A Mountain-Strong Outdoor Kitchen in Fleetwood, NC

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, mountain weather calls for mountain-strength solutions. That was exactly the case for our latest project in Fleetwood, NC, where designer Logan Stewart brought a high-performance custom setup to life—despite the challenges of limited space, harsh elements, and high-altitude winds.

Vision Meets Functionality

Our client had a clear vision for their outdoor cooking space: long-lasting performance, essential features like a power burner and griddle, and a sleek stainless steel finish. However, they also had a few concerns:

• Would the grill stay hot enough during high mountain winds?

• Could anything be done about their fully exposed deck, which offered no shelter from the elements?

Logan’s mission was to solve these concerns with a compact, durable, and highly functional design.

Strategic Design for Mountain Living

The final layout centers around a custom Challenger cart—a choice driven by its superior resistance to rain, snow, and wind. Topped with a TrueFlame 32" built-in grill, it delivers reliable heat even on the chilliest, windiest nights.

To meet the client’s love of hibachi-style cooking without sacrificing space, Logan opted not to install a full standalone griddle. Instead, he added a griddle plate accessory that fits directly over the burners. This smart swap preserved precious counter space (only 50" available!) while still delivering sizzling stir-fries and grilled veggies with ease.

Customized for Convenience

Functionality didn’t stop at cooking performance. With convenience in mind, the client selected a cabinet with a pullout tray for an easy LP tank installation—doubling as a trash pullout if needed.

To tie the entire design to the aesthetic of the home and deck, Logan helped the client choose a Grey Glimmer base with a Speckled Walnut top. The subtle shimmer and warm tone complement the home’s exterior perfectly, grounding the kitchen visually in its natural mountain setting.

Final Result: Strong, Sleek, and Space-Savvy

The end result is a durable, compact outdoor kitchen that can handle the rugged conditions of the North Carolina mountains without compromising on cooking power or visual appeal. Thanks to Logan Stewart’s thoughtful design and the versatility of the Challenger Cart system, this outdoor space is ready for every cookout, snowstorm, and wind gust the Blue Ridge can throw its way.