A Plus Landscaping, a design and construction company based in Reinholds, Pennsylvania, is observing a notable shift among Central Pennsylvania homeowners: outdoor kitchens are increasingly being incorporated into the original backyard plan rather than added after patio construction. This change matters because it affects how the entire outdoor space comes together, allowing plumbing, gas, and electrical connections to be mapped out before any patio surface is installed. As a result, counters, appliances, storage, seating, and walking paths can be coordinated as components of a single, unified layout instead of being worked around existing infrastructure.
Marcus Waldner, founder of A Plus Landscaping, explained the shift: "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. Building it into the plan from day one means we're not working around plumbing or seating that's already locked in." This proactive approach gives homeowners more control over utilities and the surrounding patio layout, potentially reducing costly revisions and ensuring a cohesive design.
National data supports what A Plus Landscaping is seeing locally. The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study found that 95 percent of outdoor kitchen projects started from scratch, and more than two-thirds included plumbing, electrical, or heating improvements. These statistics underscore that outdoor kitchens are no longer an afterthought but a core element of backyard design, driving demand for integrated planning and professional expertise.
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, and larger projects may incorporate full 3D renderings before construction begins. The company manages the project from design through installation, ensuring that all elements work together seamlessly.
The implications of this trend extend beyond aesthetics. By addressing outdoor kitchens early, homeowners can avoid the logistical headaches of retrofitting gas lines or electrical outlets after hardscaping is complete. It also allows for better spatial planning, ensuring that seating and traffic flow are optimized for entertaining. For landscaping firms, this shift means adapting their design processes to include kitchen elements from the first client meeting, requiring close coordination among designers, plumbers, electricians, and masons.
Homeowners interested in learning more can visit A Plus Landscaping to explore services. The company, family-owned since 2006, serves Central Pennsylvania communities including Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, and Reading. As outdoor living continues to gain popularity, the integration of kitchens into initial design plans signals a broader shift toward treating backyards as true extensions of the home.
