An outdoor kitchen transforms a backyard into a true extension of your home. In Peachtree City and the surrounding Fayette County area, the combination of generous lot sizes, a mild climate, and a culture built around outdoor living makes outdoor kitchen design one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner can make.
But building an outdoor kitchen is not the same as picking out a standalone grill. Permanent outdoor kitchens require thoughtful planning around layout, materials, utilities, drainage, and local building codes. Skip any of these considerations and you end up with a space that looks impressive for one summer and starts falling apart by the next.
At Turan Designs, we have designed and built outdoor kitchens across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Newnan, and the greater Atlanta metro area for over 24 years. This guide covers everything you need to know before breaking ground, from design layouts and materials to realistic costs and permit requirements.
Why Peachtree City Is Ideal for Outdoor Kitchens
Not every location justifies the investment of a permanent outdoor kitchen. Peachtree City does, and for several reasons.
Climate That Supports Year-Round Use
Georgia's climate gives Peachtree City homeowners roughly 8 to 10 months of comfortable outdoor cooking weather. Spring and fall are ideal, summers are warm but manageable with proper shade planning, and even mild winter days invite grilling. Compared to homeowners in the Northeast or Midwest who may use an outdoor kitchen four months per year, Fayette County homeowners can realistically use theirs three-quarters of the year or more.
Lot Sizes Built for Outdoor Living
Peachtree City is known for its spacious residential lots, many ranging from half an acre to over an acre. That kind of space gives homeowners room for a full outdoor kitchen layout without crowding the yard. In contrast, many Atlanta intown neighborhoods have smaller lots that limit outdoor kitchen options to compact grill stations. In Fayette County, you have the square footage to think bigger.
A Community That Lives Outdoors
Between the 100 miles of golf cart paths, the lakes, and the parks, Peachtree City attracts homeowners who value outdoor time. An outdoor kitchen fits naturally into that lifestyle, whether you are hosting neighbors after a cart ride or cooking for family on a Saturday afternoon.
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Layouts
Outdoor kitchen design starts with choosing a layout that matches your space, your cooking habits, and your budget. Here are the four most common configurations we build in the Peachtree City area.
Simple Grill Station
A grill station is the most straightforward outdoor kitchen setup. It includes a built-in grill, a small section of countertop on either side, and storage below. This layout works well for homeowners who want a step up from a freestanding grill without committing to a full kitchen.
Best for: Smaller budgets, compact spaces, or homeowners who primarily grill and do not need extensive prep or entertaining space.
L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
An L-shaped layout adds a perpendicular counter run, creating dedicated zones for grilling and food prep. This configuration introduces room for a sink, additional storage, and more counter space without requiring a large footprint.
Best for: Homeowners who want functional cooking and prep space and enjoy hosting small to medium gatherings.
U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
The U-shape wraps counters around three sides, giving the cook a central workspace with everything within reach. This layout supports multiple appliances, extensive storage, and often includes a bar-height counter on the exterior side for guest seating.
Best for: Serious home cooks and frequent entertainers who want a layout that mirrors an indoor kitchen's efficiency.
Full Outdoor Kitchen With Bar and Dining
A full outdoor kitchen integrates everything: grill, side burners, smoker or pizza oven, sink, refrigeration, storage, bar seating, and a dedicated dining area. Many of these builds also include overhead structures like pergolas or pavilions for shade and weather protection.
Best for: Homeowners who want a complete outdoor entertaining destination and plan to use the space regularly for hosting. If you enjoy designing custom entertaining spaces, our guide to home bar design and entertainment spaces covers complementary ideas for indoor-outdoor flow.
Essential Components of an Outdoor Kitchen
Regardless of layout, every outdoor kitchen in Peachtree City should address these core components.
Grill and Cooking Appliances
The grill is the centerpiece. Built-in gas grills from brands like Lynx, DCS, Blaze, and Bull range from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on size and features. Beyond the primary grill, consider:
- Side burners for sauces, sides, and boiling
- Smoker or pellet grill for low-and-slow cooking
- Pizza oven for wood-fired versatility
- Warming drawers to keep dishes at serving temperature
Countertops
Outdoor countertops must handle rain, UV exposure, temperature swings, and direct contact with food. The best options for the Georgia climate include:
- Granite: Durable, heat-resistant, widely available in Atlanta-area stone yards. Seal annually.
