Move over backyard barbecue.

The days of dear old dad dumping charcoal on that rickety old metal grill has gone the way of the dinosaurs. In its place is a trend that brings all the modern conveniences and charm of the kitchen to the open air – outdoor kitchens.

And it’s a trend that Cee Edwards, President of Markraft Cabinets, says isn’t going away anytime soon.

In fact, Cee said outdoor living has become so popular that this new dining and entertaining space has now a standard design component.

“Outdoor living has been big for a while, but we have definitely seen an increase in interest,” he said. “Some builders are putting space for an outdoor kitchen in all of their new construction.”

To fill this space with everything from a built-in ceramic grill and to a wood oven for firing up pizzas, builders and homeowners are turning to Markraft’s extensive selection of outdoor living products.

“There are a lot of design options; it’s all based around what the homeowner wants,” Cee noted.

Markraft carries NatureKast, a line of 100-percent weatherproof cabinetry made of PVC and a heavy resin, a combination that withstands the elements.

What that means for the homeowner is a chic and cozy space that looks as clean and crisp as the day it was installed – no matter how much saltwater, rain or snow is thrown at it. A bonus of that durability is that cleaning your outdoor cabinetry is a breeze.

“You can actually take a hose to it,” Cee said. “It is specifically made for the outdoors, as opposed to traditional indoor cabinets.”

NatureKast offers four different door styles to choose from and with each style, there are several color choices. That gives the homeowner a lot of flexibility when working with one of Markraft’s expert designers to create the perfect space.

Centered around a top-notch grill or oven, the possibilities are endless – under-counter fridges, sinks, storage compartments, pullout lined coolers with built-in drainage, even cabinets to house and protect your outdoor TV.

Flip on HGTV and you’ll see that Cee’s notion of the outdoor living trend is true nationwide. But he said it’s no surprise that is especially sought-after in our area.

In the southeast, we are fortunate enough to be able to spend more than half the year outside. The climate allows for barbecues in early spring and pool parties into early October. Outdoor kitchens and living areas allow for more time to enjoy our moderate temperatures without sacrificing any of the indoor amenities.

If you want to get a closer look at all the outdoor living options, Markraft is in the process of building a display in its showroom that should be up and ready for view by the middle of this summer.

Learn more about outdoor kitchens – and all Markraft has to offer. The designers consult by appointment but drop-in visitors are always welcome to stop by and browse the showroom. The Markraft Design Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 2705 Castle Creek Lane just off Castle Hayne Road.