JH Landscapes sees summer demand rise for outdoor kitchens in Greater Charlotte

JH Landscapes says homeowners across Waxhaw and the Greater Charlotte area are ordering more outdoor kitchens as peak grilling season arrives. The company says the projects are reshaping backyard entertaining with built-in cooking, prep, and dining space that moves summer activity outside. Why it matters: - Outdoor kitchens are becoming a bigger backyard upgrade for Charlotte-area homeowners who want more usable entertaining space during North Carolina’s hot summer months. - The projects keep heat, smoke, and cleanup outside, which can make outdoor cooking more practical for long stretches of warm-weather use. - Covered structures and integrated lighting can extend the season into the evening and through light rain. What happened: - JH Landscapes in Waxhaw says summer is its busiest period for backyard cooking projects. - The company is seeing rising interest in fully equipped outdoor kitchens across the Greater Charlotte region. - Homeowners in Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, and Fort Mill are asking for more outdoor kitchen installations heading into peak season. - Founder Justin Hoskins said the company designs each build around how the space will actually be used. The details: - JH Landscapes builds outdoor cooking spaces that connect the grill, prep counter, and sink within a few steps of one another. - The company installs stainless steel appliances, granite or concrete countertops rated for heat and moisture, and weather-resistant cabinetry built for exterior exposure. - Outdoor kitchen builds can include built-in grill islands, side burners, refrigeration, sinks, and beverage stations. - The company assembles those features on masonry bases with stone veneer finishes. - JH Landscapes coordinates licensed plumbers and electricians for gas, electrical, water, and drainage connections. - The company also manages permit applications and inspection scheduling during construction. - Basic grill islands with minimal appliances typically start around $8,000. - Larger projects with premium appliances, more counter space, and overhead coverings can exceed $35,000. - Utility extension distance is one of the biggest cost drivers. - Hoskins encourages homeowners to plan layout and routing before construction begins. - JH Landscapes offers complimentary site evaluations that include design concepts, appliance recommendations, and detailed estimates. - The company serves residential and commercial clients across the Charlotte metro in both Carolinas, including Ballantyne, Matthews, Monroe, South Charlotte, and Indian Land, SC. - JH Landscapes has a 4.9-star rating across more than 90 Google reviews and an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau. - More information is available at the company’s website . Between the lines: - The pricing range shows that outdoor kitchens can start as a modest upgrade but quickly become a high-end construction project once utilities, coverings, and premium appliances are added. - JH Landscapes is positioning the work as a functional design job, not just a decorative patio add-on. - The emphasis on workflow suggests homeowners are prioritizing convenience and social use, not only resale appeal. What’s next: - JH Landscapes expects demand to remain elevated through the summer as outdoor entertaining stays top of mind. - Homeowners considering a project are being steered toward early planning so layout, utilities, and permitting are set before construction begins. - The company’s site evaluations are intended to move customers from interest to a specific build plan and cost estimate. The bottom line: - In Greater Charlotte, outdoor kitchens are shifting from luxury add-on to practical summer entertainment space.