Most Broken Arrow homeowners have never built an outdoor kitchen before. They know what they want the finished product to look like, but the journey between signing a contract and standing at a completed outdoor kitchen is largely opaque — until VistaScapes explains it. Here’s a transparent look at what actually happens during an outdoor kitchen build, week by week.
After Contract Signing: Procurement and Permitting (Weeks 1–4)
Once a contract is signed, two parallel processes begin immediately: material procurement and permit application.
Material ordering: The grill, refrigerator, sink, and specialty appliances are ordered immediately after contract signing because lead times can be significant. Premium built-in grills from Blaze or Summerset typically arrive within 2–4 weeks. Custom countertop slabs — especially premium quartzite or unusual granite colors — may take 3–6 weeks from templating to delivery. We order everything as early as possible to avoid schedule compression later.
Permit application: We submit the building permit application to the City of Broken Arrow (or relevant jurisdiction) with the project drawings. Permit processing in Broken Arrow typically runs 1–3 weeks depending on season and current permit office workload. Spring is the busiest time — permits submitted in March or April may take longer than permits submitted in October.
Construction Phase: What Your Backyard Will Look Like (Weeks 4–12)
Construction typically follows this sequence for an outdoor kitchen with covered pergola:
- Site prep: Existing patio area is evaluated, stakes are set, and layout is confirmed. Any old deck or patio demolition happens during this phase.
- Patio base and slab: If new concrete or pavers are part of the project, the base is graded, compacted, and poured. Concrete cures for several days before structure work begins on top.
- Outdoor kitchen structure: The concrete block or steel stud frame goes up. This phase looks like raw concrete block or metal framing — not pretty yet, but it’s the structural heart of the project.
- Rough-in utilities: Electrical conduit, gas line, and plumbing rough-in happen before the finish work covers the structure. Inspector review typically happens at this stage.
- Pergola installation: The covered structure goes up, typically in 1–2 days for an aluminum pergola system.
- Countertop templating and installation: The stone fabricator comes to template the exact countertop dimensions after the structure is complete. Slabs are cut and returned for installation several days later.
- Finish work: Stone veneer, stucco, tile, and finish materials are applied to the structure exterior. This phase transforms the raw structure into the finished kitchen appearance.
- Appliance installation: Grills, refrigerators, sinks, and all appliances are set and connected during the final construction phase.
Final Inspection and Walkthrough
After construction is complete, we schedule the final building inspection (where required) and conduct a complete walkthrough with the homeowner. We demonstrate every appliance, walk through the warranty coverage, and handle any punch-list items before the project is considered complete. Homeowners get contact information for our team — not an 800 number — for any follow-up questions.
Communication Throughout Your Project
VistaScapes provides regular project updates throughout the build — typically at each phase transition. You know when the permit is approved, when materials arrive, when construction begins each phase, and when we’re on schedule or when an adjustment is needed. No surprises, no silent gaps in communication.
Call 918-779-1317 to start the process with a free consultation.
