Best Austin Handyman & Remodeling built this outdoor kitchen for a homeowner in Bastrop. The project included an L-shaped island with a built-in grill, side burner, sink, refrigerator, and storage — all under a covered patio with a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, pendant lights, and a ceiling fan.

The island is wrapped in dark stacked stone veneer with a dark gray slab countertop. Stacked stone holds up well outdoors in Central Texas — it handles rain, heat, and UV without fading or cracking the way stucco can over time. The dark color hides grill splatter and smoke staining better than lighter finishes.

On the working side, a stainless steel built-in grill sits at the end of the L with a side burner and storage drawer below. The counter runs to a sink in the middle, then to a stainless steel access door and a refrigerator at the far end. Everything a cook needs is within a few steps.

Close-up of outdoor kitchen working side showing built-in stainless steel grill, side burner, sink, access doors, and refrigerator with dark stacked stone veneer in Bastrop

The covered structure uses cedar posts and exposed wood beams with a tongue-and-groove ceiling. Black pendant barn lights hang over the island for task lighting after dark. A ceiling fan keeps air moving during Bastrop summers. String lights run from the posts out into the yard.

Wide view of covered patio outdoor kitchen with L-shaped stacked stone island, bar seating, string lights, and flagstone patio in Bastrop, TX

The flagstone patio extends from under the covered area out into the yard, connecting the kitchen to the rest of the outdoor space. It’s the kind of custom outdoor living space that gets used year-round in Central Texas. A seating area with outdoor furniture and a wall-mounted TV sits behind the island. The layout gives the homeowner a place to cook, eat, and hang out without going back inside.

What Goes Into an Outdoor Kitchen Build

An outdoor kitchen in Central Texas needs materials that can take the weather. The stone veneer, stainless steel appliances, and flagstone patio in this project were all chosen for durability in heat and rain. The covered roof protects the grill and countertop from direct sunlight, extending the life of the appliances and keeping the cooking area usable year-round.

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Plumbing and electrical run through the island for the sink, fridge, and lighting. Gas lines feed the grill and side burner. All of that gets planned before the first stone goes up, because running utilities after the island is built means tearing into finished work.

Ready to talk about an outdoor kitchen? Call us at (512) 761-7336 or reach out online for a free estimate. We build custom outdoor kitchens, decks, and patios across Austin, Bastrop, and the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in the Austin area?

It depends on size, materials, and appliances. A basic built-in grill island starts lower than a full L-shaped kitchen with plumbing, gas, and electrical. Best Austin Handyman & Remodeling provides line-item estimates so you can see where the money goes and phase the project if needed.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in Bastrop?

If the project involves gas lines, electrical, or plumbing, permits are typically required. Covered structures may need a building permit depending on size and setback from property lines. We handle permitting when it’s needed.

What countertop material works best for outdoor kitchens in Texas?

Granite, concrete, and porcelain slab all hold up well outdoors. This project used a dark slab that resists staining and doesn’t show heat marks. Lighter colors look good but show grill grease and smoke residue faster.

Can you add an outdoor kitchen to an existing covered patio?

Yes, as long as the structure can support the additional load and there’s access for utility runs. If the patio doesn’t exist yet, building the structure and kitchen together as one project saves time and keeps the design consistent.