Backyard kitchens are among the most popular trends in exterior living solutions, but what does an outdoor kitchen cost? Every budget has a design, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $40,000 or more. Explore your options by learning about the available features and amenities to design and equip one that’s right for you.
The Appeal of Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have incredible appeal, and they’ve been trendy for a few years. With an outdoor kitchen, you can expand the living space in your backyard and increase the value of your home.
No matter what the weather is doing, you can enjoy more time outside with the family, grilling and entertaining in your outdoor kitchen. They are versatile enough that you can tailor them to include whatever amenities and equipment you want, and with plenty of options, it’s not hard to fit one into any budget.
Breaking Down the Cost of an Outdoor Kitchen
There are a lot of factors to consider when figuring out the potential cost to build an outdoor kitchen. This guide will help you set a realistic budget and compare it with the average price range for an outdoor kitchen installation.
Factors Influencing Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Since the price varies depending on your design, it’s easier to get a sense of how much your outdoor kitchen will cost after considering the following factors.
Permits
You may need a permit if you’re building or adding to your patio or running utilities, but not all outdoor kitchen installations require a permit. Check with your local planning office to find out more.
Scope and Size
The size of a project is always a primary factor in determining the cost. Larger kitchens take longer to build and require more materials and equipment. If you need to construct a large building or patio for your outdoor kitchen, it will cost more than if you already have a space.
Utilities
Gas, water, electricity, and drain lines are the most common utilities that you need. If your outdoor kitchen is installed right outside your house, it won’t cost you as much as if you have to run utility lines to the far corner of your property.
Expect to pay plumbers and electricians $100 to $200 per hour to install utilities for your outdoor kitchen.
Location
Where you live affects the cost of any building project.
The labor market in your area will determine how much it costs to hire someone to install an outdoor kitchen for you. Material costs also vary depending on location, especially for certain materials, like stone.
Appliances and Equipment
The types and quality of appliances and equipment you choose will play a significant role in the overall cost of your project. The price between economy and state-of-the-art appliances varies by thousands of dollars.
Materials
The types of building materials you choose affect the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Every material, from the countertops to the structural posts and roof for your outdoor kitchen, will influence the final cost.
DIY or Hire a Professional
You can save money by DIYing your outdoor kitchen, especially if you have the necessary skills and enjoy working on projects on weekends.
When You Build
Building in the off-season is a good way to save money. Purchasing equipment and appliances when they go on sale can save you thousands of dollars.
Average Price Range for Installation
The average cost of an outdoor kitchen is about $12,000 to $14,000. Many outdoor kitchen installers calculate the price of an outdoor kitchen based on the price per linear foot. Prices vary considerably depending on the factors mentioned, but it’s easy to calculate a ballpark figure this way.
You can also calculate the average cost of an outdoor kitchen per square foot. Most people pay $35 to $130 per square foot for their outdoor kitchen.
The cost varies considerably, with people paying about $700 per linear foot on average. Prices typically range from $300 to $1,200, however, they can go even higher with more custom features and appliances.
| Outdoor kitchen size | Linear feet | Average cost | Price range |
| Mini | 10 feet or less | $7,000 | $3,000 to $12,000 |
| Small | Up to 13 feet | $9,100 | $3,900 to $15,600 |
| Medium | Up to 16 feet | $11,200 | $4,800 to $19,200 |
| Large | 20 feet or more | $14,000 | $6,000 to $24,000 |
Hidden Costs of an Outdoor Kitchen
If you get a quote from an outdoor kitchen installer, these costs might be excluded from the price. But if they are related to essential components, then factoring them into your budget is helpful.
- Patio Construction
- Additional structural support for existing decks
- Landscaping
- Appliance covers
- Shade structures and screens
- Fire pits
- Outdoor seating
- Lighting
- Range hoods and vents
Just like with any building project, unforeseen problems can also cost you more.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: A Cost Comparison
Undoubtedly, DIY projects like outdoor kitchens are fun to build, but is it the right project for you? Take some time to assess your skills and consider the advantages of hiring a pro.
Pros and Cons of Building an Outdoor Kitchen Yourself
DIYing your outdoor kitchen can help you save money, partly because of labor savings and partly because you can be more flexible. When you DIY, you can take your time and look for deals on appliances and building materials. You can also build it exactly the way you want it.
Hiring a Professional: What You Need to Know
The cost of materials and equipment for outdoor kitchens is high, and warranties are often only valid with professional installation. Another reason to hire a professional is that they have the experience and expertise to advise you on your design and could save you costly mistakes.
Cost Differences Between DIY and Professional Installation
DIYing your outdoor kitchen can save about 20% to 40% of your total costs. An outdoor kitchen costs about $13,000 on average, so you could save $2,600 to $5,200 by doing the work yourself.
Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen: A Balance Between Cost and Style
Finding the balance between cost and style can be challenging. Premium appliances and building materials last longer, but another appliance might not fit your budget if you choose an expensive grill.
Learn how design choices impact the cost of your outdoor kitchen and budget-friendly ways to save.
