An outdoor kitchen can be a wonderful addition to any home, allowing you to enjoy cooking and eating outdoors. However, installing an outdoor kitchen requires careful planning and consideration of costs. The total cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on the size, materials, appliances and features included. Here is an overview of the key factors that impact the cost of an outdoor kitchen and what you can expect to budget for this project.
Materials
The foundation and countertops are two of the biggest expenses when it comes to materials for an outdoor kitchen.
Foundation
The foundation forms the base of the outdoor kitchen. It needs to be durable, weather-resistant and able to support the weight of countertops, appliances, etc. Popular options include:
- Concrete slab: A poured concrete slab offers strength and durability. Costs range from $3-$6 per square foot.
- Brick: Brick foundations look great and start at around $5 per square foot.
- Stone: Natural stone like granite, bluestone or limestone is attractive but more expensive, from $10-$50 per square foot.
- Wood: Pressure-treated lumber provides a more affordable option at $15-$30 per square foot.
The size and layout of your outdoor kitchen will determine how much foundation you need. Allow at least 15-20 square feet for a basic setup.
Countertops
Countertop materials for outdoor kitchens need to be weatherproof and low maintenance. Good choices include:
- Concrete: Concrete countertops can be poured and molded on-site for $50-$100 per square foot.
- Tile: Outdoor tile made of stone or porcelain costs $10-$50 per square foot installed.
- Stainless steel: Durable and easy to clean stainless steel countertops run $50-$200 per square foot.
- Weather-resistant wood: Teak and cedar are great wood options, costing $30-$70 per square foot.
Most outdoor kitchens have 25-50+ square feet of countertops for food prep, serving and dining.
Cabinets
Outdoor-rated cabinets provide storage and add to the overall cost. All-weather materials like aluminum, galvanized steel, and marine-grade polymer average $100-$500 per linear foot installed. The amount of cabinetry needed depends on your storage needs but plan on 10+ linear feet for a decent-sized outdoor kitchen.
Sink
Adding an outdoor sink adds convenience and generally costs $75-$300+ depending on the material, size, faucet, etc.
Other Materials
Factor in expenses for trim, hardware, lighting, electrical wiring and plumbing to finish out the outdoor kitchen. Building materials like cedar and redwood complement most designs but can add $500-$2,000 to the budget.
Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators, grills, and ovens enable you to cook full meals in your outdoor kitchen. The more cooking functionality you want, the higher the appliance costs.
Refrigerator
An outdoor-rated refrigerator keeps drinks cold and averaged $1,500-$4,000. Mini-fridges start around $500.
Grill
From basic $500 propane grills to elaborate $5,000+ custom grills, this is often the centerpiece appliance. Plan on investing at least $2,000-$3,000 for a high-end grill.
Oven
Add a pizza oven, grill oven combo or full outdoor oven for $2,000-$5,000.
Other
Extra appliances like side burners, ice makers, trash receptacles, etc. range from $100-$500 each.
With a full outdoor kitchen, you could easily spend $5,000-$10,000 outfitting it with high-end appliances.
Additional Features and Upgrades
Several other details can enhance your outdoor kitchen experience.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a must, either through an integrated hood system or ceiling fans. This can add $500-$2,000 to the project budget.
Heating and Cooling
From overhead heat lamps to full fireplaces, heating and cooling features allow year-round use. Fireplaces start around $5,000 and up.
Lighting
Ambient lighting sets the mood and task lighting aids in food prep. Outdoor lighting costs around $25-$50 per fixture and $100+ per piece for elegant chandeliers and pendant lights.
Audio System
Install speakers and audio components to listen to music while cooking outside. Basic outdoor audio starts at $500.
TV
Waterproof televisions designed for outdoor viewing can be incorporated seamlessly into the kitchen design for $1,000-$4,000.
Landscaping
Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers around the perimeter ties the outdoor kitchen into the rest of the yard. Landscaping costs vary widely based on materials and scope.
Outdoor Furniture
Comfortable, weather-resistant patio furniture creates an inviting area for dining and relaxation next to the kitchen. Sets range from $500-$5,000 based on materials and size.
Decor
Select decorative touches like throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and artwork to finish off the outdoor kitchen’s style. These extra details can cost anywhere from $50-$500+.
Size
The overall dimensions and footprint of the outdoor kitchen significantly influence cost. Larger or more elaborate designs require more materials, appliances, labor, etc.
Here are typical size ranges and costs:
- Small (10-30 sq ft): $3,000-$8,000
- Medium (30-50 sq ft): $8,000-$15,000
- Large (50-100+ sq ft): $15,000-$30,000+
Measure the available patio or yard space and design a layout to match both the footprint and your cooking needs. A smaller L-shaped design may work well for tight spaces versus a sprawling kitchen island in a big backyard.
Labor
Unless you’re very handy, installing an outdoor kitchen requires professional contractor services for constructing, installing, hooking up appliances, etc. Labor accounts for 50% or more of the total project cost.
General contractor fees range from $50-$100 per hour. Expect at least 40-60 hours of labor for a basic outdoor kitchen up to 100+ hours for a larger custom design. Be sure to get an estimate of the specific contractor fees for your project.
The more complex the design, the more tradespeople needed, which drives up labor costs. For example, you may need:
- Mason for foundation work
- Carpenter for cabinetry
- Plumber for appliances and plumbing
- Electrician for lighting and outlets
- Landscaper for hardscaping and plants
Permits
Most outdoor kitchen projects require building permits, which vary by location. Smaller DIY installations may not need permits. But always check with your local zoning office to be sure.
Building permits often cost 1-2% of the total project quote including materials and labor.
