Outdoor Kitchens in Minnetonka, MN

On a lot with room to spare, the first question about Outdoor Kitchens in Minnetonka is usually placement. Minnetonka covers about 28 square miles and keeps a primarily residential suburban character, and parts of it stayed rural, with horse pasture and farms, into the 1960s. That history left many homes on generous parcels where a kitchen could go on the patio, out by the yard, near a view, or somewhere in between. We help you pick a spot that works for cooking, for guests and for the trip back to the house with a full tray.

Five things that decide placement

1. Distance to the house. Every foot away from the back door adds to the gas and electric runs and to the walk in bad weather. 2. Trees overhead. Smoke, heat and falling leaves all argue for keeping grills and fire features out from under low branches. We check the canopy over any spot you like. 3. Wind and sun. Afternoon sun on the grill line is fine; afternoon sun in the cook's eyes is not. 4. Views. On a big lot, the kitchen can face the yard or the water instead of a fence. 5. Winter access. If you plan to grill in the cold, a short path that is easy to shovel matters more than the perfect view.

Trenching on a larger property

A kitchen placed well away from the house needs longer trenches for gas and power, and possibly water. Before any digging, Minnesota law requires notice to Gopher State One Call at least 48 hours ahead, not counting the day of notice, weekends or holidays. The notification is free for excavators, and when you hire a contractor, the contractor is responsible for making it. We map the route so it avoids tree roots and existing features as much as possible.

Built for the ground and the weather

Minnetonka is in Hennepin County, frost Zone II under the state building code, which sets a 3-1/2 foot minimum footing depth. Any roof, pergola or heavy masonry structure we build is planned to that depth so frost does not lift it unevenly. Freestanding islands get a base designed for the weight and the soil. On top, we use counter materials that do not absorb water, cabinet boxes that drain, and layouts that keep connections accessible for service.

Fire features with room to breathe

A bigger lot makes fire features easier to place safely, but the rules still apply. Under the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's guidance, a recreational fire must be 3 feet or less across and 2 feet or less high, sit at least 25 feet from buildings and combustible material, and stay at least 10 feet from LP-gas containers filled on site. Portable outdoor fireplaces need 15 feet. Cities may adopt stricter rules, so we confirm Minnetonka's current requirements before setting a location. Overhead branches count as combustible in our planning, too.

Owners who stay

Census figures show about 71.6% of Minnetonka homes are owner-occupied, and 88.2% of residents lived in the same house a year earlier. When owners plan to stay, it is worth spending a little more time on design so the kitchen still fits the way you cook years from now. We can plan in a phase-two spot for a pizza oven, a cover or a fire feature, with gas and power stubbed in now.

Let's walk the yard

Call (612) 451-0418. We will walk the property with you, flag the trade-offs of each spot, and write up a free estimate for the layout you choose.

Call (612) 451-0418