How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen? [2023 Data]

Don’t have a big budget? Not to worry. You can still create a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen area with a modest budget.e. Building an outdoor kitchen can extend your living space and add value to your home. To help you plan out your project, read on for insights into what you can get for your budget.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost Breakdown

Designing an outdoor kitchen is an opportunity for creativity, both in style and budget. While the average homeowner will spend about $13,100 for a 300-square-foot outdoor kitchen, there are many variables that can send the price up or down. Everything from countertop materials to your dream grilling setup can affect the budget by thousands.

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Size

Most outdoor kitchens range from 100 to 400 square feet to accommodate a cooking, prep, and dining area. You’ll pay anywhere from $33 to $130 per square foot to build an outdoor kitchen.

The trick to determining the per-square-foot cost truly comes down to what you choose to install within those square feet. A small 100-square-foot space with a simple grill, counter area, and stone patio can cost as little as $3,200. Add plumbing, cabinets, lighting, and an overhead enclosure to a 400-square-foot space, and you get into the $13,000 to $40,000 range, or even higher.

Materials

Material costs alone for your outdoor kitchen account for between 60 and 80% of the total price of the project. An outdoor kitchen is very similar to any extension of your home, even if it remains partially open. The structure requires traditional framing, floors, and in some cases, overhead coverage. It also often requires utility hookups, finishing materials, and new appliances. Let’s break down the types of materials and their related installation costs.

Framework and Flooring

Keep in mind that adding an outdoor kitchen—while not contained by the four walls of your home—still requires a framework. The framework and the flooring of your outdoor kitchen include the:

• Surrounding walls or overhead enclosure

• Tiles or wood flooring

• Countertop framework

• Structural support for the appliances

Unlike your indoor kitchen, the foundational materials must be able to stand up against the elements, as well as the high heat and splashes of barbecue sauce while grilling.

Framework Costs

Framework, for example, typically consists of either wood, steel, or aluminum and will cost between $200 and $800 per linear foot. Within each category, you’ll have budget-friendly options such as prefabricated wood framing and pricier options such as highly-durable steel.

Flooring Costs

While many homeowners place their outdoor kitchens on existing porches and patios, you may need to start from scratch. Both a traditional patio and a properly built deck can hold most outdoor kitchens. If you opt for decking, the design must be able to bear the weight of the kitchen and hold up against the heat of the grill.

Whichever you choose, here are some common per-square-foot patio prices and the cost to build a deck.

Countertops

Don’t forget that you’ll need a spot to lay out the burgers and shuck the corn on the cob. You may also choose to install countertops for a bartop dining area. There are only a few restrictions on the type of countertop material you can use outdoors. Marble, laminate, and quartz are not ideal when exposed to the elements, so it is best to avoid those materials. You may also need to seal certain countertop types, such as granite and wood, to protect them from rain, sun, and general outdoor wear and tear.

Here’s what you can expect from the cost of countertop materials ideal for the outdoors:

Cabinets

The cost to install kitchen cabinets in your outdoor cooking space is often included in the cost of the framing. Cabinetry is a key feature of the framing of your kitchen and includes a weatherproof finish to stand up against sun, wind, rain, and the weekly backyard barbecue. Let’s look at the most common cabinetry materials and their price ranges.

Appliances

A chance to show off the grill was likely one of the first stages of daydreaming about your outdoor kitchen. The sky’s the limit when choosing appliances, as is how much you want to spend. And keep in mind that you’ll pay for both the appliance itself as well as the cost to hook it up to new or existing utilities.

On average, you’ll pay between $1,500 and $7,000 for all your appliances, but totals can range into the tens of thousands.

You’ll find grills—typically the basic requirement for an outdoor kitchen—costing anywhere from $100 to $5,000. You’ll find endless varieties and levels of bells and whistles as well. Choose between a built-in or freestanding grill, a propane or natural gas grill, and basic grills or those with special smoker capabilities.

Additional outdoor kitchen appliances include:

• Refrigerator: $400-$4,000

• Dishwasher: $400-$2,000

• Wine cooler: $400-$2,000

• Pizza oven: $800-$2,000

• Garbage disposal: $100-$1,100

• Ice maker: $300-$2,000

Plumbing

The cost to install a new sink in your outdoor kitchen will range from $215 to $630, depending on how far it is from the existing plumbing on your home. Included in this price is the cost to lay new pipes, which ranges from $0.50 to $8 per linear foot for the materials and an average of $330 an hour for labor. As you can imagine, installing an outdoor kitchen very far from the house can really increase the final price tag.

Electrical

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As you’re considering an outdoor kitchen, remember that all these extra appliances and lighting fixtures will require access to dedicated outlets. Installing a new GFCI outlet, for example, costs between $75 and $500. However, outdoor outlets placed further away from your home can cost up to $1,400 to account for the extra waterproof safety equipment.

Location

As we noted in the chart above, where you live will play a role in the cost of your outdoor kitchen installation. The cost of living, availability of materials, and general demand for local contractors affect the price.

Additionally, location can affect the price depending on where you place the kitchen itself. The closer the kitchen sits to your home and all its helpful hookups, the less it will cost. For example, an average outdoor kitchen attached to the perimeter of your home will cost between $90 and $120 per square foot, whereas a satellite kitchen of the same size will cost $110 to $130.

Installation and Labor

Labor will account for a total of 20 and 40% of your project depending on who you hire. Projects of this size greatly benefit from the help of a general contractor. In most cases, a general contractor charges between 10 and 20% of the total project cost.

