The Ultimate Guide to 2025 Outdoor Kitchen Trends in Southern Utah

September 2, 2025

Hello, Southern Utah! Jim Savage here. If you’ve been living in St. George, Ivins, Washington, or anywhere in our beautiful red rock country for more than a minute, you know that our outdoor spaces are just as important as our indoor ones. The sun, the desert breeze, and those spectacular sunsets aren't just a backdrop—they're a part of our daily lives. At Jim Savage Construction, we’ve seen the demand for high-quality outdoor living areas skyrocket, and the outdoor kitchen is at the heart of it all.

As we finish off 2025, we’re seeing some incredible new trends emerge that are perfectly suited for our unique Southern Utah lifestyle and climate. Forget the old portable grill on the patio; today's homeowners are looking for a complete, integrated outdoor culinary and entertainment experience.

Here’s my expert breakdown of the top trends for outdoor kitchens in Southern Utah this year.

1. The Seamless Extension: Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Out

One of the biggest shifts we're seeing is the complete integration of the outdoor kitchen with the home's interior. This isn't just about having an outdoor space—it's about making it feel like a natural extension of your main living area. We achieve this through:

Matching Materials: Using a consistent color palette and material choices for your outdoor countertops and cabinetry that complement your indoor kitchen. For example, if you have a stunning, leathered granite countertop inside, we can source a durable, UV-resistant porcelain or a sealed natural stone outside that mimics its look and feel. This creates a cohesive, high-end feel.
Architectural Flow: We are designing spaces that are an extension of the home's roofline, using overhead structures like pergolas with retractable awnings or solid covers to provide essential shade from the Southern Utah sun. These structures not only offer protection but also help define the space and make it feel like a true "room."
Bi-Fold Doors and Expansive Glass Walls: This is the ultimate way to create a seamless transition. Imagine a wall of glass that completely opens, connecting your indoor dining room to your outdoor cooking and lounge area. It makes entertaining a breeze and allows air to flow freely, turning your home into a true oasis.

2. Materials Built to Last: Southern Utah's Climate-Conscious Palette

Our desert climate is a beautiful but unforgiving environment for construction materials. The 2025 trends are all about choosing durable, low-maintenance materials that can handle the intense UV rays, extreme heat, and occasional flash storms.

Countertops:

Natural Stone: Granite and quartzite remain kings. They are inherently resistant to UV damage and heat, making them perfect for grilling and food prep. We’re seeing a lot of homeowners choose bold veining and dramatic patterns to make a statement.
Concrete: Polished concrete is having a major moment. It's durable, customizable, and offers a sleek, modern look that pairs beautifully with our rugged landscape.
Porcelain Slabs: A fantastic new option, porcelain is non-porous and comes in a huge variety of looks, including faux wood, marble, and concrete. It’s highly resistant to heat, staining, and UV degradation.

Cabinetry and Finishes:
- Masonry and Stucco: This classic Southern Utah look is back in a big way. We build the base framework with concrete blocks or a steel frame, then finish it with a durable, local stucco or stone veneer. It’s a timeless look that holds up to the elements better than almost anything else.
- Marine-Grade Stainless Steel: For homeowners who love a sleek, industrial look, stainless steel cabinetry is the ultimate choice. It's rust-resistant, easy to clean, and provides a clean, professional aesthetic.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This material is a game-changer. It's a plastic polymer that looks like wood but is completely impervious to rust, rot, water, and UV damage. It’s a low-maintenance solution that’s gaining popularity for its durability and versatility.

3. Smart Tech & The High-Tech Chef

Our homes are getting smarter, and the outdoor kitchen is no exception. This year, we're building in technology that makes cooking and entertaining more convenient and efficient than ever before.

Wi-Fi-Enabled Grills: Imagine monitoring the temperature of your smoked brisket from your smartphone while you’re relaxing in the pool. Wi-Fi-enabled grills and smokers are now a must-have for the serious outdoor chef, giving you precision control without being tethered to the grill.
Integrated Appliances: We’re installing more than just a grill. Think under-counter refrigerators, ice makers, and even kegerators to keep beverages cold and ingredients fresh without a trip back inside.
Voice-Activated Lighting and Sound: We can install smart lighting systems that allow you to change the ambiance with a simple voice command or through an app on your phone. Integrated, weather-resistant sound systems also let you set the perfect mood for any gathering.

