Outdoor kitchen masonry in San Rafael CA - a solid kitchen built in the right order
Tired of hauling food inside or cooking on a grill cart that's rusting out? We build a block-and-stone kitchen that stays put.
We set a concrete block base on a slab, then face it with stone once your gas, water and power lines are in. Building in that order lets the other trades get in at the right time, so nothing finished gets torn open.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Free on-site estimates.
- We respond within 1 business day.
An outdoor kitchen built on a solid base
The owner on every job
I look at every job, write the estimate myself and stay on site while our own masons build.
Fully licensed and insured
We carry our license and insurance on every outdoor kitchen we build, from the slab to the stone.
What does it take to build an outdoor kitchen in San Rafael?
Outdoor kitchen masonry in San Rafael, CA is the part of the kitchen that holds everything up. That's a base of concrete block on a reinforced concrete slab, faced with stone once the block is done. At Prestige San Rafael Concrete & Masonry we build both. The price mostly comes down to the size and shape of the layout, the stone you pick and what goes into it, like a grill, a sink or power. The schedule turns on the masonry days, the other trades who run your lines, the wait on countertops and any permit time, and my written estimate shows you what's included.
How do you know it's time for an outdoor kitchen?
Your grill cart is rusting out
When the cart grill is rusting through and wobbling on the patio every season, a built-in grill set into a block base gives it a solid, permanent home.
Stone is popping off the island
Loose or fallen stone on an old grill island usually means the face never bonded well to what's behind it, and we fix that cause before resetting any stone.
Cracks running through the base
Cracks through the block or mortar of an existing island mean the structure under the counters is moving, and I'll find out why before we rebuild anything.
Running back and forth inside
If every cookout means trips into the house for water, a cutting board or a plug, it's time for a counter with a sink and power built in.
How an outdoor kitchen masonry job runs
You call or send a message
- Call (628) 234-2038 or use the form
- Tell us your fuel choice
- Share a rough idea of the layout
- We set a time to come out
I come out and look myself
- I walk the space with you
- You hear my take on the spot
- We settle fuel, layout and lines
- Written estimate showing what's included
We build it in order
- We check what the city requires
- City permit wait can run 2 to 6 weeks
- Block first, then lines, then stone
- Our own masons, with me on site
Final check and walk-through
- I check the work before we leave
- We walk the kitchen with you
- The site gets cleaned up
- Satisfaction guaranteed on every job
Get a free estimate on your outdoor kitchen
Send your fuel choice, rough layout and any gas, water or power plans, and we'll reply within one business day to set up a free on-site estimate with no obligation.
Outdoor kitchen questions we get
Here are straight answers to what San Rafael homeowners ask before an outdoor kitchen build. If yours isn't here, call (628) 234-2038.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in San Rafael?
A typical outdoor kitchen installation across the US usually costs about $5,000 to $25,000 for the whole project, and that's a national range, not our price. The size of the layout, the stone and what you build in move it most, and my written estimate gives you your own figure.
How long does it take to build an outdoor kitchen?
One estimating guide puts the masonry on a standard L-shaped outdoor kitchen at 7 to 12 working days. The same guide says to add time to book the other trades and a 2 to 3 week lead time for countertops, so the whole project runs longer than the build itself.
Can I cook with wood on Spare the Air days in the Bay Area?
Cooking fires aren't banned on Spare the Air days, but the Air District's rule makes it illegal to burn wood, pellets or other solid fuel in an outdoor fire pit or other wood-burning device during an alert. The Air District suggests a gas or propane barbecue over wood or charcoal, which is why I talk fuel through with you.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in San Rafael?
Ask the city's building office, because San Rafael's General Permits list names new structures, remodels, additions, repairs, pools and decks but not outdoor kitchens. We check with the city before work starts and handle the paperwork and inspections if a permit is needed, since work done without one draws extra fees.
Can I ask who the subcontractors are on my outdoor kitchen job?
Yes, you can ask your contractor to list any subcontractors, and you'll get each one's name, contact information, license number and classification. Under state rules the prime contractor is responsible for the project, so on our jobs that's us, from the slab through the last stone.
What should I have ready before I call about an outdoor kitchen?
Have your fuel choice, a rough layout and an idea of where gas, water and power would come from, because those shape the block base. If you want a path out to it or a low wall around it, we do walkway construction and brick wall installation too, so we can plan it all at one visit.
Other work around the kitchen
- Service
Walkway construction
If the kitchen sits away from the house, a walkway built at the same time gives you steady footing out to it and can match the stone.
Read more Walkway construction - Service
Brick wall installation
A low brick wall can frame the cooking area, add a place to sit or block the wind, and it's easiest to plan alongside the kitchen's base.
Read more Brick wall installation - Service
Stone veneer installation
If there's a plain block wall or planter near the kitchen, stone veneer can face it to match the counters so the whole patio looks finished.
Read more Stone veneer installation
Get a free outdoor kitchen estimate
Request an estimate- VisitSan Rafael, CA 94901
- Call(628) 234-2038
- Emailteam@sanrafaelconcreteandmasonry.com
- HoursMon–Fri: 8 AM–9 PM, Sat–Sun: 6 AM–9 PM
Cities we serve around San Rafael
We're based in San Rafael and build outdoor kitchens in Novato, Mill Valley and other cities nearby. Pick your area below, or call (628) 234-2038 if yours isn't listed.