Outdoor Kitchen Cost Breakdown: A Complete Guide

If you think you’re ready for a built-in grill, building an outdoor kitchen can add value to your home and really elevate your outdoor space. You can easily design a cozy and functional outdoor kitchen, so let’s break down the cost. It will help you to design a space that suits your style and budget.

Average Outdoor Kitchen Cost

The cost of an average outdoor kitchen varies depending on where you live. Generally, it can cost from $6,000 to $50,000 or more. Most homeowners pay between $12,000 and $14,000. However, costs can skyrocket if you opt for luxurious add-ons or complex installations. The size of the kitchen is another thing that can increase the cost.

Essential Components and the Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

The essential components of an outdoor kitchen that can impact the cost include:

• Built-in grill: The heart of your outdoor kitchen, grills can range from $150 to $6,000, depending on the type and model. For a budget-friendly choice, consider a traditional charcoal grill or a standalone option.
• Fireplace and fire pit: These can cost $1,500 to $20,000. Fire pits are more affordable, ranging from $300 to $1,400. With the right skills, you could DIY a modern outdoor fireplace. Both provide alternative cooking options and, in cooler climates, let you comfortably use the space for longer.
• Patio: If you’ve already got a nice, level patio or floored area in good condition, you’ll save money here. But if you need to lay a patio and you don’t want to DIY, expect to pay between $5 and $50 per square foot.
• Sink: Installing an outdoor sink can cost $225 to $1,700. While not essential, a sink can make food prep more convenient.
• Secondary appliances: Adding an oven or refrigerator can cost from $125 to $15,000. A small, under-counter, stainless-steel fridge provides convenience without taking up too much space or busting your budget. An oven is more of a luxury if you’ve already got a grill, but it gives you more culinary versatility.
• Cabinetry: Materials available for your cabinets and frames vary widely, from $3 to $45 per square foot. Stainless steel is a popular option for cabinets and countertops because it’s hygienic, weather-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also moderately priced. Budget-friendly options include PVC and resin, while higher-end materials include natural stone or stucco veneer over metal frames.
• Countertops: These range from $25 to $100 per square foot. Granite and stainless steel are durable options for outdoor use.
• Enclosure and framework: Expect to pay from $200 to $600 per linear foot. While you don’t need an enclosure, it adds value, ambiance and practicality. According to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA), 52% of homeowners installed a fixed overhead structure or enclosure, 30% went with a pergola and 13% chose a retractable awning. Only 12% of respondents had no overhead structure, with 12% of those saying they wished they’d spent money on one.
• Labor: General contractor fees for a large outdoor kitchen project can range from $3,000 to $12,000. Additional professionals, like plumbers, gas engineers, electricians and landscapers may also be required.

Affordable Options for Budget-Friendly Outdoor Kitchens

There are several options for budget-friendly outdoor kitchens. You need to plan strategically and choose the resources. If you’re working on a tight budget and plan to do most of the work yourself, you can go to a big box store like Costco and get an outdoor kitchen kit or components for $1,500 to $5,000. But these will be pretty basic, often just a grill set in an island-style countertop. You’ll need to spend extra for a complete kitchen setup.

There are also other ways to save money. There are many options for flooring, but gravel flooring would be the most cost-effective. Another option is wooden pergolas.

Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Price

Maybe you want to upscale your home design. A luxury outdoor kitchen can provide an aesthetic look and major functionalities in your kitchen. According to The National Kitchen and Bath Association, “Luxury in outdoor kitchens grew in popularity during the pandemic as spending time at home and wanting to entertain within an outdoor space became more popular. Luxury outdoor kitchens are becoming a new standard for luxury new home builds as they provide additional usable square footage to a home.”

The luxury outdoor kitchen price can vary widely because it depends on customizations. Prefabricated and modular options run $4,000 to $10,000. These tend to be a little fancier with some extras but are still mostly just grill or barbecue islands and countertops. So, while a higher-quality product, you’d still spend more once you add a structure, extra appliances, seating and so on.

Custom builds are the most expensive. Expect to pay $1,200 to $2,000 per linear foot. Depending on the appliances and materials you choose, you may spend less if you DIY some of this. But as a rule, budget at least $1,000 per linear foot.

Modular Kitchen Costs

Modular kitchen costs vary depending on some factors, including your location. Where you live affects the materials you can use and, therefore, the total project cost.

In colder climates, choose materials and appliances that can withstand freezing temperatures and wet weather. You’ll also need to consider winterization. You may need an easily removable faucet and protective, insulated covers for the grill and other appliances.

If you want to use your kitchen through the winter in cold areas, you’ll need to install an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, which will increase value, practicality and cost.

Hiring a Pro vs. DIY Outdoor Kitchen Savings

Sometimes, homeowners prefer to call a pro to build their outdoor kitchen. This is because professionals can do the work properly. But if you have the time and skills, you can save up to 40 percent on total project costs. You’ll also save by doing the finishing tasks, like sealing countertops and adding furniture.

While building an outdoor kitchen yourself can save you money, complex installations require the expertise of professionals. Only qualified persons should manage the plumbing, power and gas lines.

If you have contracting experience, you can save on your budget by building the kitchen framework and letting a pro handle the rest.

Sources:

• NKBA: “NKBA Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Research Report”
• NKBA: “Outdoor Kitchen Profile”
• ResearchGate: “Comparison of Cost and Energy Efficiency of Prefabricated Residential Modules with Various Construction Material Combinations”
• ResearchGate: “Value-driven purchasing of kitchen cabinets in industrialised housing”
• NKBA: “Backyard Business”
• Costco: “Outdoor Kitchens & BBQ Islands”