They will also hire trusted contractors for specialized work such as electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers. In addition to the price of the general contractor, be sure to budget:

• $350 to $2,000 for the cost of a plumber

• $50 to $100 per hour for the cost of an electrician

• $45 to $1,500 for the labor costs to lay new gas lines

Permits

Several stages of the outdoor kitchen process may require the cost of local building permits. A deck or patio permit can cost between $220 and $500, for example, while plumbing permits range from $50 to $500. In general, outdoor projects add an average of $250 to $2,000 in total for permits alone.

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Cost of Outdoor Kitchen by Layout

With all the various elements of an outdoor kitchen, it can be tricky to see the big picture. Imagine, instead, the cost of an outdoor kitchen by its average size.

Kitchenette

An outdoor kitchenette will cost between $3,200 and $10,000 on average and measure about 100 square feet or less. Unlike a full outdoor kitchen, you’ll just pay for a grill, a small counter area, and perhaps a simple sink.

Small

Small outdoor kitchens range anywhere from 100 to 200 square feet and cost between $3,200 and $30,000. The wider scope accounts for what you choose to do with the extra space. There is now room for large counters, appliances such as a dishwasher, and a larger range.

Medium

For between $8,000 and $50,000, picture an outdoor kitchen area between 200 and 400 square feet. The most expansive space can fit a U-shaped or curved countertop, a bar, multiple appliances, and a mid-sized dining area. You’ll pay a bit more for additional framing, flooring, and finishing materials in the larger kitchen prep area.

Large

Outdoor kitchens over 400 square feet are considered quite large and cost upwards of $16,000 at a minimum. Make way for more cabinetry, a large grill, a countertop prep space, and plenty of room for a dining setup. Add a pergola or similar covering over part or all of the area to use in any weather.

Additional Costs to Consider

Like any room inside your house, there are plenty of ways to personalize your outdoor kitchen and a few costs to keep in mind to keep it looking like new.

Enclosures or Coverings

As the sun shifts and sudden afternoon rain showers threaten to break up your party, an awning or pergola can really come in handy. For an outdoor kitchen attached to the side of your home, the cost of installing an awning will add about $2,800 to your total. You can also build a more permanent structure for sun protection and a place to grow your favorite climbing plants. Pergolas cost between $2,100 and $6,100, depending on whether they are custom or pre-built.

Additional Kitchen Features

It’s nearly impossible to think of all the small upgrades you can add to your outdoor kitchen. In addition to the major players we listed above, consider the prices of these outdoor living space add-ons:

• Dining furniture sets: $300-$5,000

• Outdoor fireplace: $1,500-$20,000

• Fire pit: $200-$3,000

• Outdoor heater: $100-$300

• Outdoor ceiling fan installation: $70-$4,000

Lighting

Light up your kitchen by adding an average of $260 per outdoor light for professional installation to your budget. However, you can also save some money by installing a light fixture yourself. Budget between $500 and $3,000 for your full outdoor kitchen lighting design depending on how much you plan to host outside in the evenings.

Prefab vs. Modular Outdoor Kitchens

When choosing the framework, cabinets, and countertop materials, you will also have the option of prefab or modular outdoor kitchens instead of a custom design. While similar, prefabricated kitchen framing costs between $200 and $500 per linear foot, depending on the material used. For a bit more money, you can also purchase modular kitchen kits that are built of engineered concrete, are easy to install yourself, and can hold traditional finishing materials with ease.

Maintenance

When you opt for durable materials, maintaining your outdoor kitchen should be less of a headache. You may, for example, just need to reseal or clean your patio every two to three years for between $300 and $500. Or if you chose to install granite countertops, budget between $170 and $350 for the cost to have the countertops professionally sealed.

However, keep in mind that most counter, flooring, and finishing materials will require more care than they would indoors. You will need to winterize your outdoor faucets, countertops, and seating area to protect them from snow, salt, and freezing temperatures.

Pest Control

Your new kitchen will attract more than the local neighbors. Bits of food residue can attract outdoor pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches. On average, expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the cost of a professional pest control visit if you end up with a buggy issue.

Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen Yourself

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By opting to DIY your outdoor kitchen, you can save 20 to 40% on project costs, for an average total of between $1,500 and $6,000 (or the typical range homeowners pay a general contractor for this type of project).

Contractors typically charge by the project. While you’ll need to hire a professional plumber, electrician, and appliance installer to run gas, water, and electrical lines and install appliances, you can put in shelving and tackle the kitchen framework if you have enough experience. You can also spiff up used wood furniture by painting it yourself.

Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

If you feel confident installing an outdoor kitchen yourself, include the cost of:

• Materials

• Tools and hardware

• Safety equipment

• Building permits

• Necessary licensed contractors

As a general rule of thumb, remove between the 20 and 40% that we mentioned above to compare DIY costs to hiring a professional. For example, a professionally built outdoor kitchen that costs $20,000 will cost between $12,000 and $16,000 to build yourself.

7 Ways to Save on New Outdoor Kitchen Costs

If the average outdoor kitchen cost looks a bit daunting, keep in mind that this is a very versatile project. You can lower the costs of a new kitchen by:

1. Installing your kitchen on an existing porch or patio.

2. Placing the kitchen close to your house.

3. Consider prefab or modular kitchen framing.

4. DIYing portions of your installation (that do not require a licensed contractor)

5. Work with existing electrical, gas, and plumbing connections.

6. Hire a general contractor off-season, in the winter if weather permits.

7. Place your kitchen close to existing light fixtures.

Pros and Cons of Building an Outdoor Kitchen

No matter what project you’re considering, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons. Installing an outdoor kitchen is no different. Check out some of the benefits and disadvantages of an outdoor kitchen at your home.

Pros

• Less mess inside the house

• Keep the heat outside, lowering AC costs

• Spend more time outdoors

• Easy gathering place for entertaining

• Add value to your home

Cons

• High maintenance

• Limited seasonal use

• Potentially high up-front cost

• Limited options for adjustments after installation

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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor