Outdoor kitchens have been trending among homeowners who take their entertaining space very seriously. If you're planning to host a backyard barbecue or a luxurious dinner party - an outdoor kitchen is a perfect solution.
But, how much does the outdoor kitchen cost? In this guide, our expert will cover the various factors to determine the cost of an outdoor kitchen and give you a rough estimate of what budget to expect to pay in 2023.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Breakdown
The cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary greatly depending on the size, materials, and features you choose. Here is a general breakdown of the average costs you may encounter when building an outdoor kitchen:
- Materials: This includes the cost of the cabinets, countertops, lighting, and other materials used to build the kitchen. The cost of materials can go from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, it all comes down to the quality and type of materials you select.
- Labor: This has the cost of hiring contractors and gas engineers to install the outdoor kitchens, including the gas lines. The final cost of labor depends on the complexity of the project, the location of your home, and the experience and reputation of the contractors you hire.
- Appliances: This refers to the cost of appliances you pick for your outdoor kitchen, such as a grill, refrigerator, sink, and more. The cost of appliances, again, depends on the quality of the appliance and the type of appliance you select.
- Electrical and plumbing: This includes the cost of running electrical and plumbing lines to your outdoor kitchen, which requires the services of a certified electrician and plumber.
- Permits: Depending on your location, you need to obtain permits for your outdoor kitchen, which can add to the overall kitchen costs.
This breakdown is a general estimation, and your actual outdoor kitchen cost depends on your specific circumstances. To get an accurate estimate of kitchen costs, you should consult a contractor or design professional.
Cost of Outdoor Kitchen by Size
When considering the cost of an outdoor kitchen installation by size, our experts cover the main four: kitchenette, small, medium, and large.
Other than the size, you should also take into account all the factors mentioned above: labor, materials, appliance, electrical, and plumbing Permits, all will affect the final cost.
Am outdoor kitchenette is typically the smallest in size and can be a great option if you have limited space or a tight budget. It generally consists of a small countertop area for grilling and food prep, as well as one or two shelves for extra storage. Kitchenette outdoor kitchens can range from approximately $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the materials used, added features, and other factors.
Small outdoor kitchens are ideal if you have extra space to work with but still want to keep costs relatively low. These typically include a larger kitchen countertops area than the kitchenette, with room for cooking and prepping food. It can include burners and drawers. The cost of this size of kitchen installation can range between $2,000–$4,000 depending on, again, the materials used and additional features selected and what our experts mentioned as cost factors above.
Medium-sized outdoor kitchens provide more space for added features such as sinks, refrigerators, storage units, and large cooking surface area with plenty of kitchen cabinets. These typically start around $4,000 and can cost more depending on additional features you desire or higher-end materials used.
The largest size usually consists of multiple cooking surfaces and other amenities such as sinks, refrigerators, bars, grills, or even ovens incorporated into the design. These generally start at $7,500 but can reach up to tens of thousands, again it all depends on your budget frame and the other factors our experts listed above.
Additional Costs to Consider
When assessing the cost of an outdoor kitchen, there are many key elements to consider on top of what our experts have already covered. The additional factors are furniture, fireplace, fire pit, lighting, pest control, and maintenance.
Furniture for an outdoor kitchen can range in cost depending on the type and quality of materials. A simple set of patio furniture of chairs and a table with a basic umbrella can be relatively inexpensive while more luxurious items like an outdoor sectional sofa or dining set made from teak wood may be more expensive for outdoor living space.
Fireplaces and fire pits come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. if you're on a budget and chances are you are - portable models or ones constructed from concrete blocks can be found at home improvement stores in affordable cost.
Lighting is another factor to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen; either hardwired electrical lights or solar-powered lanterns can provide a functional yet decorative addition to any outdoor living space.
Pest control are another key factor to consider. Certain plants like marigolds have natural insect-repellent properties that may help reduce the pest around your outdoor kitchen.
Also, maintenance is a factor to considre - keeping your outdoor outdoor living space looking its best; cleaning up debris regularly and sealing the surface material will ensure years of use without any problems down the line.
According to our experts, we can't talk about outdoor kitchen costs without covering and explaining prefab vs. modular outdoor kitchens, as each choice will affect the final cost.
Prefab outdoor kitchens are usually made from pre-manufactured pieces that can be ordered in bulk and assembled quickly on-site. They typically come with grills, countertops, sinks, cabinets, and other accessories already installed.
The benefit of prefab outdoor kitchens is that they are cost-effective and easy to install. However, they do not offer as much customization or personalization as modular outdoor kitchens.
Modular outdoor kitchen designs involve the use of individual components that can be mixed and matched in various ways to create a personalized look. Popular components include refrigerators, ovens, grills, drawers, sink units, cabinets, islands, bars, and more.
One advantage of modular designs is they offer flexibility for both design and budget; homeowners have the freedom to choose from a wide range of materials and styles to suit their tastes and needs without exceeding their budget.
Modular designs also tend to be more durable than prefab ones because individual components can easily be replaced if needed. On the downside, however, modular designs generally require more time and effort for installation compared to prefab since each component must be carefully selected according to the homeowner's preferences before it can be put together correctly on-site.
In terms of cost comparison between prefab kits and modular design systems, it depends on the specific products being purchased as well as how many components are desired for the finished project.
Generally speaking though, prefab kits tend to be lower in cost due to their lower labor costs associated with the installation while also offering a shorter turnaround time for completion.
Conversely, modular outdoor kitchen designs may have higher upfront costs due to the purchase price of individual components but are often more economical over time since replacing faulty or outdated parts is simple because each component is independent.
Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen Yourself
The cost of building an outdoor kitchen yourself depends on the size, materials, and features you want to include.
Here are some average costs for materials and equipment:
- Concrete countertops: $60 to $100 per square foot
- Stainless steel appliances: $1,000 to $5,000 each
- Stone or brick veneer: $10 to $30 per square foot
- Wood cabinetry: $100 to $300 per linear foot
- Plumbing and electrical: $500 to $2,000
- Grills and burners: $200 to $1,000 each
These are just rough estimations and the actual cost will depend on your specific outdoor kitchen project.
Another factor that controls your budget is the cost of necessary permits, tools, and supplies, such as concrete mix, grout, and tiles.
When building an outdoor kitchen yourself, you should have a cost calculator budget and plan, as well as the skills and experience necessary to safely and effectively complete the project.
If you're not confident in your abilities, you should hire a contractor to handle some or all of the work.
Does an outdoor kitchen add value?
Yes, an outdoor kitchen adds tremendous value to your home. It is not just a beautiful and
functional living space for hosting friends and family, but it can also increase the real estate value.
Outdoor kitchens help make the outdoors more livable, allowing you to entertain, cook, eat, and relax outside. They also increase useable square footage in your outdoor area as well as their form of aesthetic charm that blends with the environment.
Whether you’re considering an outdoor kitchen for entertaining or simply adding some comfortable features to enjoy nature without leaving home, this investment will be worth it in the long run.
Do you need planning permission or permits for an outdoor kitchen?
You will probably need permission or permits for an outdoor kitchen. It depends on local building codes and zoning regulations. It's best to check with your local building department to determine the specific requirements for your project.
Generally speaking, when outdoor kitchens are attached to a house and include plumbing or electrical work will require a building permit.
You may need a permit for structural changes, such as adding a roof or walls to your outdoor kitchen.
You may also need planning permission if your outdoor kitchen is in a designated conservation area or when it exceeds size or height restrictions. By obtaining the necessary permits and following local building codes, you can ensure that your outdoor kitchen is safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.
The best Outside Cabinet:
Mophorn BBQ Double Access Door 31W x 24H Inch, BBQ Door Stainless Steel Wall Construction Vertical, Outdoor Kitchen Door for BBQ Island, Grilling Station, Outside Cabinet
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,594 ratings
According to our experts, Mophorn BBQ Double Access Door is a solid addition to any outdoor kitchen or grilling station.
The door is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting. The 31W x 24H inches is perfect for most outdoor kitchen setups, and the double access design allows easy access to your grilling essentials. The door fits perfectly into a vertical wall construction, making installation a breeze. These cabinet doors are recommended to anyone in the market for an outdoor kitchen door.
Bes outdoor gas grill:
Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
4.7 out of 5 stars
4,060 ratings
According to our experts, the Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a well-designed, high-performance grill made of durable stainless steel.
It features two burners that can be independently controlled, providing a total cooking area of 450 square inches. The cabinet design gives ample storage space for grilling tools and accessories, making it convenient and efficient. The side shelves are also collapsible, making it easy to transport or store the grill when not in use.
The grill heats up quickly and evenly, with a consistent temperature across the entire cooking surface. The flame tamers distribute heat evenly and prevent flare-ups, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection every time. The stainless steel grates are easy to clean, and the grease management system helps to keep the grill running smoothly.
Best sink:
Free Standing Stainless-Steel Single Bowl Commercial Restaurant Kitchen Sink Set w/Faucet & Drainboard, Prep & Utility Washing Hand Basin w/Workbench & Storage Shelves Indoor Outdoor (39 in)
3.9 out of 5 stars
322 ratings
Our experts find the Free Standing Stainless-Steel Single Bowl Commercial Restaurant Kitchen Sink Set a great choice for an outdoor cooking setup.
The high-quality stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean, ensuring long-lasting use. The included faucet and drainboard are convenient, and washing and prepping are a breeze.
The size of 39 inches is suitable for a variety of tasks, and the included workbench and storage shelves provide additional space for all your cooking essentials. Users like the design and the relatively easy setup.
FAQs
How much does setting up an outdoor BBQ cost?
The cost of setting up an outdoor BBQ can vary greatly depending on the type of grill, features, and accessories you choose. On average, a basic gas grill can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, while a high-end gas grill can cost $2,000 or more.
The cost of accessories, such as a cover, a rotisserie, and a side burner, can add another $100 to $500 to the overall cost. If you want to build a more permanent outdoor kitchen, including a grill station, countertops, cabinets, and a roof, the cost can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
You should select an outdoor BBQ to fit your needs, budget, and the size of your outdoor space.
What are some tips to hire outdoor kitchen builders?
When hiring outdoor kitchen builders, you should take the time to find the right contractor for the job. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Get referrals from friends and family or search online for local contractors.
- Look for contractors with experience building outdoor kitchens and a good reputation.
- Get multiple bids and compare costs and services.
- You should browse through reviews and check for any red flags, like disputes with clients or past legal trouble.
- When contacting contractor references - get a sense of the contractor's work and customer service.
Verify the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. - Communicate your design and budget requirements, as well as your timeline for the project.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a qualified and reliable contractor who can help you build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
Conclusion
Ultimately, outdoor kitchens in 2023 have the potential to be an excellent addition to your home, but they can become expensive. Depending on the size, scope, and additional features of your outdoor kitchen setup, you may end up spending more than you expected.
We hope you will find this guide helps with your diligence and finding the perfect balance between quality and costs.