4. Beyond the Grill: The Full-Service Outdoor Entertainment Hub

An outdoor kitchen in 2025 is no longer just for cooking. It’s a multi-functional space designed to entertain a crowd or provide a tranquil retreat.

The Pizza Oven Revolution: Wood-fired or gas-powered pizza ovens are one of the most requested features we’re seeing. They add a fun, interactive element to any gathering and, in my opinion, make the best pizza you'll ever taste.
Outdoor Bars and Islands: We're designing large, multi-functional islands with built-in seating. These islands serve as a prep area, a serving station, and a full-service bar, allowing guests to gather around and socialize with the chef.
Fire Features: From elegant linear fireplaces to built-in fire pits with surrounding seating, fire features add warmth and ambiance that extends the use of your outdoor space well into the cooler evenings of spring and fall.

5. Sustainability and Water Conservation

In a desert climate like ours, sustainability is always a key consideration. Homeowners are increasingly requesting eco-friendly materials and design choices that are beautiful and mindful of our environment.

Eco-Friendly Materials: We're using sustainable materials like recycled glass countertops and composite decking made from recycled plastics.
Xeriscaping and Drip Irrigation: We integrate the outdoor kitchen into a larger landscape design that focuses on water-wise plants and efficient drip irrigation systems. This not only conserves water but also creates a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that complements your new outdoor living space.

Ready to Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen?

Building a custom outdoor kitchen is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. It’s a project that adds significant value and, more importantly, creates a space where you’ll make memories for years to come.

The average cost to build a beautiful, full-featured outdoor kitchen in Southern Utah this year is in the range of $20,000 to $50,000, with larger, highly-customized projects reaching beyond that. The price depends heavily on your choice of materials, appliances, and the complexity of the design. But as a local builder, I can tell you that this investment has a fantastic return, especially in our market.

If you’re ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate outdoor living space, give us a call at Jim Savage Construction. We’ll sit down with you, discuss your vision, and create a custom plan that brings your dream outdoor kitchen to life.

-Jim Savage, Owner, Jim Savage Construction

A Guide to Lattice Shade Structures for Your Outdoor Kitchen

In sunny climates like St. George, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have for entertaining and enjoying the weather. But to make it truly comfortable and usable, a well-designed shade structure is essential. While many options exist, a lattice shade structure provides a unique blend of style and function, making it an ideal choice for your backyard oasis.

The Benefits of a Lattice Structure

A lattice structure is a type of pergola with an open, slatted roof. Unlike a solid roof that blocks all sunlight, a lattice design offers a number of distinct advantages for an outdoor kitchen:

Partial Shade: The slatted roof provides a beautiful pattern of light and shadow that offers relief from direct sunlight without making the space feel dark or enclosed. The degree of shade can be customized by adjusting the spacing of the slats.
Superior Airflow: The open design allows air to circulate freely. This is crucial for an outdoor kitchen where heat is generated from the grill and other appliances. The consistent airflow helps keep the space comfortable, even on the hottest days.
Aesthetic Appeal: Lattice structures add a touch of classic elegance to any outdoor space. The framework provides a clean architectural line that complements a variety of home styles, from modern to traditional.
Visual Definition: A lattice shade structure acts as a natural ceiling for your outdoor kitchen, visually defining the space and making it feel like a distinct "room." This helps create a cohesive and well-planned feel for your entire backyard.

Choosing the Right Materials and Design

The material you choose for your lattice structure will depend on your budget, desired look, and maintenance preferences.

Wood: Traditional wood, such as cedar or redwood, offers a warm, natural aesthetic. It can be stained to match your home or left to weather to a beautiful silver-gray patina. Keep in mind that wood requires regular sealing and maintenance to protect it from the elements.
Vinyl: A vinyl lattice structure is a low-maintenance, durable option that resists fading and warping. It comes in a variety of colors and can be cleaned easily with a hose, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a classic look without the upkeep.

Enhancing Functionality and Ambiance

Beyond providing shade, a lattice structure can be customized to enhance the functionality and ambiance of your outdoor kitchen. You can install overhead fans or misters to increase comfort. For evening gatherings, a lattice roof is the perfect place to hang string lights or stylish pendant lighting. The framework can also support climbing plants, such as jasmine or grapevines, to add a living element to the structure and create a unique, natural canopy over time.

