Outdoor Kitchens in Mendota Heights, MN

Outdoor Kitchens in Mendota Heights are almost always additions to homes that have been standing for decades. The city's population jumped from 2,107 in 1950 to 5,028 in 1960, and it incorporated in 1956, so many houses here were built long before anyone planned for a backyard grill island with a gas line and a refrigerator. A retrofit is very doable, but it starts with the house: where the gas meter is, how much room is left in the electrical panel and what is under the existing patio.

The retrofit questions we answer first

Gas. A built-in grill or fire feature needs a gas line run from the meter. We check where your meter sits relative to the kitchen location, and the line length and route shape the layout.

Electricity. Refrigerators, lighting, outlets and rotisseries need circuits. In an older home the panel may be near capacity, so we check before promising a beverage fridge and a heater on the same plan.

Water. A sink is a great feature but not mandatory. If plumbing is hard to reach, a prep counter without a sink may serve you better.

The existing patio. An old slab may not be level, may have heaved, or may be too thin to carry a heavy island. Sometimes we build on it; sometimes we add a new pad with a proper base.

Easy-care kitchens for smaller households

Mendota Heights had a median age of 48.9 in 2020, with a quarter of residents 65 or older, and households average 2.41 people. Many owners want something simpler than a sprawling entertainment kitchen: a quality grill, generous counter space, some storage and a place to sit. We focus on low-maintenance choices such as porcelain or granite counters that wipe clean, stainless or polymer cabinets that will not swell, and a layout that keeps steps to a minimum.

Between the rivers

The city surrounds the small city of Mendota on three sides, near where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi, the confluence the Dakota call Bdote. Fort Snelling State Park sits at that confluence. Some Mendota Heights lots have mature trees and slopes, which affects how we bring in materials and where an island can sit level.

Built to handle freeze-thaw

Dakota County is in Zone II under Minnesota's building code, which sets a minimum footing depth of 3-1/2 feet due to freezing. Proper support is what keeps an island from tilting after a few winters. We also plan the winter routine: appliance maker Kalamazoo advises draining sink lines and faucets before winter and shutting down refrigerators once daily lows reach 38°F, so we place shutoffs where you can reach them.

Permits and locates

Gas piping, new circuits, plumbing and roofed structures generally need permits from the city. Every project with digging starts with a Gopher State One Call locate, filed at least 48 hours in advance, not counting weekends or holidays. When you hire us, we take care of the request.

See what fits your home

Call (612) 451-0418 for a visit. We will look at your meter, panel and patio, talk through how you like to cook, and give you a free written estimate.

Get a Free Estimate