In St. George, our outdoor living spaces aren't just an extension of the home—they are the heart of the home. However, Southern Utah presents a unique challenge: extreme UV exposure and triple-digit summer temperatures that can "cook" inferior materials in a single season.
At Jim Savage Construction, we believe a luxury outdoor space should be as durable as it is beautiful. Here is our expert guide to designing an outdoor kitchen and patio built to withstand the Mojave heat.
1. Selecting Heat-Resistant Countertops: Quartz vs. Granite
When designing an outdoor kitchen in St. George, your choice of surface is the difference between a functional workspace and a burn hazard.
The Verdict on Quartz: While popular indoors, most standard quartz contains resins that can yellow and warp under direct Utah sunlight.
The Granite Advantage: We recommend light-colored, honed granite. It is a natural stone that handles thermal expansion better than engineered products. Light colors reflect solar energy, keeping the surface significantly cooler to the touch during a July afternoon BBQ.
2. Shade Structures: The Alumawood Revolution
While natural timber pergolas offer a rustic charm, the maintenance required in Washington County is relentless. Between the dry air and the sun, wood tends to crack, fade, and require restaining every 18 months.
As a premier Alumawood pergola builder, we steer our clients toward high-quality aluminum shade structures. Alumawood provides the texture of wood but is embossed with a weather-resistant finish that:
Never needs painting.
Won't burn, rot, or host termites.
Reflects heat rather than absorbing it, lowering the temperature of the patio below by up to 15 degrees.
3. Custom Pool Decks and Flooring
Standard concrete can become a "heat sink," radiating warmth long after the sun goes down. For custom pool deck construction, we prioritize materials with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI).
Travertine Pavers: Naturally porous and light in color, travertine stays remarkably cool on bare feet.
Cool-Deck Coatings: We apply specialized acrylic lace finishes that create air pockets, significantly reducing heat transfer to the skin.
4. Integrated Cooling Features
True luxury is found in the details. To make your patio habitable in August, we integrate:
High-Pressure Misting Systems: Not the "grocery store" drips, but fine-atomized mist that flash-evaporates, cooling the air without soaking your furniture.
Outdoor-Rated Ceiling Fans: Essential for breaking up stagnant heat under your custom shade structure.
Building for the Long Haul
A Southern Utah backyard is a significant investment. By choosing heat-resistant patio materials and local construction expertise, you ensure your space remains a sanctuary for decades. At Jim Savage Construction, we don't just build for today; we build for the 115-degree reality of tomorrow.
Ready to transform your backyard? Contact Jim Savage Construction today for a consultation on your custom St. George outdoor living project.
