including marble, stone, concrete, tile, quartz, or granite. It is important to note that durability is really the top priority when selecting a counter top that is subject to UV rays and extreme temperature changes. Additionally having enough space to do what you plan on doing is very important, so consider how frequently you will use it and how many people you might typically have.
Stone
Looking at a few options, we will start with stone. While there are a lot of different types of stone, you should stick with ones that are less porous like granite or soapstone. Marble, bluestone and limestone are strikingly beautiful when new but they stain easily and you may be left with counters that have permanent wine or grease stains. Granite holds up well in the sun and cold, and is stain resistant, so it is a good choice. If you go with granite, avoid granites that have a lot of veining and also stick with lighter or mid-range colors. Dark colors absorb a lot of heat and burn your hands if not careful.
Soapstone is another good option in part because it is non-porous so it does not need to be sealed regularly like granite does and it is resistant to heat bacteria, and stains. Additionally it stands up well to acidic foods. On the down side the color options are limited to blacks and greys.
Concrete
This has become more and more popular in recent years, and is now one of the most popular options. However, concrete is prone to cracking even when it is reinforced with tensile steel. An experienced installer is a must here. Concrete is often done by the homeowner but cracking is highly likely and near impossible to hide. An installer will provide you with a nearly infinite array of color options, and can even build-in things like draining boards, cup holders, or anything you might desire. Concrete does need to be sealed when installed and regularly after that. Even with proper maintenance it is possible it could eventually get some cracks due to ground settling.
Tile
Tile offers a huge array of colors and options as well, and is less expensive to install than granite or concrete. Tile comes with built-in patterns, or you can make your own patterns any way you choose. If you live in cold climates however, the seasonal changes put a lot of stress on the tile and cause it and the grout to crack. Additionally grout stains, no matter how well it has been sealed. If you decide to go this route, select freeze-proof tiles and choose a color that looks good with dark grout (dark hides the stains very well). As we are very familiar with temperature ranges in Richmond, we have the products necessary to insure a solid foundation and the best tile options for the area.
The cabinets and counter tops are what will really set off your outdoor kitchen aesthetically. You have a few choices regarding the counter tops including marble, stone, concrete, tile, quartz, or granite. It is important to note that durability is really the top priority when selecting a counter top that is subject to UV rays and extreme temperature changes. Additionally having enough space to do what you plan on doing is very important, so consider how frequently you will use it and how many people you might typically have.
Stone
Looking at a few options, we will start with stone. While there are a lot of different types of stone, you should stick with ones that are less porous like granite or soapstone. Marble, bluestone and limestone are strikingly beautiful when new but they stain easily and you may be left with counters that have permanent wine or grease stains. Granite holds up well in the sun and cold, and is stain resistant, so it is a good choice. If you go with granite, avoid granites that have a lot of veining and also stick with lighter or mid-range colors. Dark colors absorb a lot of heat and burn your hands if not careful.
Soapstone is another good option in part because it is non-porous so it does not need to be sealed regularly like granite does and it is resistant to heat bacteria, and stains. Additionally it stands up well to acidic foods. On the down side the color options are limited to blacks and greys.
Concrete
This has become more and more popular in recent years, and is now one of the most popular options. However, concrete is prone to cracking even when it is reinforced with tensile steel. An experienced installer is a must here. Concrete is often done by the homeowner but cracking is highly likely and near impossible to hide. An installer will provide you with a nearly infinite array of color options, and can even build-in things like draining boards, cup holders, or anything you might desire. Concrete does need to be sealed when installed and regularly after that. Even with proper maintenance it is possible it could eventually get some cracks due to ground settling.
Tile
Tile offers a huge array of colors and options as well, and is less expensive to install than granite or concrete. Tile comes with built-in patterns, or you can make your own patterns any way you choose. If you live in cold climates however, the seasonal changes put a lot of stress on the tile and cause it and the grout to crack. Additionally grout stains, no matter how well it has been sealed. If you decide to go this route, select freeze-proof tiles and choose a color that looks good with dark grout (dark hides the stains very well). As we are very familiar with temperature ranges in Richmond, we have the products necessary to insure a solid foundation and the best tile options for the area.
