How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?

Breakdown of Costs for an Outdoor Kitchen

So how much does an outdoor kitchen cost? While most families can expect to spend between $5,500 and $22,301, the cost can fluctuate greatly depending on each component you select. A grill, for example, can run for as little as $100 to as high as $6,000.

Let’s explore each essential outdoor kitchen cost to determine how much you might need to budget for each:

Built-In Grill 

The average cost to install a natural gas grill ranges from $150 to $850, but if you go for a high-end model, the total cost can exceed $6,000. If you want to keep costs down (and get that smoky flavor), you can purchase a traditional charcoal grill, around $150 to $1,000, or opt out of the built-in route altogether.

The grill is one of the most important outdoor kitchen cost factors; it serves as the centerpiece of your outdoor space. Once you've chosen the perfect option, you can group other components around its design and placement.

Fireplace and Fire Pit

The cost of an outdoor fireplace can range from $1,500 to $20,000, installed, and serves as a stunning focal point for your kitchen. If you live in a colder climate, it also makes your outdoor space usable in the winter.

You can install a fireplace as a separate feature from your grill or even use it as a cooking alternative. The ambiance of the open flame adds a unique touch. Look for wood fire cooking tips and recipes if you opt for a fireplace. 

As a cheaper alternative, you can install a fire pit in the seating area. The price of a fire pit for your space costs between $300 and $1,400. Premade units are cheaper, while custom in-ground fire pits will cost more, fully installed.

Sink 

On average, the cost to install a sink goes from $225 to $600, including laying the plumbing. More luxurious sink options or complicated plumbing work (if the kitchen is far away from water lines, for example) can drive the cost to $1,700 or more.

A sink is not absolutely necessary for an outdoor kitchen. It complicates the installation but can be convenient, especially if you want to simplify working with raw meat before it goes on the grill. It can also save you multiple trips in and out of the house to wash dishes.

Secondary Appliances

If your grill isn't enough, the average cost to install an electric or gas oven is $2,000, though prices can range from $350 to $15,000. A stone oven costs between $1,000 and $3,000. The cost to install other appliances, like a refrigerator, ranges between $125 and $300, plus the cost of the appliance itself.

If you want a refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen, a small under-the-counter version works best. Since this space is as much about ambiance as it is about function, a larger appliance could be an eyesore. A small stainless-steel fridge for drinks or food waiting for the grill tends to work well and adds a style element to a modern-looking kitchen.

Stone or Brick Finishing 

The finishing material you choose for your cabinet frame can greatly impact the cost of your outdoor kitchen. The table below breaks down costs for several popular finishing materials for your outdoor space, per square foot.

Countertops

Backyard kitchen countertops cost between $25 and $100 per square foot. Concrete or stainless steel may be more expensive, but they will stand the test of time in an outdoor kitchen better than less sturdy materials. Keep in mind that even if the area is covered, the surface will get more exposure to heat, sun, moisture, and cold.

The table below explores countertop material costs per square foot, not including installation labor.

Outdoor Framework

Outdoor framework costs can be one of the larger expenses for your outdoor project. On average, you’ll pay between $200 and $600 per linear foot for the framework.

Prefabricated wood units will be as little as $200 per linear foot. Custom and more durable hardwood options like teak, which stand up longer in harsh temperatures, can range up to $600 per linear foot.

Labor

A general contractor for an outdoor kitchen installation typically costs from $3,000 to $12,000, but prices can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. You may also need to hire a plumber, gas engineer, electrician, and/or landscaper.

• A plumber costs from $45 to $200 per hour. The cost of installing new pipes for your outdoor kitchen could range from $350 to $2,000 — or more for outdoor kitchens that are far from existing water lines.

• Running new gas lines costs between $15 and $25 per linear foot when installed by a qualified gas engineer or plumber.

• An electrician charges between $50 and $100 per hour and usually needs between 6 and 10 hours depending on your power needs.

Other Components and Cost Factors

Your outdoor kitchen price can quickly grow past the typical high end ($22,301) if you have to build additional structures, like a patio or pergola. Permits can also drive up the overall cost to build an outdoor kitchen.

• The average kitchen patio costs $3,650, or roughly $8 to $20 per square foot depending on materials.

• The cost to build a pergola ranges from $2,150 and $5,600. Building a gazebo costs from $2,950 to $9,300.

• Your project may require a permit. Building permits cost $1,350 on average, but construction permits for an outdoor kitchen might be as low as $150.

Other factors that could affect your overall outdoor kitchen cost are the distance from the house and whether you go for a custom build vs. a modular build.

Outdoor Kitchen Builds by Budget

If you have a set budget in mind for your outdoor kitchen, you might wonder how ambitious you can be with your limited funds. Let’s break down how extensive an outdoor kitchen you can afford at a $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 budget.

