How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in 2025?
An outdoor kitchen costs an average of $16,480
On average, an outdoor kitchen costs between $6,348 and $26,903 with an average total of $16,480.
Major outdoor kitchen cost drivers include size, materials, appliances, and labor.
Well-designed outdoor kitchens can yield a high ROI and enhance home value.
Budgeting effectively helps prevent unexpected expenses, and hiring a professional to install your outdoor kitchen ensures a code-compliant, durable build.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building an outdoor kitchen runs between $6,348 and $26,903 on average, or $16,480 for most homeowners. Your final price is determined by size, materials, labor, and an average rate of $33 to $130 per square foot. Who you hire to build your outdoor kitchen and how well you plan your budget also matter. Done right, an outdoor kitchen can pay you back with a strong return on investment.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Factors
Every choice—from a basic sink to a high-end built-in grill—moves the total price up or down. Here’s a closer look at your outdoor kitchen cost breakdown.
Size
Most outdoor kitchens cover 100 to 400 square feet, providing ample room for prepping, cooking, and dining. Building an outdoor kitchen costs between $33 and $130 per square foot. For an average-sized outdoor kitchen, total costs can reach up to $52,000.
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 or less | $3,300–$13,000 |
| 100–200 | $6,600–$26,000 |
| 200–400 | $9,900–$39,000 |
| 400 | $13,200–$52,000 |
Quality
Framework and finishes consume a significant portion of the budget, and higher-grade materials always cost more upfront. It’s important to weigh the material expenses against the return on investment. For example, premium countertop and cabinetry materials may increase costs but offer superior durability and incur lower maintenance and repair costs in the long term.
Labor
Plan on labor accounting for 20% to 40% of your budget. Most outdoor-kitchen pros charge a flat percentage instead of an hourly rate, so you’ll see their fee folded into the total estimate.
Most outdoor kitchen projects involve electrical wiring, plumbing, and gas line connections in addition to general construction. Many homeowners opt to hire a general contractor, ideally one who specializes in outdoor kitchen building and kitchen remodeling, rather than separately hiring carpenters, electricians, plumbers, kitchen designers, and other professionals. General contractors employ the necessary subcontractors and build these costs into the project estimate.
| Contractor Type | Rate per Hour |
|---|---|
| Plumber | $45–$200 |
| Gas plumber | $45–$200 |
| Electrician | $50–$150 |
Permits
Check local rules before you break ground—most towns require permits for structural, plumbing, or wiring work. Permit prices rise with project size. Permits for building patios, installing pipes, adding wiring or outlets, and other projects range from $50 to $500 each. Altogether, expect to pay between $250 and $2,000 for permits. Contractors often include permit fees in the project estimate.
Customization Level
You can keep costs low with a prefab or modular kit that comes with the basics, such as a grill and counter, or design a fully custom setup and pay top dollar for every detail.
Kits on the higher end of the cost range may include high-quality finishes, but you may need to purchase additional materials to fit the kitchen to your space. Customized builds are the most expensive and may include entirely customized frameworks and finishes, or a combination of prefabricated and customized elements.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost by Component
Outdoor kitchens can be as simple as a basic grill, sink, and prep area, while others feature extensive customization and luxury amenities.
| Component | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Framing | $200–$800 |
| Flooring | $1–$60 per sq. ft. |
| Built-in grill | $100–$5,000 |
| Appliances and fixtures | $1,500–$7,000 |
| Cabinetry | $3–$45 per sq. ft. |
| Countertops | $15–$185 per sq. ft. |
| Lighting | $260 per fixture |
| Enclosures | $2,100–$6,100 |
| Furniture | $300–$5,000 |
| Electric heater | $100–$300 |
| Fireplace | $1,500–$20,000 |
| Fire pit | $200–$3,000 |
Framework
The basic structure of the outdoor kitchen's framework ranges from $200 to $800 per linear foot. The framework is made of weather-resistant materials, including wood, steel, brick, and aluminum. Each option offers various price points depending on the level of quality and customization.
Flooring
Flooring costs vary depending on whether you’re building on an existing structure or building a new patio or deck. Existing structures may only require relatively minor adjustments to accommodate the weight and heat generated by the kitchen. A new patio or deck costs between $1 and $60 per square foot. Final flooring costs depend on the specific construction requirements, permits, and materials.
| Flooring Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $3–$8 |
| Decking | $30–$60 |
| Gravel | $1–$4 |
| Natural stone | $3–$35 |
| Brick pavers | $8–$25 |
| Permeable pavers | $10–$30 |
Built-In Grill
Aside from a basic framework and flooring, a grill is the basic requirement for an outdoor kitchen. Grills cost anywhere from $100 for basic standalone and charcoal models to $6,000 or more for high-end options. Customized built-in grills carry the highest costs, up to $10,000. The main factors influencing grill costs include:
Fuel type
Flat top vs. griddle
Size
Warming drawers
Integrated rotisseries
Built-in lights
Smoker
Warranties
Range hood
Appliances and Fixtures
Additional appliances and fixtures aren’t strictly necessary, but features like refrigerators, sinks, pizza ovens, and other amenities dramatically enhance the outdoor kitchen experience. These features similarly influence pricing. Most homeowners pay an average of $1,500 to $7,000, but these costs can increase drastically for high-end or multiple appliances.