Outdoor Fireplaces |
A backyard fireplace, where friends and family come to gather and enjoy good times and great food cooked over an open flame, is a very popular addition to most any home. Outdoor fireplaces are gaining in popularity and for good reason. In addition to being entertaining focal points, they add value to the home. In order to determine the size and shape of your new fireplace, there are a number of things you should consider. We will go over some of these.
The first thing to consider before any thought is given to the fireplace itself is whether there are any rules or ordinances governing the construction or placement of a fireplace. Some communities or subdivisions require a special license or permit. Others may restrict the type of fuel you can use, limiting it to only gas or wood but not the other. Most communities have restrictions on how close it can be to other structures, fences, or trees. Also the height of the chimney may have limitations. Finally, there could (and should) be rules on how it is constructed with regards to safety and structural integrity.
You should contact your insurance agent to insure your homeowners policy will cover any damage caused by the fireplace. You should also call your local utility company to be sure there are no lines running under its location that could be damaged by the initial digging. Once these things are taken care of, the fun can begin.
The first thing to consider before any thought is given to the fireplace itself is whether there are any rules or ordinances governing the construction or placement of a fireplace. Some communities or subdivisions require a special license or permit. Others may restrict the type of fuel you can use, limiting it to only gas or wood but not the other. Most communities have restrictions on how close it can be to other structures, fences, or trees. Also the height of the chimney may have limitations. Finally, there could (and should) be rules on how it is constructed with regards to safety and structural integrity.
You should contact your insurance agent to insure your homeowners policy will cover any damage caused by the fireplace. You should also call your local utility company to be sure there are no lines running under its location that could be damaged by the initial digging. Once these things are taken care of, the fun can begin.
The primary consideration for the type, look, and size of your fireplace is exactly how are you going to use it? Will it be primarily for a place to curl up, the centerpiece for entertaining, or even a place to cook in. There are construction and sizing implications for each of these. Additionally you should consider how you want it to look in relation to your home. The material it is made of should look right with your existing home. Construction materials now come in such a huge variety of colors that you should be able to find something that compliments your home. It needs to compliment, not detract from, your home.
Another thing you should do is to imagine how it will look from various places around the yard and house. Is it something you will want to see from inside the house or not? Size and placement can be impacted by this, particularly if you have the yard space affording you several placement options.
The exterior of outdoor fireplaces are made from stone, concrete, block, or brick. The firebox, or place where the fire actually burns, must be steel or heat resistant bricks designed for extremely high temperatures. The interior frame, depending on the size, is usually supported with cinder block. And of course it will require a fire-rated flue.
There are a lot of manufacturers that sell kits you can get with all the materials to build the fireplace yourself. Things like chimeneas and decorative gas fireplaces are easy to assemble and are portable, so you can move them around if desired. Open pit fireplaces can even be bought in kit form for a couple hundred dollars. They come with a fireproof pit bowl, a grate and domed cover, and stones or stackable bricks you arrange in a circle. There is more on this in the next section.
Another thing you should do is to imagine how it will look from various places around the yard and house. Is it something you will want to see from inside the house or not? Size and placement can be impacted by this, particularly if you have the yard space affording you several placement options.
The exterior of outdoor fireplaces are made from stone, concrete, block, or brick. The firebox, or place where the fire actually burns, must be steel or heat resistant bricks designed for extremely high temperatures. The interior frame, depending on the size, is usually supported with cinder block. And of course it will require a fire-rated flue.
There are a lot of manufacturers that sell kits you can get with all the materials to build the fireplace yourself. Things like chimeneas and decorative gas fireplaces are easy to assemble and are portable, so you can move them around if desired. Open pit fireplaces can even be bought in kit form for a couple hundred dollars. They come with a fireproof pit bowl, a grate and domed cover, and stones or stackable bricks you arrange in a circle. There is more on this in the next section.
