A Plus Landscaping, a family-owned outdoor living design-build company based in Reinholds, Pennsylvania, is observing a significant shift among Central Pennsylvania homeowners: outdoor kitchens are increasingly being incorporated into the original backyard plan rather than added after patio construction is complete.
According to the company, this change in approach affects how the entire outdoor space comes together. When the kitchen is part of the conversation during the initial property visit, plumbing, gas, and electrical connections can be mapped out before any patio surface goes down. Counters, appliances, storage, seating, and walking paths can then be coordinated as components of a single, unified layout rather than worked around existing infrastructure.
"Homeowners used to think of the kitchen as something you add once the patio is done. Now it's one of the first things they bring up on the initial walk-through, right alongside the patio and the fire feature," said Marcus Waldner, founder of A Plus Landscaping. "Building it into the plan from day one means we're not working around plumbing or seating that's already locked in."
National data supports what A Plus Landscaping is observing at the local level. The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study found that 95 percent of outdoor kitchen projects started from scratch. More than two-thirds of those projects included plumbing, electrical, or heating improvements.
A Plus Landscaping designs outdoor kitchens around how each homeowner plans to cook, serve, and gather. Projects may include built-in grills, pizza ovens, counters, storage, seating, and adjacent fire features.
Each project begins with a property visit from an A Plus Design Professional. Larger projects may incorporate full 3D renderings before construction begins. The company manages the project from design through installation.
The implications of this shift are substantial for homeowners and the outdoor living industry. By planning the outdoor kitchen from the outset, homeowners can avoid the higher costs and logistical challenges of retrofitting utilities and reconfiguring layouts later. This integrated approach can lead to more functional and cohesive outdoor spaces, potentially increasing property value and enjoyment.
For the industry, the trend signals a growing demand for comprehensive design-build services that can handle complex projects from start to finish. Companies that can offer seamless integration of kitchens, patios, and other outdoor features may gain a competitive edge. Additionally, the emphasis on starting from scratch aligns with national data, suggesting that this is not just a local phenomenon but a broader movement toward more intentional outdoor living design.
A Plus Landscaping, founded by Marcus Waldner in 2006, serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, and Reading. Services include outdoor kitchens, paver patios, retaining walls, custom pools, decks, and landscaping. The company backs its paver patio installations with a limited lifetime warranty and offers financing through HFS Financial.
Homeowners interested in learning more about A Plus Landscaping's approach to outdoor kitchens can visit A Plus Landscaping or request a consultation at apluslandscaping.com/contact/.