For instance, homeowners may pay as little as $215 to install a basic sink, or they might opt for a mini- or full-size fridge, oven, garbage disposal, and other features for a more versatile and convenient kitchen configuration.
| Appliance | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $400–$4,000 |
| Dishwasher | $400–$2,000 |
| Pizza oven | $800–$2,000 |
| Wine cooler | $400–$2,000 |
| Garbage disposal | $100–$1,100 |
| Ice maker | $300–$2,000 |
| Sink | $215–$630 |
Countertops
Averaging between $15 and $185 per square foot, countertops are essential to your outdoor kitchen’s food prep area. Standard countertop materials generally hold up well outdoors, especially when protected by an overhead covering.
Consider your kitchen’s outdoor design and the weather elements. For instance, wood countertops may be at risk of warping and rotting and need extra care and maintenance. In comparison, stainless steel and granite's low maintenance and durability make them popular countertop materials.
| Countertop Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Wood | $18–$38 |
| Stainless steel | $60–$100 |
| Granite | $15–$140 |
| Concrete | $70–$140 |
| Corian | $20–$75 |
| Soapstone | $60–$185 |
Lighting
Total lighting costs for an outdoor kitchen range from $500 to $3,000, with an average of $260 per fixture. Outdoor ceiling fans cost between $70 and $4,000.
Outdoor lighting is essential for functionality and ambiance if you plan to use your outdoor kitchen after sunset. Task lighting illuminates preparation and cooking areas, while ambient lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere in dining and seating areas.
Amenities and Add-Ons
Additional features enhance the comfort and usability of your outdoor kitchen.
Awnings, pergolas, or gazebos range from $2,100 to $6,100 and add weather protection.
Furniture costs between $300 and $5,000 and may include bar seating, dining table and chairs, and accent furnishings.
Electric heaters keep your space cozy and cost between $100 and $500.
Other heating options include outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, ranging from $200 to $20,000.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Increase Home Value?
Outdoor kitchens offer a high return on investment, especially when they feature high-quality materials and equipment, as well as an appealing design that complements the home. Outdoor kitchens can increase your home’s monetary value by between 60% and 100% of the money you put into them. Besides adding outdoor and entertaining space, outdoor kitchens can also add a luxury factor to a property's appraisal value.
Budgeting for an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen offers a high return but carries significant upfront expenses. Streamline your budget and avoid unnecessary or surprise costs with these strategies:
Get multiple quotes from contractors to find the best value.
Install the kitchen close to your home to minimize the work required for utility connections.
Build the kitchen on an existing patio or deck.
Select a framework, materials, and appliances that strike a balance between quality and cost.
Opt for off-season installation for better contractor rates.
Minimize unnecessary customization and premium features.
DIY vs. Hiring a Kitchen Installation Pro
Tackling an outdoor kitchen as a DIY project can reduce overall costs by eliminating labor expenses, but installing plumbing, electrical lines, and gas hookups requires careful planning and may involve code requirements. Mistakes in these areas can lead to safety hazards or expensive rework.
Hiring a professional outdoor kitchen builder in your area ensures all utilities are correctly installed and meet local regulations. Pros often have access to better pricing on materials and can handle complex tasks more efficiently. While the upfront investment is higher, professional installation results in a safer, more polished outdoor kitchen that saves time and stress in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most outdoor kitchen pros finish the actual build in four to six weeks. That window covers framing, flooring, utilities, and appliance installation. Your timeline may stretch if the site needs extra prep, special-order materials, or you hit a busy season for contractors. Remember, planning, permits, and design meetings happen before the clock starts, so budget extra time for those steps.
In cold or wet climates, winterizing is worth the effort. Seal countertops, drain water lines, cover appliances, and ensure that cabinets and fixtures are constructed from weather-resistant materials, such as granite or stainless steel. Adding a roof or pergola helps protect surfaces from snow, rain, and UV rays. A few preventative steps each fall can keep repairs and frustration to a minimum come spring.
Yes—placing the kitchen against the house makes hooking up gas, water, and power simpler and cheaper. Keep anything that emits open flames—such as grills, griddles, and pizza ovens—at least 10 feet away from siding or other combustible materials. Check local fire codes before finalizing the layout so you stay safe and compliant.
You’ll need weather-rated outlets for appliances such as blenders, refrigerators, and lights. Ensure that every receptacle is GFCI-protected to shut off power quickly if moisture seeps in—a code requirement in most areas. A licensed electrician can run wiring, install the boxes, and add covers that stand up to sun and rain.
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