But even large stone fireplaces can be bought in kit form, like the one pictured above. It is less expensive to build the fireplace this way, though basic masonry and concrete skills are a must. Fireplaces of this size are often too heavy to sit on a patio and will require a concrete base robust enough to hold the weight without settling. Settling will cause the fireplace to start to crack, and can create safety issues.
High-end fireplace kits are available, which you can either assemble yourself or hire a contractor to assemble. There are do-it-yourself sites you can look at to try to determine if you have the skills, tools, and time to tackle the project yourself. Otherwise get pricing from professionals, either to build it from scratch or from your kit.
If you plan to hire someone, you should discuss the kit idea and get as much feedback as possible before spending the money on the kit. They might have ideas or suggestions which could have implications on which kit to get, or whether to get one at all. Richmond Concrete Pros has experience with both from-scratch and kit assembly, and can provide a lot of information that will lead toward the best decisions for your particular job based on the yard characteristics, materials, and budget. These types of projects tend to be permanent and a lot of thought should be put in beforehand to insure the maximum odds for years of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Few items make a statement like one of these.
High-end fireplace kits are available, which you can either assemble yourself or hire a contractor to assemble. There are do-it-yourself sites you can look at to try to determine if you have the skills, tools, and time to tackle the project yourself. Otherwise get pricing from professionals, either to build it from scratch or from your kit.
If you plan to hire someone, you should discuss the kit idea and get as much feedback as possible before spending the money on the kit. They might have ideas or suggestions which could have implications on which kit to get, or whether to get one at all. Richmond Concrete Pros has experience with both from-scratch and kit assembly, and can provide a lot of information that will lead toward the best decisions for your particular job based on the yard characteristics, materials, and budget. These types of projects tend to be permanent and a lot of thought should be put in beforehand to insure the maximum odds for years of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Few items make a statement like one of these.
Fire Pits
In addition to outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, fire pits are becoming extremely popular. They can add character and practicality to an otherwise empty and drab yard. Fire is a natural draw and a well done fire pit area can create a wonderful place for friends and family to gather and enjoy the outdoors, even on chillier nights when most people would rather stay in. The Richmond area typically has long spring and fall seasons making these overwhelmingly popular. Covid is also contributing to this, driving people outside who are sick of being in. Furniture can be placed to make distancing easy, making a fire pit an even more attractive place to be.
As with kitchens and fireplaces, the first thing to do is become familiar with any local regulation or ordinance prohibiting or limiting the use of a fire pit. Insuring there are no issues up front will add peace of mind as the project comes together. It is possible you will need a permit. Be sure you have what you need before starting. While a fire pit may seem like a simple, straightforward thing to assemble, there are really a number of additional considerations to keep in mind. There could be restrictions on the size, material it is made from, proximity to other structures, and even the type of fuel. Anything involving fire, like a pit or fireplace, almost always have some type of regulation involved due to the potential for fire related damages.
As with kitchens and fireplaces, the first thing to do is become familiar with any local regulation or ordinance prohibiting or limiting the use of a fire pit. Insuring there are no issues up front will add peace of mind as the project comes together. It is possible you will need a permit. Be sure you have what you need before starting. While a fire pit may seem like a simple, straightforward thing to assemble, there are really a number of additional considerations to keep in mind. There could be restrictions on the size, material it is made from, proximity to other structures, and even the type of fuel. Anything involving fire, like a pit or fireplace, almost always have some type of regulation involved due to the potential for fire related damages.
Once these issues have been addressed, you are ready to go. Here are a couple rules of thumb. Ideally, the pit should be between 3 and 4 feet wide including the thickness of the walls. This will allow for a good number of people to be around it while keeping them in close enough proximity for normal conversation. If the sides are between 12 and 16 inches high, guests can rest their feet on the sides (though if the fire is roaring it will be too hot to do this) if it is surrounded by standard 18 inch height chairs.
