Building an outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard into an entertaining oasis. However, this major home renovation does come with a significant price tag. The total cost to build an outdoor kitchen varies based on the size, materials, appliances and features you choose. With proper planning and budgeting, you can create your dream outdoor cooking space.
Key Factors That Influence Outdoor Kitchen Costs
Several key factors determine the overall price to construct an outdoor kitchen:
Size and Layout
The physical size and floorplan layout of the outdoor kitchen impact costs. More counter space, cabinetry, appliances and amenities will increase the price. Smaller, simpler designs are most affordable.
Materials
The types of materials used for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, etc. affect expenses. Natural stone, high-end wood, premium finishes and other luxury materials will be pricier.
Appliances and Features
Including a grill, refrigerator, sink, burner, pizza oven and other appliances adds to costs. Additional features like lighting, heating, fans, storage and more also raise the budget.
Labor
If hiring a contractor to install a custom outdoor kitchen, labor will be a significant portion of the total price. Complex designs require more hours to build.
Permits and Site Prep
If permits or site work like grading, drainage and electrical/gas hookups are needed, that adds more to the bottom line costs.
Average Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen
The average price to build a basic small to medium-sized outdoor kitchen is $5,000 to $20,000.
On the low end, a DIY prefabricated modular outdoor kitchen kit can cost around $2,000 to $5,000. This includes a grill, small sink, cabinetry and counter space.
For a custom designed mid-range outdoor kitchen installed by a contractor expect to pay $15,000 to $30,000. This provides ample space for food prep, storage, an appliance package and finishes like stone counters.
High-end, large scale outdoor kitchens with premium materials, high-quality appliances and lots of amenities can cost $30,000 to $50,000 or more. The sky’s the limit for luxury backyard kitchens.
Cost Breakdown for an Outdoor Kitchen
To understand what goes into the total price, here is a typical cost breakdown for a custom built 12×8 ft. outdoor kitchen:
- Permitting/fees – $500
- Site preparation – $2,000
- Concrete slab foundation – $2,500
- Framing and roof cover – $3,000
- Cabinetry (mid-grade) – $7,000
- Countertops (granite) – $4,500
- Appliances (grill, fridge, sink) – $4,000
- Plumbing and electrical – $2,500
- Misc. expenses – $1,500
Total – Approximately $27,500
This covers a roofed structure with grill, sink, undercounter refrigerator, wine cooler, granite countertops, custom wood cabinetry, and required electrical, plumbing and gas lines. Costs for higher end materials or additional features would be added on top.
How to Save on Your Outdoor Kitchen Costs
To make an outdoor kitchen more affordable, consider these money-saving tips:
- Build in phases – Start with the essentials like a grill and prep space, adding more later.
- Do it yourself – Self-install a modular kit or handle parts of the build.
- Choose lower cost materials – Opt for concrete counters instead of granite, for example.
- Buy a portable grill – This avoids the need for gas lines and venting.
- Keep the design simple – Limit the footprint and unnecessary extras.
- Comparison shop – Get multiple quotes to find the best value.
- Look for sales and off-season deals on materials.
- Consider used appliances and budget-friendly brands.
Bottom Line on Outdoor Kitchen Costs
The price of an outdoor kitchen covers a wide range, with the averages falling between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the size and components. Luxury high-end builds can exceed $50,000. Careful planning, budget-friendly choices and phased construction can help keep costs down for your dream outdoor cooking and entertainment space.
FAQs about Building an Outdoor Kitchen
What is the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen?
The most affordable option is buying a modular do-it-yourself outdoor kitchen kit. These can often be installed for under $5,000. Using concrete instead of stone counters and avoiding complex gas or electrical features also saves money.
Should I build the outdoor kitchen myself or hire a contractor?
If you have strong DIY skills, building it yourself can save substantially on labor. But for more complex designs, hiring a professional may be worth the expense to get it done right. Many homeowners do a mix, handling parts of the project while contracting out skilled trades like electrical.
How much does an outdoor kitchen increase home value?
Adding an outdoor kitchen can boost your home’s value. According to Remodeling Magazine, an outdoor kitchen has one of the highest ROI’s at around 80-90% of the project cost. So a $20,000 kitchen could add approximately $16,000-$18,000 to the property value.
What appliances do you need for an outdoor kitchen?
At minimum, an outdoor kitchen should have a grill/cooktop and small sink. Other common appliances are a mini-fridge, ice maker, beverage cooler, pizza oven, burner side cooktop and warming drawer. You can customize it with any appliances you prefer based on your cooking and entertaining needs.
Should I build an outdoor kitchen under a covered patio or open air?
Covered outdoor kitchens have the advantage of allowing you to cook regardless of weather and also keep appliances protected. But good ventilation is critical, so talk to your contractor about hood vents. Open air designs have better airflow and also take advantage of nice weather.
Can I do an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
Yes, there are many ways to save on an outdoor kitchen. Opt for a smaller footprint, buy a modular kit, install yourself, choose budget-friendly materials and appliances, and avoid complex utilities. Focus on the essentials like a grill and sink rather than extras to keep your budget in check.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor kitchen is a significant investment that can cost anywhere from $5,000 on the low end up to $50,000 or more for high-end installations. Careful planning and creative cost-saving measures can help you construct an outdoor cooking oasis that fits your budget. Focus on the features that will get the most use and provide the biggest bang for your buck as you map out your ideal open-air kitchen within your price range. With an outdoor cooking and entertainment space, you’ll be ready to gather family and friends in your backyard for years to come.