Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

10 Apr

Our Response to the Coronavirus Epidemic

The current outbreak of the coronavirus has left many people uncertain and worried about the future. Many Houston businesses are closing and ceasing most or all of their services.

Creekstone’s response to the pandemic is slightly different. We plan to remain open, but we are taking every necessary precaution to protect both our employees and our valued clients. Here’s how we’re doing both.

#Creekstone is still open, but we’re being very careful to do our part to slow the spread of the #coronavirus between employees and clients. Learn more about our response to the situation here. #CreekstoneOutdoorLiving #COVID19 Share on X

Our Employees

Like many businesses, we’ve moved most of our employees to work from home for the foreseeable future. Only a few essential staff members are staffing our physical location. We’re very careful to keep our store sanitized at all times and are washing our hands frequently to protect ourselves and any visitors.

Curbside Pickup & Delivery

We don’t want to keep our customers waiting for their orders and, to the best of our ability, we’d like to continue helping you have a sense of normalcy with your families during this time. Consequently, we’ve implemented two programs to keep your purchases on time. As of March 28, we’re offering the following services to our clients:

Free curbside pickup from our store location, regardless of the size of your order
Free same-day delivery for orders over $50 placed before 12 pm and within 10 miles of our store location

We hope that these options allow us to continue providing you with excellent products while also helping you and your loved ones maintain proper social distancing.

Pro Tip: Coronavirus is not believed to be airborne, so spending time outdoors is safe as long as you continue to observe social distancing and proper handwashing.

Stay Safe!

As we wait for updates from the CDC and continue monitoring the ongoing situation, the most important thing to remember is that we can get through this. Practicing social distancing and careful hygiene will do wonders to protect you from getting sick. In the meantime, we hope to help you maintain a sense of hope and normalcy as you wait for this to pass.

Connect with us for further updates on our approach to handling COVID-19.

03 Apr

Custom Outdoor Kitchen with RCS Grill, Double Side burner, Refrigerator and Sink

Your Guide to Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen in Houston

An outdoor kitchen is a sizable investment of both time and money for most people. However, it’s worth it! Setting up an outdoor entertaining area gives you endless possibilities for parties, business gatherings, or even family nights in the backyard.

But before you can start enjoying your new outdoor cooking space, you need to decide how you want it to look, what you’ll be using it for, and what you’re willing to spend. Still in the brainstorming stage? Here are a few key considerations to help you figure out exactly what you want out of the newest addition to your backyard.

Designing a new outdoor kitchen? Have you finalized your ideas yet? Learn how to design your new kitchen here! #Creekstone #backyardlife Share on X

Style

Like any type of home design, outdoor kitchen trends change with time. But certain stylistic choices, like stainless steel appliances, never quite seem to go out of style. And a refrigerator works just fine no matter what it looks like!

Two of the best recent trends for outdoor kitchens are built-in ice makers and kamado-style grills like Big Green Egg, grills that close completely over the cooking food to produce a deep, smoky flavor. And of course, the convenience of having freshly made ice right next to your outdoor fridge can’t be overstated. These trendy choices do more than just make your kitchen look great! They can also make your whole experience more convenient and simpler.

Practicality

Of course, appearances aren’t everything. Since you’ll be cooking and hosting in your outdoor hangout space, you have to consider how well your design choices will work with what you’ll be doing. For instance, consider your outdoor kitchen’s countertops. Materials such as marble may look gorgeous, but without expert sealing and ongoing maintenance, they could be ruined by Houston rain or humidity. Most designers also don’t recommend them for kitchen use because marble is extremely porous, making stain prevention difficult. (Marble tiles, on the other hand, are specially formulated for kitchen use and are fine for an outdoor kitchen. Talk to your designer for details.)

The bottom line is simply that your kitchen must be equally functional as elegant. While you can certainly go for both–a completely utilitarian kitchen is boring, after all–you must take the time to consider how well your choices will work in an outdoor setting.

Pro Tip: As you design your outdoor kitchen, consider any potential future renovations you want to make and how to make them easier. You won’t want to have to pull up your new tile floor to install new pipes for a pool, for instance.

Budget

Finally, it’s time to look at your budget. This will vary depending on the materials you choose, the appliances you need, the square footage your outdoor kitchen will cover, and more. Consequently, you can’t simply estimate the base cost of an outdoor kitchen without a semi-detailed plan of what you want. The best approach to budget planning is browsing our gallery for inspiration and bringing your ideas to an expert to discuss cost options.

Enjoy Your New Outdoor Kitchen!

A lot of planning goes into designing the perfect outdoor kitchen and party space. But all that time will be worth it in the end. You can look forward to enjoying a brand new custom outdoor kitchen and making your friends jealous!