Design Fees
Hiring a kitchen designer for the layout and look for the space typically costs $50-$150 per hour. This expert help ensures your outdoor kitchen not only looks amazing but functions efficiently.
Total Cost
The total cost of an outdoor kitchen varies widely based on all the factors above: materials, appliances, size, upgrades, labor, and more.
As a general guideline, you can expect to pay:
- Basic DIY: $2,000 – $5,000
- Small custom build: $10,000 – $25,000
- Large high-end design: $25,000 – $50,000
Here’s a breakdown of costs for a sample medium-sized custom outdoor kitchen:
- Foundation and countertops: $3,000
- Cabinetry: $4,000
- Appliances: $7,000
- Sink and plumbing: $500
- Lighting and electrical: $1,500
- Ventilation system: $1,000
- Permits: $500
- Labor and installation: $12,000
- Design fees: $2,000
Total: Approximately $31,500
This provides a 30 sq ft space with concrete slab foundation, tile countertops, all stainless steel appliances, ambient lighting, installed by contractors and designed by a kitchen professional.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors influence the overall budget for your outdoor kitchen installation:
- Size: The more square footage, the higher the price tag. Prioritize must-have items over wants.
- Materials: Upscale materials like granite countertops or Brazilian hardwood cabinets add cost. Look for durable options at lower price points.
- Appliances: Limit appliances to what you truly need. Add-ons like extra side burners quickly raise costs.
- Labor: Save on labor by doing smaller DIY tasks like cabinet assembly. Hire contractors for specialized work.
- Features: Focus on functional features over decorative extras that inflate the budget. Fancy tile backsplashes and champagne coolers can come later.
- Overall complexity: Opt for a simple L-shape design versus an intricate multi-level layout to reduce expenses.
How to Save on Your Outdoor Kitchen
If your outdoor kitchen budget is tight, consider these tips to save:
- Construct in phases, starting with basic components like a grill and prep space.
- Choose smaller appliances or purchase used/refurbished items.
- Use a DIY kit for cabinetry or other elements.
- Replace commonly used indoor appliances like the oven with more affordable outdoor versions.
- Shop end of season sales for items like patio furniture.
- Purchase base cabinets and countertop materials from home improvement stores and install yourself.
- Use less expensive materials like painted wood cabinets instead of stainless steel.
- Limit features like lighting, heating, and audio systems. These can be added later.
- Opt for concrete or DIY paver foundation over pricier materials like stone or brick.
- Carefully evaluate each design decision through a cost-benefit lens.
Financing Your Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen may require financing, especially for larger custom designs. Here are some options to fund your project:
- Save up: Set aside savings over time to pay for the project without taking on debt.
- Home equity loan/line of credit: Borrow against the equity in your home at competitive interest rates.
- Cash-out mortgage refinance: Refinance your mortgage for a higher amount to provide funds.
- Personal loan: Unsecured personal loans up to $40,000 are available with set repayment terms.
- Credit cards: Only recommended for smaller DIY installations you can quickly pay off.
- 401(k) loan: Allows you to borrow up to 50% of your vested balance.
- Home improvement loan: Specialty loans tailored to projects like outdoor kitchens.
Weigh the costs and benefits of financing options based on rates, fees, loan amount, and other factors. Get quotes from multiple lenders.
Improving Your Home’s Value
Adding an outdoor kitchen is a smart investment that can increase your home’s value. Recent studies indicate:
- Outdoor kitchens recoup roughly 65-80% of their cost at resale.
- Homes with a built-in grill or full outdoor kitchen sell for 10-15% more on average.
- Upscale outdoor cooking areas can boost home value by $5,000-$10,000+.
Outdoor living spaces appeal to buyers and give your home a competitive edge. The project costs may pay off when it comes time to sell.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost FAQs
How much does a simple DIY outdoor kitchen cost?
A DIY basic outdoor kitchen with a grill, cabinets, and countertops starts around $2,000-$5,000. Reduce costs by using big box store materials and buying appliances on sale or secondhand.
What is the average cost to build an outdoor kitchen?
The typical range for a customized outdoor kitchen installed by contractors is $15,000-$30,000 depending on the size and included features. High-end designs can exceed $50,000.
How can I design an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
Save by keeping the layout simple, building in phases, using affordable materials like concrete and painted wood, buying more budget-friendly appliances and limiting unnecessary add-ons. Focus spending on key cooking necessities.
Can I install an outdoor kitchen myself?
With proper DIY skills, you can self-install a smaller outdoor kitchen. Seek professional help for more complex builds with extensive cabinetry, electrical, gas, plumbing, ventilation, etc. to ensure safety and compliance with codes.
How much does an outdoor kitchen increase home value?
Outdoor kitchens generally increase a home’s value from 5-15% at resale. Upscale kitchens with high-end finishes and features can boost value by 10% or more compared to homes without any built-in outdoor cooking options.
Conclusion
Creating your dream outdoor cooking and dining space is an awesome way to enhance your home’s functionality and enjoyment. Carefully evaluate all the options to build an outdoor kitchen that fits both your budget and wish list. From affordable DIY installs to lavish chef-caliber designs, there are outdoor kitchen solutions at every price point and for every home. With some thoughtful planning upfront, you can avoid sticker shock and design an outdoor kitchen tailored exactly to your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
So gather inspiration, make a plan, and start cooking up ideas for your ideal outdoor kitchen oasis. With strategic decisions, you can construct a cooking and gathering area that becomes one of your home’s most used and loved spaces for years to come. Turn your backyard into the ultimate outdoor entertainment destination with a kitchen that takes indoor conveniences outside.