Investing in a lattice shade structure is a smart way to complete your outdoor kitchen. It not only protects your space but also adds a beautiful architectural feature that will make your backyard a more enjoyable place to relax and entertain for years to come.

Hard Patio Covers for Your Outdoor Space

The All-Weather Advantage

Unlike a slatted structure, a solid patio cover creates a fully shaded and protected area. This is a game-changer for homes in sunny climates, as it offers a cool retreat during the hottest parts of the day.

Complete Sun Protection: A solid roof blocks direct sunlight and harmful UV rays, making it a safe and comfortable space for relaxation, outdoor dining, and play.
Defense Against the Elements: A patio cover protects your outdoor furniture, kitchen appliances, and flooring from rain, snow, and wind, significantly extending their lifespan and reducing the need for constant maintenance.
Year-Round Usability: With a solid roof, your outdoor kitchen or lounge area becomes a functional space regardless of the weather. You can host a summer barbecue during a midday downpour or relax with a book on a blustery day.

Material Options for Your Patio Cover

Choosing the right material is crucial for achieving your desired look and durability.

Aluminum: A popular choice for its low-maintenance and long-lasting properties. Modern aluminum patio covers are available in various colors and finishes, including options that convincingly mimic the look of natural wood without the upkeep of staining and sealing. They are resistant to rot, pests, and rust, making them a worry-free investment.
Wood: For a classic, natural aesthetic, wood is an excellent choice. Materials like cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to decay and insects. While wood requires more maintenance—such as periodic sanding, staining, or painting—it provides a timeless and warm look that many homeowners prefer.

Design and Customization

Patio covers can be fully customized to fit your home's architecture and your lifestyle. They can be attached directly to your house to create a seamless extension of your living space or built as a freestanding structure to cover a separate outdoor kitchen or pool area.

Beyond the structure itself, you can enhance the space with a variety of features. Consider adding recessed or pendant lighting to create ambiance for evening gatherings, or a ceiling fan to keep the air moving on still days. You can also integrate speakers or even infrared heaters to ensure the space is comfortable year-round.

A patio cover is more than a simple addition; it's a strategic remodel that transforms your backyard into a truly livable outdoor room. It’s an investment in comfort, protection, and the value of your home.

Electric Awnings for Your Outdoor Space

The On-Demand Advantage

Unlike a solid patio cover, a retractable awning allows you to control the amount of sun and shade you receive with the push of a button. This is a game-changer for homes in sunny climates, as it offers the perfect balance between open-air living and shaded comfort.

Effortless Shade: A remote control or wall switch allows you to extend or retract the awning in seconds, providing instant relief from direct sunlight or allowing you to enjoy an open view of the sky.
Ultimate Versatility: An awning gives you the flexibility to enjoy your patio on a sunny afternoon and then retract it to bask in the warmth on a cool evening. This makes your outdoor space more adaptable for different times of day and different seasons.
Sun and UV Protection: The high-quality, dense fabric of a good awning blocks a significant amount of harmful UV rays, protecting you and your outdoor furniture from sun damage and fading.

Material and Technology

Choosing the right awning involves selecting durable materials for both the fabric and the frame, as well as the right technology to suit your needs.

Fabric: The most common fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic, which is highly resistant to fading and mildew, and durable polyester blends. Both are designed to withstand the harsh UV rays of the Southern Utah climate.
Frame: The retractable arm mechanisms are typically made from lightweight yet strong materials like aluminum or steel, which are designed to resist rust and corrosion.
Motor and Controls: The motor is the heart of your electric awning. You can choose from standard remote controls or opt for models with smart home integration, allowing you to operate the awning from your smartphone. Some models even include weather sensors that automatically retract the awning in high winds to prevent damage.

Style and Functionality

Electric awnings come in a variety of styles and can be customized to match your home’s aesthetic. They can be installed to cover a patio, a deck, or a window, and come in a wide array of colors and patterns to complement your exterior.

Beyond the basic operation, you can enhance the space with a variety of features. Consider adding an integrated lighting system to the underside of the awning to provide ambiance for evening gatherings, or a drop-down screen for added privacy and protection from insects.

A retractable electric awning is more than a simple addition; it's a strategic remodel that gives you dynamic control over your outdoor space. It's a great investment in comfort, functionality, and the overall enjoyment of your home.