- Quartzite: Harder than granite with natural UV resistance. A premium choice that holds up exceptionally well outdoors.
- Concrete: Customizable in color and shape, though it requires periodic sealing.
- Tile: Budget-friendly but grout lines can be maintenance-intensive in humid climates.
For guidance on pairing countertop materials with surrounding surfaces, our backsplash and countertop combinations guide includes principles that translate well to outdoor material selection.
Refrigeration
An outdoor-rated refrigerator keeps drinks and ingredients at hand without trips inside. Standard indoor refrigerators will fail quickly outdoors because they are not built for temperature extremes or moisture. Budget $800 to $3,000 for a quality outdoor-rated unit.
Sink and Plumbing
A prep sink with running water saves constant trips to the indoor kitchen. Plumbing an outdoor sink requires a hot and cold water supply line and a drain connection. If your outdoor kitchen is close to the house, tapping into existing plumbing is straightforward. Remote locations in the yard may require additional trenching and plumbing runs.
Storage
Stainless steel cabinets and drawers rated for outdoor use provide storage for utensils, spices, cleaning supplies, and grill accessories. Plan for more storage than you think you need. Outdoor kitchens accumulate tools and accessories quickly.
Lighting
Adequate lighting extends your outdoor kitchen's usability into the evening. Task lighting above the grill and prep areas is essential for safety. Ambient lighting around the bar, seating, and landscaping sets the mood for entertaining. Consider low-voltage LED systems for energy efficiency and longevity.
Seating and Bar Space
Bar-height countertops with comfortable stools keep guests close to the action without crowding the cook's workspace. A 12 to 15 inch overhang on the bar side provides comfortable knee clearance. Plan for 24 inches of counter width per seat.
Materials That Work in Georgia's Climate
Georgia's combination of heat, humidity, heavy rain, and occasional freezing temperatures demands materials that can handle it all. Here is what holds up and what does not.
| Material | Use | Durability in GA Climate | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural stone (stacked or veneer) | Base/structure | Excellent | Low — occasional pressure washing |
| Stucco over concrete block | Base/structure | Very good | Moderate — repaint/reseal every 3-5 years |
| Brick | Base/structure | Excellent | Low |
| Stainless steel (304 grade) | Cabinets, doors, appliances | Excellent | Wipe down; will not rust |
| Granite | Countertops | Excellent | Seal annually |
| Quartzite | Countertops | Excellent | Minimal |
| Engineered quartz | Countertops | Poor outdoors — UV damage and discoloration | Not recommended for outdoor use |
| Wood (cedar, ipe) | Pergolas, accents | Good with treatment | Stain/seal every 1-2 years |
One critical note: engineered quartz, which is a top-performing indoor countertop material, should not be used outdoors. UV exposure causes discoloration and resin breakdown. Stick with natural stone for outdoor countertops.
Outdoor Kitchen Costs in Peachtree City
Outdoor kitchen costs vary significantly based on size, materials, appliance quality, and site conditions. Here are realistic ranges for the Peachtree City and Fayette County market in 2026.
| Tier | Typical Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Built-in grill, 6-8 ft of counter, simple stone base, basic storage | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Mid-Range | L-shaped or U-shaped layout, granite countertops, sink, refrigerator, lighting, storage | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Luxury | Full kitchen with premium appliances, bar seating, pizza oven or smoker, covered structure, electrical and plumbing, custom stonework | $50,000 - $100,000+ |
What Drives Costs Up
- Distance from the house: Longer utility runs for gas, water, and electricity add cost.
- Covered structures: A pergola adds $5,000 to $15,000. A full pavilion with a roof can add $15,000 to $40,000 or more.
- Site grading and drainage: Sloped lots require more preparation.
- Premium appliances: A high-end built-in grill alone can exceed $6,000.
- Custom stonework: Hand-laid natural stone costs more than stucco over block but creates a distinctive finished look.