The proximity to other structures, trees, and shrubs is even more important with fire pits than fireplaces due to their unprotected nature. Unless protected on one or more sides, winds can blow across them unobstructed in any direction, causing sparks and cinders to be thrown all over the place. Additionally if the pit is wood fueled, as many are, smoke is constantly following the wind and can blow into yours or your neighbors houses, which can be irritating. This is very difficult to control with fire pits, so make sure the pit is nowhere near potentially open windows or doors. More on this below.
The proximity to other structures, trees, and shrubs is even more important with fire pits than fireplaces due to their unprotected nature. Unless protected on one or more sides, winds can blow across them unobstructed in any direction, causing sparks and cinders to be thrown all over the place. Additionally if the pit is wood fueled, as many are, smoke is constantly following the wind and can blow into yours or your neighbors houses, which can be irritating. This is very difficult to control with fire pits, so make sure the pit is nowhere near potentially open windows or doors. More on this below.
Another thing to be careful of is the construction of the pit. Of course no part of it should be made with any type of wood, but even non-porous materials such as compressed concrete blocks, pea gravel, or river rocks. The reason for this is that these can hold water inside and are subject to exploding if heated to a high enough temperature. The best bets are materials such as fire brick for the inner wall, heat-resistant brick stone, or masonry block like concrete or granite, or concrete pavers (as popular choice) for the outer wall, and flagstone for the upper rim of the pit (giving it a finished look). Crushed stone is great for the base in the center of the pit. Another good idea is to line the innermost wall of the pit with a steel fire ring. The steel will help protect the inner wall material from drying out by reflecting the heat back into the center of the pit, preventing the inner wall stones from crumbling apart. This will improve the structural integrity of the pit. Self contained propane or natural gas fired pits are also very popular, are easy to move around, and are relatively inexpensive. These do not make a statement like built-in pits but are the best choice for some yards.
There are a number of fuel choices for your fire pit that you might not have thought of. In the non-wood category we have propane, ethanol, and natural gas. These options leave no ashes to deal with and emit no smoke, embers, or sparks. The cleanest and only odor-free option, ethanol, requires an ethanol tank. Propane also requires connection to a tank. Natural gas, if it is available where you live, has no tank at all but requires the gas company to install a supply line. Of course wood burning pits require none of these things but have all the disadvantages of smoke, sparks, ashes, and can make big fires which can take awhile to extinguish. This is why in many areas wood burning pits are illegal.
There are a number of fuel choices for your fire pit that you might not have thought of. In the non-wood category we have propane, ethanol, and natural gas. These options leave no ashes to deal with and emit no smoke, embers, or sparks. The cleanest and only odor-free option, ethanol, requires an ethanol tank. Propane also requires connection to a tank. Natural gas, if it is available where you live, has no tank at all but requires the gas company to install a supply line. Of course wood burning pits require none of these things but have all the disadvantages of smoke, sparks, ashes, and can make big fires which can take awhile to extinguish. This is why in many areas wood burning pits are illegal.
In Summary:
We at Richmond Concrete Pros have years of experience building all three of these wonderful outdoor amenities. In fact we have staff that does nothing but build these items. If you are in the market for an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or fire pit in Richmond, you will not find a better equipped company to answer your questions, provide you with a thorough and detailed quote, and provide you with superior work if you engage us in the job. We are certain you will be very happy with our workmanship and professionalism. For your Richmond Va outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or fire pit, Richmond Concrete Pros is the place you want to call.
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We at Richmond Concrete Pros have years of experience building all three of these wonderful outdoor amenities. In fact we have staff that does nothing but build these items. If you are in the market for an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or fire pit in Richmond, you will not find a better equipped company to answer your questions, provide you with a thorough and detailed quote, and provide you with superior work if you engage us in the job. We are certain you will be very happy with our workmanship and professionalism. For your Richmond Va outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or fire pit, Richmond Concrete Pros is the place you want to call.
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