Homeowners across Central Pennsylvania are rethinking how they plan their backyards, according to A Plus Landscaping, a design and construction company based in Reinholds. Rather than adding an outdoor kitchen after a patio is built, many are now bringing up the kitchen during the very first walkthrough with a designer. That change is reshaping how outdoor spaces come 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 parts of a single, unified layout instead of being retrofitted 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.” The company’s observation aligns with national data: 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.
For homeowners, the implications go beyond convenience. Early integration means fewer compromises on appliance placement, better access to utilities, and a more cohesive design that considers how the space will be used for cooking, serving, and gathering. A Plus Landscaping designs outdoor kitchens around each homeowner’s specific needs, incorporating built-in grills, pizza ovens, counters, storage, seating, and adjacent fire features. The process begins with a property visit from an A Plus Design Professional, and larger projects may include full 3D renderings before construction starts. The company manages the project from design through installation.
The shift also reflects a broader trend toward treating outdoor spaces as true extensions of the home. By planning the kitchen alongside the patio and fire feature, homeowners can avoid the added cost and disruption of retrofitting gas lines, electrical outlets, or water connections later. This approach can also enhance safety and functionality by ensuring that ventilation, drainage, and traffic flow are considered from the outset. A Plus Landscaping, a family-owned company founded by Marcus Waldner in 2006, serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, and Reading. Its 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 exploring an outdoor kitchen as part of a larger backyard plan can request a consultation at apluslandscaping.com/contact/.
