Do you dream of Indiana summer nights grilling with friends on your back patio? Then an outdoor kitchen may be just what you need to create a homey outdoor space that’s also functional when it’s time to grill. We at Garrity Stone, Inc. want to pass along these few tips for making your backyard into a BBQ paradise.

1. Plan, plan, plan.

Do your research before you buy your river rock or begin to tackle your outdoor kitchen project. An outdoor kitchen and barbecue area can be an extensive project, but the more you plan ahead, the better it will turn out.

2. Browse online galleries of outdoor kitchen spaces.

You can find many photo galleries that feature images of many different types of outdoor kitchens. As you look through the pictures, take note of what you like and don’t like. If you see a limestone bar top you love or the built-in barbecue of your dreams, save that page (or print it out) and come back to it when you’re ready to draw up your plans.

3. Get an experienced friend to help.

If you’ve never tackled a project of this magnitude, ask an experienced friend to be your guide and assist you in the manual labor. This job can get quite involved, and having an extra pair of hands will definitely be an asset.

4. Give yourself time to complete the project.

This Old House notes that building an outdoor kitchen will likely take about two full weekends. You don’t want to rush through it or try to fit it into one day. So, check your calendar and make sure you plan on when you will buy your supplies, your stone pavers, or other decorative rock features. You may do well to have these things purchased before your scheduled work weekend.

5. Buy quality rock products.

When selecting a flagstone or limestone as your outdoor kitchen’s veneer, be sure to choose quality stone product. At Garrity Stone, Inc., we love rocks—and we think you should too. Don’t mess around with local home improvement stores’ stone selection. Instead, come to Garrity Stone, Inc. for the best in the business. From stone pavers to Indiana flagstone, we carry a wide range of top-of-the-line stone products. Come to our Indianapolis location to check out our stone products, or contact us at 317-546-0893. Allow Garrity Stone, Inc. to help you realize your outdoor kitchen dreams.