Join the conversation to find inspiration and more outdoor kitchen ideas.

27 Mar

Budgeting for Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Houston: What to Expect

Depending on the features you choose and the extent of your plans, a custom-built outdoor kitchen can be a sizeable investment. Even with a budget and financial plan in place, it helps to know just what you can expect to pay going into your backyard renovation.

Do you know what appliances and features you’ll want in an outdoor kitchen? If not, now’s the time to start planning. Without a concrete idea of what you want, you can’t estimate a cost and budget for your project. Here’s how to get started planning and budgeting for your outdoor kitchen.

What can you expect to pay for a new outdoor kitchen project? That depends on how big it is, what materials you use, and much more. Learn how to estimate your outdoor kitchen’s cost here. #Creekstone #backyardlife Share on X

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Since you already have a fully furnished indoor kitchen, you won’t need to replicate every single appliance in an outdoor space. For instance, don’t worry about installing a dishwasher outside. But for essential appliances, like the refrigerator or sink, you likely won’t want to keep running between your indoor and outdoor kitchens constantly to grab what you need and get back to work. The exact amount these duplicate appliances will add to your budget depends on which type you get, but a rough estimate could look something like this:

Refrigerator: $400-$900
Sink: at least $100 (nicer models could be higher)
Side burner: $200-$500

But without a doubt, the most expensive item in your outdoor cooking area will be the grill. While you don’t want to blow your entire budget on a grill, it certainly pays to get a nice model that will give you a smooth cooking experience. The price of the grill you choose will vary depending on a long list of factors: its type, its size, its brand name, and more. Browse some of our more popular grill models below:

Countertops and Flooring Materials

Some outdoor kitchen designs use the same materials for both the floor and the countertops, creating a uniform look and simplifying the construction process. For a more contrasting look, choose different materials. Just make sure to keep track of the different prices between your chosen materials.

The exact price you can expect to pay will vary from contractor to contractor. However, these estimates of pricing for popular outdoor kitchen materials will help you get an idea of your budget:

Brick facade: $15-$25/sq ft
Bricks: $25-$35/sq ft
Stucco: $5/sq ft
Natural stone: $25-$45/sq ft
Engineered stone: $20/sq ft
Granite: $60-$70/sq ft
Concrete: $60-$70/sq ft

Pro Tip: Stainless steel countertops are easy to maintain and look sleek and modern, but can trap a lot of heat in the Houston sun. Be careful when working on metal countertops in an outdoor kitchen.

Utilities

Finally, don’t forget about electricity and running water! It’s nearly impossible to estimate these costs beforehand. However, keeping track of which appliances you’ll install and how often you’ll use them can help you narrow it down. For budget-friendly and energy-efficient kitchen equipment, check out Energy Star’s ratings for different appliances.

Planning Your New Backyard Kitchen

Even if money isn’t a concern, it’s always better to know exactly what you’ll be paying for your new outdoor kitchen. Take the time to research what you want and talk to our team of designers for precise estimates. Understanding your budget is the first step toward a successful backyard renovation.

Join the conversation to see what a completed outdoor kitchen will look like!

20 Mar

9 of the Best Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

You probably already have a long list of things to consider as you design an outdoor kitchen. From appliances to running water, a lot of essential features go into your new hangout spot. But don’t forget the part of your kitchen that allows you to do any food preparation in the first place: countertops.

What sort of countertops are best for your outdoor kitchen? The answer depends on your backyard conditions as well as your preferences. Learn how to find the perfect outdoor kitchen countertops here. #Creekstone #backyarddesign Share on X

9 of the Best Outdoor Kitchen Countertops, Creekstone Outdoors, Spring, TX

Elegant Countertops for Your Backyard Kitchen

The warm Houston climate means that certain countertop materials either won’t last long or will be unpleasant to work with, especially if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. Fortunately, there are plenty of far more durable options for homeowners to consider. Here are some of the best countertop materials for Houston-area outdoor kitchens:

Soapstone
Metal (Stainless Steel)
Granite
Marble
Quartzite
Butcher block
Glass
Porcelain
Concrete

1) Soapstone

Durable and maintenance-free, soapstone is a great countertop choice for homeowners who need style and ease of use. It’s a natural stone that can be easily cut, shaped, and installed. Compared to granite or marble, counters longer than seven feet may require several pieces since they’re usually found ins smaller slabs.

2) Metal (Stainless Steel)

Relatively costlier than other countertop options, stainless steel countertops are a great option for homeowners with a sleek, modern kitchen. Because of its metal nature, the countertop is nonporous, making it resistant to any stains or rust buildup.

