KGT Builders – Lely Island Estates

A previous client of ours came to us to update their outdoor lanai space by adding an outdoor kitchen. The lanai already included a pool, a lounge area, and a dining table with fire insert, with a view of a pond and nature area on the other side of the screen. To maximize functionality of their outdoor space, they wanted to use a previously unused space for their new outdoor kitchen. They wanted to have a designated grill area with seating, a TV, counter prep area, and a small refrigerator.

The challenges for this project were mostly in the production phase. Taking an existing part of the lanai and adding plumbing lines, electricity, and adding appropriate anchors into the existing concrete block wall were all things that had to be accounted for in construction. Once those things were in place, we laid the tile where it was pulled up and re-finished the stucco texture and color to match the existing.

One major consideration was accounting for the as-built slope of the lanai away from the house. We used adjustable feet for the cabinets to ensure they were level before installing appliances, countertops, etc. We decided to add a steel bar to support the L shaped countertop, because it had end pieces of the cabinet as supports, but it needed reinforcement once it was in place to ensure it would not move given the sloped floor.

To create an outdoor kitchen in a previously open space, we designed a U-shaped counter with the grill, refrigerator, and storage on the existing back wall. We built the countertop out and around to define the space with a focal point on the grill or the TV. The existing lanai was beautiful, but adding the outdoor kitchen made it more functional for entertaining and serving outdoors. By incorporating the color scheme of the existing lanai and house exterior, as well as outdoor friendly materials, the outdoor kitchen is perfectly cohesive with the existing lanai and adds a great space to spend time.