For homeowners planning a broader renovation that includes an outdoor kitchen alongside indoor improvements, our Peachtree City home remodeling planning guide covers how to prioritize and phase projects effectively.
Permits and Regulations in Fayette County
Building a permanent outdoor kitchen in Peachtree City or unincorporated Fayette County typically requires permits. Here is what to expect.
When You Need a Permit
- Electrical work: Any new circuits, outlets, or lighting require an electrical permit.
- Plumbing: Running water and gas lines to an outdoor kitchen require plumbing and/or gas permits.
- Structural: Covered structures like pergolas or pavilions may require a building permit, particularly if attached to the house or exceeding a certain height.
- Gas lines: Extending a natural gas line to your outdoor kitchen requires a gas permit and inspection.
Setback and Zoning Considerations
Fayette County enforces setback requirements that dictate how close structures can be built to property lines. Outdoor kitchens, especially those with covered structures, typically must observe the same rear and side yard setbacks as other accessory structures. Verify your specific lot's zoning requirements before finalizing placement.
HOA Restrictions
Many Peachtree City neighborhoods have homeowners' association rules governing outdoor structures. Some HOAs require architectural review and approval before construction begins. Submit your plans early to avoid delays.
A qualified kitchen contractor experienced with Fayette County regulations will handle permit applications and ensure your build meets all local codes.
Design Considerations for Your Site
A successful outdoor kitchen requires more than choosing appliances. Site-specific factors determine how well your outdoor kitchen functions over the long term.
Wind Direction
Position the grill so prevailing winds carry smoke away from seating and dining areas, not toward them. In the Peachtree City area, prevailing winds typically come from the northwest in cooler months and the southwest in summer. Orient your grill accordingly or plan windscreen elements into the design.
Drainage
Outdoor kitchens must sit on a properly sloped and drained surface. Standing water around the base will erode materials and create slippery conditions. A slight grade away from the structure, combined with a well-drained paver or concrete pad, prevents water pooling.
Proximity to the House
Placing the outdoor kitchen within 20 to 40 feet of your indoor kitchen simplifies utility connections and makes it convenient to move food, dishes, and supplies between the two spaces. Shorter gas, water, and electrical runs also reduce installation costs.
Utility Access
Before committing to a location, confirm where your gas line, water supply, electrical panel, and drainage options are. Running utilities across the full length of a yard is possible but adds significant cost. The closer your outdoor kitchen sits to existing utility connections, the more budget you can allocate to the features that matter.
Shade and Sun Exposure
Georgia summers are hot. An outdoor kitchen in full sun will be uncomfortable to use during peak afternoon hours from June through September. Plan for shade through a pergola, pavilion, mature tree canopy, or strategic orientation that takes advantage of your home's shadow during late afternoon.
Why Work With a Design-Build Firm
An outdoor kitchen involves design, structural work, plumbing, electrical, gas, masonry, and finish carpentry. Hiring separate specialists for each trade creates coordination challenges, finger-pointing when problems arise, and higher overall costs.
A design-build firm manages the entire project under one roof. At Turan Designs, our five-step process applies the same approach to outdoor kitchens that we use for indoor kitchen and bathroom remodels:
- Consultation to discuss your goals, budget, and how you plan to use the space
- Design development with layouts, material selections, and appliance specifications
- Detailed proposal with transparent, line-item pricing
- Construction managed by our team with consistent communication throughout
- Final walkthrough to ensure every detail meets your expectations
This single-source accountability means your outdoor kitchen is designed to be buildable, built to match the design, and delivered without the gaps that occur when multiple unrelated contractors try to coordinate.
You can browse examples of our finished work in our project portfolio to see the level of craftsmanship and design detail we bring to every build.
Ready to Design Your Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your Peachtree City home, both for your own enjoyment and for long-term property value. The key is starting with a plan that accounts for layout, materials, utilities, local codes, and the realities of Georgia's climate.
At Turan Designs, we have been helping Peachtree City and greater Atlanta homeowners bring their outdoor living spaces to life for over 24 years. As a design-build firm and NKBA member, we handle every detail from concept through completion.
Use our free renovation cost calculator to start estimating your project, or contact us today to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
Call us at (404) 394-2038 or visit our showroom at 125 Howell Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.