$10,000 Outdoor Kitchen

For $10,000, you can afford to build a budget-friendly outdoor kitchen with basic appliances. Your expenses might include

• Grill: $1,000

• Refrigerator: $200

• Basic cabinetry and counters

  • Stucco finishing: $3–$6 per square foot

  • Granite countertops: $15–$140 per square foot

  • Prefabricated material: $200 per linear foot

• Patio: $1,925

The remainder of your costs will cover the labor to install, permits, and basic patio furniture, like tables, chairs, and a premade fire pit.

This budget does not allow for a sink. If you already have the patio installed, you can likely afford for a plumber to install a sink, assuming the outdoor kitchen is close to existing water lines.

$25,000 Outdoor Kitchen

The average high-end cost for an outdoor kitchen falls under $25,000, meaning you can get a high-quality kitchen for this budget. Your expenses might include:

• Grill: $3,000

• Refrigerator: $400

• Sink: $600

• Fireplace: $1,500

• Moderate cabinetry and counters

  • Manufactured stone finishing: $15–$25 per square foot

  • Concrete countertops: $50–$100 per square foot

  • Moderate hardwood frame: $400 per linear foot

• Patio: $3,650

• Pergola or gazebo: $2,150–$2,950

The remainder of your costs will cover the labor to install, permits, and higher-quality patio furniture, like tables and chairs.

$50,000 Outdoor Kitchen

An ultra-luxury outdoor kitchen can cost up to $100,000, but what can you get for half that price?

• Grill: $6,000

• Refrigerator: $600

• Sink: $1,700

• Fireplace: $10,000–$20,000

• High-quality cabinetry and counters

  • Natural stone finishing: $25–$45 per square foot

  • Teak countertops: $100–$200 per square foot

  • Teak framework: $600 per linear foot

• Patio: $5,500

• Pergola or gazebo: $5,600–$9,300

If your project covers a larger area or is farther away from electrical and water lines, your increased budget of $50,000 can also help with higher labor costs for installation and construction. In addition, your budget will cover permits and high-quality patio furniture.

Cost to Install a Backyard Kitchen Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

You can save about 20% to 40% of the project costs by taking on a small backyard kitchen project yourself. That might include adding some shelving and counter space to your grill. Anything more complex requires extensive expertise and experience.

Adding plumbing, electricity, or gas lines requires professionals who know how to follow local building codes and keep the space safe and dry. The right experts can also recommend good materials and help in the permitting process.

If you have some contracting experience, you can save on some of the project's budget by building the kitchen framework, then letting a pro handle the rest. Find quality outdoor kitchen builders near you for anything from planning to applying the finishing touches.

FAQs

Can I build an outdoor kitchen with metal studs?

You can build a backyard kitchen with metal studs or a wooden framework. Metal is extremely durable and will last 50 to 100 years, but it also costs about $400 to $600 per linear foot. Hire a pro if you want durability but don't know how to work the material.

How can I build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

Building an outdoor kitchen on a budget requires strategy. Planning the perfect outdoor kitchen includes several factors that can influence the pricing:

• Location: The closer to your home, the less expensive the renovation will be.

• Flooring: Building the space on an existing patio saves $8 to $20 per square foot in flooring costs.

• Installation: If you don't need to worry about electricity, gas lines, or plumbing, you can save thousands.

• Appliances: Limit yourself to your basic needs to save on installation costs. The grill is the most important component.

How do I level my outdoor kitchen?

When leveling your backyard space, ensure the patio and countertop are level. Ideally, you should level the yard before installation begins; you can find a local yard grading and leveling contractor for this service. Most metal or wooden framework studs also include leveling arms to minimize problems.

What are the best footing options for an outdoor kitchen?

Many prefab kitchen frameworks include footing options that work on your existing patio. For custom frameworks, poured concrete tends to be your builders' preferred choice.

Do outdoor kitchens need to be covered in the winter?

If you live in a climate with four distinct seasons, you should plan to winterize your space every fall.

• Shut off and drain all water lines.

• Turn off the fridge.

• Clean the sink and potentially remove the faucet.

• Cover the grill and any other open appliances.

• Seal your cabinets.

Can I build an outdoor kitchen out of wood?

Wood can work well and look beautiful in this backyard space. Pressure-treated pine works well for the framework, and teak makes sense for both cabinets and countertops.

Do outdoor kitchens add value to your home?

Adding a backyard kitchen to your property can increase your home's monetary value by around 60% of its price—if the design matches your home and flows well with the rest of the house and property. In warmer climates where the space is usable around the year, that can rise to 100% or more of the budget you put into it. The functional value of adding another room to your home makes this a project with a high return on your investment.