Enhancing your outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen is an exciting endeavor. But when it comes to making a lasting investment, the choice between custom and prefab (pre-fabricated) outdoor kitchens becomes clear. Learn why opting for a custom outdoor kitchen is the way to go.
The Cons of Prefab Outdoor Kitchens
Lack of Personalization
Prefab outdoor kitchens are designed to appeal to a broad range of customers, so they may not perfectly match your unique preferences and needs. Buyers often compromise on size and configuration, whereas a custom option can yield the perfect unit for their space and goals.
Lower Quality Materials
To keep costs down, prefab kitchens may use lower-quality materials that may not withstand hot and humid outdoor conditions as well as custom-built options. These materials include stucco exteriors, tile countertops, and thin, rust-prone frames. Once the frame is rusting out, a replacement kitchen unit makes more sense than a repair.
Less Durability
Prefab kitchens may not be as durable as custom options, potentially requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement. Complete Outdoor Living outdoor kitchens are built with a welded two inch angled aluminum frame, clad in synthetic decking material, and topped with granite counters.
Perhaps the only true “benefit” to prefab outdoor kitchens is that they are generally cheaper than custom built units, making them a more affordable option for budget-conscious homeowners. This lower upfront cost however does not offset the cost of repairing or replacing the unit, or living with a crumbling eyesore a few years down the line.
Additionally, the standardized design of prefab outdoor kitchens may be appealing to homeowners who are experiencing decision fatigue. At Complete Outdoor Living however, our expert outdoor kitchen designers are ready to propose several designs based on your goals, and make the configuration process as streamlined and seamless as possible, while ensuring that your outdoor kitchen meets all of your design and culinary expectations.
Why Build a Custom Outdoor Kitchen?
Tailored to Your Needs
Custom outdoor kitchens are designed to fit your specific preferences and requirements. You have full control over the layout, size, and features, ensuring it perfectly suits your cooking and entertaining needs. There is no compromise.
Unique Design
Custom outdoor kitchens allow for unique and personalized design elements. You can choose materials, colors, and finishes that match your outdoor space and style preferences, creating a one-of-a-kind kitchen that will entertain family and friends for years to come. This also allows homeowners to seamlessly integrate their outdoor kitchen with their home’s architectural style, making for a more aesthetically appealing unit.
Higher Quality
Custom kitchens often use higher-quality materials and craftsmanship compared to prefab options, resulting in a more durable and long-lasting outdoor kitchen. Complete Outdoor Living is proud to say that our units are built to the highest standard, and are designed to withstand heavy extended use, time, and the elements.
Maximized Space
With a custom design, you can make the most of your outdoor space, even if it’s irregular or limited in size. Every inch can be optimized for functionality and aesthetics. View our project portfolio for examples of kitchens custom built to fit a specific space, including “L-shaped” outdoor kitchens, or galley style double units.
Integrated Appliances
You can select the exact appliances you want, ensuring they meet your cooking needs and match your design vision. This level of customization is often lacking in prefab options. As an authorized dealer for over 15 premium appliance brands, Complete Outdoor Living is one of the largest appliance retailers in the state. Cook and entertain your way, not the way the prefab kitchen manufacturer forced you to.
Home Value Increase
A prefab kitchen dropped onto your patio will not contribute to an increase in home value. A high quality, custom built outdoor kitchen integrated into your patio however has the potential to increase the value of your home. A study conducted by the National Association of REALTORS indicates that homeowners who have installed a custom outdoor kitchen typically recover 71% of the project cost or more when selling their home, with additional studies putting this figure at 100%+, up to 200%.
Ultimately, when it comes to outdoor kitchens, investing in a custom unit is the way to secure long-lasting quality and satisfaction. A custom outdoor kitchen is an investment you make once, knowing that it will serve your family for generations to come.
While prefab outdoor kitchens may appear cost-effective in the short term, they are not designed to endure. The compromises in quality, aesthetics, lack of personalization, and the potential for frequent replacements or repairs make them a less appealing option for those who value lasting quality.
In the end, the choice between custom and prefab outdoor kitchens is a choice between a temporary solution and a legacy investment. When you choose custom, you’re not just buying an outdoor kitchen; you’re securing a piece of your outdoor living space that will stand the test of time, bringing joy and utility to your family for years to come.
