Raleigh, NC · 2023
The Glenwood Kitchen
Outdoor kitchen with gathering bar & evening ambiance
The Story
The Glenwood homeowners love hosting and wanted an outdoor kitchen that was more about gathering than cooking. We designed a large L-shaped island with a raised bar on one side, grill and prep area on the other, and warm downlighting that makes every evening feel like a dinner party.
The Challenge
The L-shaped island was 18 feet long with a cantilevered granite bar top. Supporting the overhang without visible brackets while keeping the island structurally sound required creative engineering.
Our Solution
We embedded steel angle brackets inside the block wall during construction, completely hidden by the stone veneer. The 16-inch cantilever is fully supported without any visible hardware.
6 weeks
Build Time
18 ft (L-shape)
Island Length
Grill + Bar + Lighting
Features
6
Bar Seats
Construction Timeline
From ground to glory.
Site Assessment
A plain paver patio with no cooking or entertaining features. The homeowners wanted to turn it into the social hub of their home.
Utility Rough-In
Gas line extended from the house, water supply and drain for the sink, and electrical conduit for outlets and downlighting — all trenched beneath the existing patio.
Island Framing
CMU block walls laid in the L-shape with steel angle brackets embedded for the bar cantilever. Access openings left for appliances and plumbing.
Stone Veneer & Granite
Natural stone veneer applied to all island surfaces. Leathered granite countertop installed with cutouts for the grill, sink, and access doors.
Appliances & Plumbing
Built-in gas grill, outdoor sink with hot and cold water, and stainless steel storage doors installed. All gas and water connections tested.
Lighting & Bar Stools
Recessed downlights under the bar overhang, pendant lights above the prep area. Bar stools positioned, final electrical connections made.
Final Reveal
Bar lit from below, grill sizzling, guests gathered around. The Glenwood Kitchen turns every evening into a dinner party.
The Transformation
Before & After
BeforeAfter
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