What shapes the investment
- Custom versus pre-fabricated
- Size and appliance count
- Material finishes chosen
- Utility work required
- Integration with patio and shade structures
Outdoor Kitchens
Santa Maria Outdoor Kitchen Design and Build
Santa Maria's agricultural and wine-country roots shape how people cook outdoors here as much as the transitional coastal-to-inland climate does. We design outdoor kitchens around both, then build them with our own in-house crews.
- 25+years of experience
- 10,000+projects completed
- In-housedesign-build crews
- LIC #715731licensed & insured
- 5-star
Start here
What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in the Central Coast, so the choices are suited to this climate.
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01 A full kitchen outdoors Grill, prep space, storage, and bar in one area, sized for Santa Maria-style tri-tip cookouts and family gatherings. See outdoor kitchens -
02 Entertainment and dining Counter seating and adjacent dining keep guests engaged, whether the day runs coastal-cool or inland-warm. See entertaining kitchens
Service options
Custom-Built Outdoor Kitchen
Best for Anyone who wants the exact layout, appliances, and aesthetic they envision.
- Any size, shape, and configuration
- Choose all appliances and finishes
- Integrate seamlessly with patio and planting
- Built to last with quality materials
- Full design customization
On your property Santa Maria's transitional climate means a kitchen has to work for both cooler coastal-influenced days and warmer inland ones on the same property.
- Patios
- Pergolas
- Bar seating walls
- Entertaining lighting
Pre-Fab Kitchen Island
Best for Homeowners on a tighter budget or timeline who want a quality kitchen quickly.
- Faster installation than custom
- Fixed sizes from manufacturers
- Most economical option
- Includes grill and basic prep space
- Can add storage, freezer, or cooler
On your property Arrives as modular units. Installed on a prepared patio or concrete base.
- Simple patios
- Existing utilities
- Modest entertaining spaces
How we work
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Before Assess entertaining needs
How often will you cook, for how many guests, and how does Santa Maria’s coastal-to-inland swing treat your specific property? That determines size and appliance choice.
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Design Design and appliance selection
Layout, grill type, burners, storage, and finishes get drawn to scale for a transitional climate.
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Utilities Utility coordination
Gas, water, and electrical get routed before cabinet installation. Permits go through our in-house team.
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Installation Installation
Crews assemble the island, install appliances, and test every system before it ever gets used.
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Finished Integration and finishing
Patio, seating, shade, and planting complete the entertaining space around the finished kitchen.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
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Custom versus pre-fab
Custom costs more but fits exactly. Pre-fab saves money and time but comes in fixed sizes.
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A transitional climate
Santa Maria's position between coast and inland means conditions can change from block to block, so a Site Analysis matters more here than in a single-climate town.
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Utilities and permits
Gas, water, and electrical all need to be brought in. Some cities require permits.
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Seating and shade
Bar seating invites guests to watch cooking. Pergola or roof makes the space usable in midday sun.
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Integration with entertaining space
Kitchen anchors an outdoor room. Patio, fireplace, and lighting complete the picture.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Design and appliance selection
- Permitting and utility coordination
- Custom cabinet lead times
- Installation and system testing
- Surrounding hardscape work
Why serene side yard was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Kitchen placement Positioned along the side yard for easy access from the house.
- Utilities and efficiency Gas, water, and electrical all routed before the island went up.
- Patio and circulation Kitchen sits on a paver patio that connects to the curved lawn beyond.
- Water feature pairing A modern fountain nearby adds sound without competing for space.
- Planting and borders River-rock beds and layered planting finish the transition to the fence line.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
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After redoing the backyard, Pacific Outdoor Living also handled the driveway, walkway, and outdoor kitchen, creating a home made for hosting. Each project coordinated seamlessly with the others, and the vision came together beautifully. We now have an outdoor space perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.
Lily Chavis Google review · 1 year ago Backyard, driveway, and outdoor kitchen over time -
Other companies struggled with the steep hillside, but Pacific Outdoor Living transformed it into a three-tier patio space with thoughtful design and execution. Their expertise in handling difficult terrain made all the difference. The final result is stunning and has completely changed how we use our property.
April Crow Google review · 1 year ago Hillside patio and landscape design
Frequently asked questions
Does Pacific Outdoor Living serve Santa Maria?
Yes. Santa Maria is home to one of our own Central Coast offices, and our in-house design-build team works throughout the area.
Does Santa Maria’s climate change what an outdoor kitchen needs?
It can. The city sits in a transition zone between coastal fog and inland heat, so a Site Analysis confirms what your specific property actually gets.
Can an outdoor kitchen be built on an existing patio?
Yes, pre-fab islands can sit on any level patio. Custom kitchens need a stable concrete base and utility access.
What does an outdoor kitchen cost in Santa Maria?
Pre-fab kits range from $3,000 to $10,000. Custom kitchens range from $15,000 to $60,000+ depending on size, materials, and appliance count.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.