08 · Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces & Hardscapes
Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and hardscapes that turn a yard into the best room in the house
Outdoor living in Nashville and Middle Tennessee — outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, paver and stamped concrete patios, retaining walls, walkways and pavilions, designed and built by one contractor.
This is where Southern Belle Construction has built its reputation: pavilions with full outdoor kitchens, stone fireplaces on covered porches, travertine and paver patios that run to the pool, retaining walls that turn a slope into a terrace. Because we are a general contractor and not just a landscaper, the gas, electrical, roofing and masonry are all ours — designed together, permitted together and built by crews who work for us.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Middle Tennessee typically runs $20,000 to $45,000 for a stone island with a grill, side burner, refrigerator and sink on an existing patio, and $60,000 to $120,000 and up when it comes with a covered pavilion, fireplace and new patio. Gas and electrical runs, the roof structure and the appliance package drive the range.
“They do what they say they will do and show up when they tell you they will.”
How much does a paver patio cost?
Installed paver patios in the Nashville area generally run $22 to $40 per square foot depending on the paver, the base preparation and the amount of cutting; travertine and natural stone sit above that. A 400-square-foot paver patio with a seat wall most often lands between $12,000 and $20,000. Proper base and drainage are what keep it flat in ten years, and they are where a cheap patio cuts corners.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen or patio?
A patio on grade usually does not need a permit, but the gas line, electrical circuits and any roofed structure over it do — and retaining walls over four feet need engineering in most counties. We pull whatever the job requires so the inspection paperwork is in your file when you sell.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
In a climate with seven or eight usable months, an outdoor kitchen and covered patio are used more than a formal dining room ever was, and Nashville buyers pay for finished outdoor living. It is worth it when it is built to last — sealed masonry, stainless components, proper drainage — which is how we build it.
The work
Outdoor living we have built
Answers
Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces & Hardscapes: the questions people ask
Something else on your mind? Ask us or call (615) 815-7698.
What goes into an outdoor kitchen?
A built-in grill is the anchor, then a side burner, refrigerator, sink and storage, with a smoker, pizza oven or griddle for serious cooks. We build the island in stone or stucco with a granite or concrete top, run the gas and electrical, and set it under a roof if you want to cook in the rain.
Paver patio or stamped concrete?
Pavers cost more, can be repaired one stone at a time and never crack across the surface; stamped concrete costs less, goes in faster and needs resealing every few years. Both are built on a compacted, drained base; we recommend based on your budget, your soil and how you will use the space.
Do you build retaining walls?
Yes — segmental block, natural stone and poured walls with proper drainage behind them. Walls over four feet are engineered and permitted. A retaining wall is often what turns a sloped Tennessee backyard into a usable patio and lawn.
Gas or wood-burning outdoor fireplace?
Wood for the crackle and the smell; gas for one-switch convenience and no ash. Gas needs a supply line and can be shut off in a wind; wood needs a proper chimney height and clearance from the house. We build both and will show you where each works on your patio.
Can you add a pavilion or a pool house?
Yes. Freestanding pavilions with outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, pool houses with a bath and kitchenette, and pergolas with motorized louvers are all in our portfolio. They are permitted structures and we build them to the same standard as the house.
Free estimate
Tell us about the house you have and the one you want.
A conversation, a site visit and a written estimate — free, unhurried and without obligation. We answer within one business day.