Katie Phillips
Most outdoor kitchens range from 100 to 400 square feet to accommodate a cooking, prep, and dining area. 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.
An outdoor kitchen is very similar to any extension of your home, even if it remains partially open.
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, for example, typically consists of either wood, steel, or aluminum and will cost between $200 and $800 per linear foot.
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 : 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. 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.
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.
As you're considering an outdoor kitchen , remember that all these extra appliances and lighting fixtures will require access to dedicated outlets. However, outdoor outlets placed further away from your home can cost up to $1,400 to account for the extra waterproof safety equipment. 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. They will also hire trusted contractors for specialized work such as electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers.
Several stages of the outdoor kitchen process may require the cost of local building permits . Unlike a full outdoor kitchen, you'll just pay for a grill, a small counter area, and perhaps a simple sink. The most expansive space can fit a U-shaped or curved countertop, 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.
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.
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. 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.
In addition to the major players we listed above, consider the prices of these outdoor living space add-ons : 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
As a general rule of thumb, remove between the 20 and 40% that we mentioned above to compare DIY costs to hiring a professional. If the average outdoor kitchen cost looks a bit daunting, keep in mind that this is a very versatile project.