Essential Elements in an Outdoor Kitchen
Remember when backyard grilling areas were just standalone BBQs? You may have had a small table beside it, but that was about it.
Today’s outdoor kitchens are different. They are luxury spaces, and it’s important to fit the following essential elements into your outdoor kitchen so you don’t have to come back and rebuild it later.
Appliances
High-quality stainless steel appliances will cost more, but you won’t need to replace them when something goes wrong. Often, you have to replace lower-end appliances after a few years.
Outdoor Sinks
You might think you can do without an outdoor sink, but it will improve your outdoor living experience. An outdoor sink allows you to prep your food and cook it in one spot, so you don’t have to go back and forth to the indoor kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
You can purchase outdoor kitchen kits that come complete with cabinets and countertops, or you can have yours custom-built. Prefabricated outdoor kitchen units will cost less if you’re hiring a professional.
Preassembled outdoor kitchen cabinets come in various materials with different facades, including stainless steel, aluminum, composites, and stone finishes. If you build your own, you have even more choices, like using stone veneers or laying brick and mortar, but they will take longer to build.
Outdoor Countertops
You can’t overstate that you need plenty of countertop space. You have several choices for countertops, including popular ones like granite , quartzite, slate, and concrete.
Storage
The goal is for your outdoor kitchen to be self-sufficient, so you need plenty of storage space. One way to add storage space is to add a bar to your outdoor kitchen layout and use the bottom of the bar for storage.
Lighting
Expect to pay $200 to $1,000 for lighting for your outdoor kitchen. Lighting up workspaces and providing ambient lighting is critical for an outdoor kitchen’s functionality and comfort. LED strip lights underneath countertops and steps enhance the appearance of an outdoor kitchen.
How Design Choices Impact Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Those are just the essential elements for an outdoor kitchen. You can add many other amenities to your outdoor kitchen, including a bar, televisions, water features, and fire pits. Some people add fans, AC units, and heaters to their outdoor kitchens to make them more comfortable.
The features that you ultimately choose to include in your outdoor kitchen design will determine the final cost of your project, but it’s not just the amenities you choose that affect the price.
- Size–smaller kitchens cost less and could fit your budget better.
- Shape–a U-shaped kitchen will cost more than a kitchen island.
- Appliances–a premium grill will cost much more than an economy grill.
- Materials–stainless steel costs more than aluminum, for example.
- Custom-built vs. prefab–customized kitchens almost always cost more.
Budget-Friendly Design Tips
Here are several ways to keep your outdoor kitchen cost-effective:
- Salvage building materials and apply a little imagination to create a unique kitchen for less.
- Purchase second-hand appliances.
- Use prefabricated frames or kits.
- Plan your design to add on when you have more money to spend.
- Keep your outdoor kitchen close to your house so you don’t have to spend as much on utility installations.
- Experiment with products like tile and concrete pavers for your countertops.
- If you already have a patio or deck, use that for your outdoor kitchen instead of creating a new space.
- Use existing light fixtures and electrical outlets.
What to Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen: Equipment and Its Impact on Cost
Consider your options before deciding what to include in your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen designs are a reflection of personal tastes and lifestyle, and what’s important to someone else may not be important to you.
Key Appliances and Their Cost
Every piece of equipment and appliance you use in your outdoor kitchen adds to the overall cost of your project, but its price varies depending on its size, quality, brand, and features.
| Outdoor kitchen appliance | Price range |
| Grills | $200 to $8,000 |
| Side burners | $120 to $900 |
| Ovens | $240 to $1,200 |
| Pizza Ovens | $800 to $6,000 |
| Dishwasher | $400 to $2,000 |
| Refrigerator | $400 to $4,000 |
| Wine cooler | $400 to $2,000 |
| Kegerator | $400 to $1,700 |
| Ice maker | $300 to $2,000 |
| Garbage disposal | $100 to $1,000 |
| Trash drawer | $260 |
| Stainless steel BBQ drawers | $225 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Kitchen Cost
How much does it typically cost to build an outdoor kitchen?
The average cost for an outdoor kitchen is $12,000 to $14,000. You can spend much less if you DIY it and use budget-friendly outdoor kitchen ideas. People spend up to $50,000 or more on outdoor kitchens.
Is building an outdoor kitchen a good investment?
There’s a wide range of costs and returns on investments, but a 100% to 200% ROI on your outdoor kitchen investment is common, making it one of the best ways to invest in your home.
Does a DIY outdoor kitchen save money?
You can save money on cooling costs by using your outdoor kitchen instead of heating up your house, and some people save money because they eat at home instead of going out.
How can I reduce the cost of my outdoor kitchen?
There are many ways to cut costs when building an outdoor kitchen, including DIY vs. hiring a professional, choosing fewer amenities, and using prefabricated kits.
What are the most expensive elements in an outdoor kitchen?
High-end appliances are usually the most expensive elements in outdoor kitchens. Expensive grills and pizza ovens top the list of items with the biggest price tags.