3) Granite

Granite stone countertops have been a customer favorite for years, and it’s no surprise thanks to its range of pattern and color options. Unlike many other countertops, granite won’t etch, discolor or lose its shine. Touting long term durability and easy care, your outdoor kitchen will find the perfect balance of style and function with granite counters.

4) Marble

Unlike the marble countertops found indoors, your outdoor countertop can be furnished with marble stone tiles to fit your space. For added durability, outdoor marble counters usually have a slightly textured surface to withstand weather elements. Proper cleaning methods are required to keep your counters looking clean year-round.

Pro Tip: Keep your countertops cool and easy to touch year-round by choosing a light-colored countertop to withstand the heat of the sun.

5) Quartzite

Sometimes confused with quartz, quartzite is a separate, natural stone that is quarried in a process similar to granite. Quartzite countertops in your outdoor kitchen are a crowd favorite, especially if you like the look of marble, want year-round durability, and low maintenance.

6) Butcher Block

While certain wood species may not be able to withstand the weather elements, butcher block countertops are a great way to add functionality to your outdoor space. Suitable woods such as elm, white oak, maple, or chestnut can sealed and installed directly on your cabinetry. With periodic maintenance and premium finish, a nearby butcher block will make food prep a breeze.

7) Glass

A unique design choice for an outdoor kitchen, glass countertops offer a number of customized options, such as special textures, patterns, or embedded stones. While most glass counters can etch from acidic foods or drinks, many homeowners have found success with its durable subtype, white glass countertops.

8) Porcelain

Compared to the different types of stone countertops, porcelain is a great option for those looking for a durable countertop that doesn’t need sealing. With the ability to span a larger counter space, fit any design style, and require low maintenance, porcelain countertops are quickly becoming a top choice for outdoor kitchens.

9) Concrete

Usually poured during installation, concrete counters are a durable choice for many homeowners. With concrete, you can choose from a variety of stains to coordinate with your cabinetry and appliances. While they do require sealing, concrete counters are easy to clean and can withstand high temperatures.

Choose the Right Outdoor Kitchen Countertop

Beautiful, durable countertops are an essential addition to your backyard kitchen. While some materials or patterns may look appealing, remember that exposing them to the outside elements may result in damage. As you start making plans for your home improvement project, take the time to find the right material that matches both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.

Connect with us on social media to see what completed outdoor kitchens with different types of countertops look like.

13 Mar

Creekstone’s Grills & Wheels Event IS BACK!

Did you hear the news? Creekstone Outdoor Living will be hosting Grills & Wheels for another year! Join us at the Harmony Shopping Center in Spring, TX every 2nd Saturday of the month for our favorite car show and grilling event. Be sure to mark your calendar for this FREE event for your family and friends!

Need Saturday plans? Join us for our favorite car show and grilling event, Grills & Wheels every 2nd Saturday until August! Get all the details here! Share on X

The Grills & Wheels event combines everything you love about car shows and barbecue cookouts. Step back in time by looking at classic car models then head over to the Creekstone tent for a grilling demonstration on our top-rated Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill. Whichever day you can attend, your family will love getting to enjoy all of the cool hot rods and mouth-watering dishes.

Check Out Classic Car Models

Do you have a classic car you’d like to show off? Consider this your personal invitation to enter your car or truck into our car display. It doesn’t matter whether your a novice or professional classic car owner. Our community loves getting to see how you’ve restored or cared for car models of yesteryear.

Win a Big Green Egg Grill

Every person who shows up for a Grills & Wheels event will be entered in a drawing to win a Big Green Egg! The winner will be chosen at the final Grills & Wheels event in August. If you haven’t seen the unique design and build of our kamado-style ceramic smoker, this is a great opportunity to see it in action. Our owner, Sam and his team of grilling experts will be sharing a live demonstration and will be available to answer any questions.

Pro Tip: We highly recommend guests to attend every Saturday event to maximize their chances to win a Big Green Egg Grill!

Mark Your Calendar

Here are the full details for this year’s upcoming Grills & Wheels events:

Location: Harmony Shopping Center (3555 Rayford Road #60, Spring, Texas 77386)

Time: Every 2nd Saturday (March-August) at 9 AM

March 14, 2020
April 11, 2020
May 9, 2020
June 13, 2020
July 11, 2020
August 15, 2020

Join Us This Month!

What do you have planned this weekend? Join Creekstone for an amazing time of food and fellowship! Whether you’ve got the coolest hot rod in Houston or are interested in purchasing an XL Big Green Egg, the Grills & Wheels event is a perfect opportunity to hang out with us!

Connect with us on social media to receive updates about upcoming outdoor living events in your area!

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey