Thinking about building an outdoor kitchen in Alberta or BC? You’re not alone. With more than 1,000 projects completed across Western Canada, Canada Outdoor Kitchens has heard every question, from homeowners dreaming of their first pizza oven to trade partners planning large commercial spaces.
This FAQ intends to answer the most common questions about design, materials, appliances, installation, and year-round performance of outdoor kitchens. Each section is crafted to educate, support decision-making, and help you plan confidently. If you have questions that are not answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Design & Build Considerations
How is an outdoor kitchen different from an indoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen isn’t just an indoor kitchen moved outside. Unlike level, climate-controlled interiors, outdoor spaces must account for sloped patios, shifting foundations, humidity, and exposure to rain, heat, and snow. Electrical, gas, and water lines need specialized installation to remain safe and durable in all weather conditions. Canada Outdoor Kitchens’ expertise ensures every project is designed for longevity, comfort, and safety in Canadian environments.
What are the countertop options, and why Dekton?
Not all surfaces are equal outdoors. While marble and porous stone absorb dust, pollen, and stains, and steel can react poorly to temperature swings, Dekton is engineered to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions. It resists heat, freezing, scratching, and staining; perfect for Alberta’s hailstorms or BC’s humid, coastal air. That’s why we recommend Dekton as the gold standard, though we’ll help you evaluate every option.
How do outdoor kitchens handle weather conditions?
Canadian weather is no small challenge. Materials expand and contract with temperature swings, surfaces collect pollen and dust, and hail can damage lesser finishes. Canada Outdoor Kitchens’s designs incorporate weatherproof cabinetry, drainage solutions, and carefully selected finishes to ensure your kitchen not only survives but thrives outdoors, all year long.
Can I combine custom and modular kitchens?
Yes. Modular systems can be cost-effective and fast to install, while custom solutions allow for unique layouts, features, and finishes. Many clients choose a hybrid: modular bases paired with custom stonework, Dekton counters, or premium appliances. Canada Outdoor Kitchens blends both to maximize value and design impact.
Appliances & Features
Is a pizza oven really just for pizza?
Not at all. A pizza oven is a high-performance outdoor oven. Beyond Neapolitan pizza at 900°F, you can roast meats, bake bread, sear fish, and even caramelize desserts. Many of our clients consider it the most versatile appliance in their backyard.
What appliances can I include in my outdoor kitchen?
The options are nearly limitless: premium grills, side burners, refrigerators, sinks, warming drawers, wine fridges, and ice makers. Increasingly, homeowners are also integrating heaters, outdoor TVs, and smart controls. Canada Outdoor Kitchens helps you navigate which features best fit your space, budget, and lifestyle.
Can outdoor heaters be used year-round in Canada?
Yes, with the right model and installation plan. Bromic heaters, for example, are designed for Canadian climates and can extend patio use well into fall and winter. Our team even creates a Heat Plan, ensuring the right heaters are placed in the right spots for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Project Process
When is the best time to start planning?
The best time to plan is fall and winter. This gives ample time for design consultations, securing materials, and preparing permits, so when spring arrives, installation can begin immediately. Waiting until spring can mean delays, limited contractor availability, and missed summer enjoyment.
What is the best time to install?
Spring and early summer are ideal for installs, as the weather is cooperative and materials are readily available. Early planning ensures you’re at the front of the queue for contractor schedules.
What happens if I call you in the middle of a struggling project?
It happens more than you think. Whether a DIY attempt has gone sideways or another contractor has left you with incomplete work, Canada Outdoor Kitchens can step in. We’ll evaluate what’s been done, salvage what’s possible, and design a completion plan that brings your project up to professional standards.
What if I only want advice on one feature?
No problem. While we’re an all-in-one provider, we frequently consult on specific features. For example, if you only want guidance on heaters, pizza ovens, or screens, we’ll advise and supply accordingly. Many clients start small and expand later.
General Trust & Value
Why not just buy appliances myself?
Because appliances are only one piece of the puzzle. Without professional integration, you risk voiding warranties, creating safety hazards, or simply ending up with poor performance. Canada Outdoor Kitchens ensures everything is installed correctly, safely, and beautifully — saving you time, money, and long-term frustration.
Residential only, or also commercial?
Both. We’ve worked on more than 1,000 projects across Alberta and BC, from family backyards to wineries, restaurants, and commercial outdoor venues. The same level of craftsmanship applies at every scale.
Why Canada Outdoor Kitchens?
Because we’re more than a product supplier. We’re a turnkey solution: from consultation to design, from premium brand supply (Lynx, Bromic, Dekton, Coyote, etc.) to installation. Our three design studios (Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver Island) and 12+ years of expertise make us Western Canada’s trusted partner in outdoor living.