Outdoor Kitchen & Living space

Outdoor Kitchen & Living Spaces

Extend your home's living space outdoors with custom outdoor kitchens designed for Iowa entertaining and built to handle our seasonal weather.

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Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces

Lucrative & Durable Outdoor Kitchens in Central Iowa

There’s something about food outdoors. It just feels different - more relaxed, more connected, more fun. Whether it’s grilling burgers on a Saturday, hosting friends for a late-night pizza by the fire, or simply sipping coffee in the fresh air, your backyard can be more than grass and a patio chair. It can be a true living space. 

 

That’s where Larkin Landscape & Design has made a name for itself. We design and build outdoor kitchens in Central Iowa that don’t just sit there - they work. From a compact grilling station to a full chef’s kitchen with storage, sinks, and custom finishes, we make it easy to cook, entertain, and live outside. 

 

And it’s not just about the kitchen. It’s about creating backyard living spaces in Iowa that feel like an extension of your home, built to handle every season and every gathering. 

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Outdoor Kitchen Design Services

Custom Kitchen Design

Every project starts with a design. We listen, sketch, and refine - so you can actually see how your kitchen fits your space before we bring it to life.

Kitchen Installation

Our team starts building with precision upon your approval of the design. We install framing and counters, grills and fixtures with durability and style.

Kitchen Amenities

Built-in grills, smokers, pizza ovens, refrigeration, sinks, lighting. We help you choose amenities that complete your outdoor kitchen vision.

Residential & Commercial Construction

We have built kitchens of every scale for family backyards, restaurants, and event venues. Delivering the same level of craftsmanship for cozy setups to commercial-grade installations and everything in between.

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Our Approach: Simple, Clear, & Stress-free

On-Site Consultation

Inspecting your property and understanding your style, budget, and must-have requirements.

2D Design Plan

Upfront visual layouts. You get a glimpse of your kitchen space before the project starts.

Material Selection

Countertops, stone, pavers, fixtures. Balancing beauty, function, and durability.

Construction & Installation

Our team handles every detail with craftsmanship so each element stands up to Iowa’s weather.

Final Touches

Lighting, seating, finishing details and everything else that makes it feel like a true extension of your home.

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Why Iowa Homeowners Love Outdoor Living?

  • Cooking outside means less heat inside during Iowa summers 
  • An outdoor kitchen instantly makes entertainment easier and more fun. 
  • Durable materials mean low maintenance and long-lasting beauty.
  • It adds real value to your home - outdoor living is one of the top features buyers look for. 
Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces
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Custom Outdoor Kitchen Features

  • Modular or Built-in Plans: Get fully custom masonry kitchens or modular designs with expansion possibilities later.
  • Upscale Countertops: Granite, concrete, or porcelain countertops that resist stains, grease, and Iowa's temperature fluctuations.
  • Appliance Integration: We design for convenience: from stainless-steel grills to under-counter refrigerators, side burners to ice drawers and smokers.
  • Smart Lighting Systems: LED and motion-sensing lighting options for evening cooking, plus that lovely ambiance.
  • Seating & Dining Areas: Integrated bar seating or nearby dining configurations facilitate entertainment.
  • Weather Protection: Optional pergolas, awnings, or partial roofing to provide all-season comfort.
  • Utility Installations: Complete installation of water, gas, and electricity. Installed by licensed experts for safety and code standards.
  • Personalized Finishes: Stone veneers, brick, or stucco to perfectly complement your home’s exterior.
Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces
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The Advantages of Professionally Constructed Outdoor Kitchen

Higher Value at Home

Outdoor kitchens rank as one of the highest ROI features for Iowa residents.

Year-Round Functionality

Designed to resist freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rainfall without cracking or fading.

Easy Maintenance

Long-lasting materials and protected surfaces are quick and simple to clean.

Energy Efficiency

Let the heat stay outside rather than heating your home in summer.

Enriched Lifestyle

Cooking, dining, and entertainment - all come together to become one continuous activity.

Customized Function

Unmatched functionalities tailored to your cooking style, space requirements, and entertainment preferences.

Storage Onboard

Hidden cabinetry and counters for dinnerware, propane tanks, or utensils.

Longevity

Well-installed kitchens will endure for decades, with little maintenance.

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Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces

Our Material Suggestions for Iowa Weather

  • Base Construction: Compacted gravel and concrete footing to avoid shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Surface Materials: Granite or sealed concrete. They offer durability against heat, frost, and stains.
  • Cabinetry: Powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel — corrosion-proof and low maintenance.
  • Flooring Options: Slip-resistant pavers or textured tiles are well-suited for an outdoor kitchen application.
  • Protective Sealants: UV- and moisture-resistant coatings, maintaining color and structure.
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Why Choose Larkin for Outdoor Kitchens in Iowa?

Local Experience

We’ve mastered building outdoor spaces that handle Iowa’s unpredictable climate. Through the seasons.

End-to-End Design & Build

One team manages design, utility installation, and final detailing.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden costs — every quote includes materials, labor, and design.

Warranty Confidence

Every outdoor kitchen comes backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Proven Portfolio

500+ completed outdoor spaces across Central Iowa.

Aesthetics Attention

We combine architecture and function — your kitchen will have a thoughtful look, not a throw-in.

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Beyond Kitchens - Complete Backyard Living

An outdoor kitchen is often just the start. Pair it with a patio , fire pit , or covered structure, and suddenly you’ve got a space that works all year. We’ve helped homeowners create backyard living spaces in Iowa that range from intimate and simple to full-on outdoor retreats.
Think: a stone patio with a kitchen and fireplace, or a full multi-zone layout where kids play in one area while adults gather in another. The possibilities are endless - and we’ll help you figure out what works best for your property.

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Start Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Great outdoor kitchens begin with understanding how you love to entertain. 

Let us show you how a custom outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard gatherings. Call (515) 210-4958 or Request Your Free Design Quote to begin planning. We'll discuss your entertaining dreams and create a detailed design for your perfect outdoor kitchen and living space.

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Ready to Unwind Outdoors?

If you’ve been dreaming of a space that makes entertaining easier - or just a spot where family dinners feel like something special - it might be time to explore your options. 

 

Reach out today for a free consultation. We’ll inspect your backyard, sketch a custom outdoor kitchen design in Iowa, and show you just how easy it is to transform your space into a true outdoor living area. 


Testimonials


Our Proven Path to Outdoor Perfection

Homeowners across Central Iowa trust Larkin Landscape & Design to bring their outdoor dreams to life. From the first consultation to the final installation, our team delivers exceptional service, quality craftsmanship, and results that truly transform outdoor spaces.

Larkin
Larkin
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Jeri
Sawyer

Testimonials


Our Proven Path to Outdoor Perfection

Homeowners across Central Iowa trust Larkin Landscape & Design to bring their outdoor dreams to life. From the first consultation to the final installation, our team delivers exceptional service, quality craftsmanship, and results that truly transform outdoor spaces.

Larkin
Larkin
Larkin

FAQs

  • 1. How much will my outdoor kitchen cost?

    Depends on size, materials, and amenities. Small grill stations would cost a few thousand. A full custom kitchen can go higher. We’ll give you a clear, upfront estimate. 

  • 2. Can an outdoor kitchen last through Iowa winters?

    Yes. We use materials and construction techniques designed to handle freeze-thaw cycles, snow, and summer heat. 

  • 3. Can I add my outdoor kitchen later?

    Absolutely. Many clients start with the essentials - grill, counter, storage - and add amenities like ovens or fridges later. 

  • 4. Can you retrofit an outdoor kitchen into an existing patio?

    Yes. We can retrofit kitchens into existing patios or completely reconfigure your space. The idea is to create an integrated look.

  • 5. What is the best size for an outdoor kitchen?

    It's all about the way you entertain — from small 8-foot counters to sprawling multi-station installations.

  • 6. Do you offer weatherproof storage solutions?

    Yes. We can install stainless steel and composite cabinetry that shields utensils all year round.

  • 7. Are plumbing and electricity included in outdoor kitchens?

    Yes — our licensed technicians install complete water, drainage, and power connections safely.

  • 8. Do outdoor kitchens need to be serviced in the winter?

    Minimal — most surfaces and fixtures are designed for freeze resistance. Cover appliances during storage.

  • 9. How long is the installation and design process?

    Normally, 1–3 weeks after approval of the design, subject to size and weather.