How Much Does It Cost To Build An Outdoor Kitchen?

Are you thinking about upgrading your backyard with an outdoor kitchen? If so, you’re probably asking yourself, “How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen?” Outdoor kitchens provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while cooking, eating, and entertaining guests. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine how much it will cost to build an outdoor kitchen.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different factors that can impact the cost of building an outdoor kitchen and provide you with a breakdown of the expenses. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what an outdoor kitchen costs so you can make an informed decision about your outdoor kitchen project.

How Much Does It Cost To Build An Outdoor Kitchen?

Before we jump into the various factors that can affect the cost of building an outdoor kitchen, let’s take a closer look at what most homeowners pay to have an outdoor kitchen installed. Per Home Advisor, the average cost of building an outdoor kitchen is $15,641, with most homeowners paying between $6,258 and $25,695.

Small basic outdoor kitchens can run as little as a few thousand dollars, while larger, deluxe outdoor kitchens can cost $100,000 or more. This is a fairly large price range because there are many variables that can affect your final cost.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can raise or lower the cost of an outdoor kitchen installation project.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost: Scope Of Project

The first factor in determining the cost of building an outdoor kitchen is the scope of your project. Are you installing just a propane grill, or are you planning on having multiple appliances like a stovetop or oven? Are you looking to include additional features such as an outdoor sink, mini fridge, or outdoor fireplace? The more features you add to your outdoor kitchen, the higher the cost will be.

You should also consider whether or not you want counter space for food prep and seating for your guests. All these factors will contribute to the overall cost of your project. 

The size, complexity, and type of materials used in building the foundation for your outdoor kitchen will also affect the total cost. For example, if you don’t have an existing patio, building an entirely new patio to house your outdoor kitchen may add significantly to the overall cost. If you need a new patio built for your outdoor kitchen installation or just want to replace your existing patio, you can view pricing details for our patio installation service here.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost: Your Location

Where you live also plays a role in determining how much it costs to build an outdoor kitchen. Different regions have different labor rates and materials costs, so be sure to factor those into your budget when planning for your project. 

Here are some of the biggest cost factors impacted by where you live.

Labor: If you live in an area with higher labor costs, then you can expect those costs to be reflected in the total price. On the other hand, if you live in an area with cheaper labor costs, then those savings will be passed onto you when it comes time to build your outdoor kitchen. Local building codes and associated permitting costs can also be a factor.

Materials: In areas with a high cost of living, such as large metropolitan areas, you can expect to pay more for materials. Per Home Advisor, the cost of finishing materials for your cabinet frames can run from as low as $3 per square foot for stucco to as high as $45 per square foot for natural stone material. 

Similarly, the cost of the countertop material can be as low as $1 per square foot for low-end porcelain or ceramic tile or as high as $200 per square foot for premium teak.

Climate: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need to invest in materials that can withstand those conditions, which could also add to the overall cost. The weather conditions of your location can also affect your outdoor living space design. For example, in Reno, Nevada, many homeowners opt to get a pergola constructed over their outdoor kitchen area to provide shade and protection from the sun.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost: Type

Another factor that can impact the cost of building an outdoor kitchen is the type of outdoor kitchen you choose to build. There are two major types of outdoor kitchens:

Prefabricated or pre-assembled outdoor kitchens: These are typically the most affordable option. These outdoor kitchens are pre-built and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Although this is the most budget-friendly type of outdoor kitchen, pre-assembled components may not be available in the style and materials you prefer. They may also be lower quality than other options.

Modular outdoor kitchens: Modular outdoor kitchens are ready-to-assemble kits that can be configured in a variety of ways. They typically come with a frame that can be assembled and then covered with materials such as stucco or tile. These types of outdoor kitchens are typically more expensive than prefabricated options. RTA Outdoor Living kitchens are a good example of this type of outdoor kitchen.

Custom-built outdoor kitchens: Custom-built outdoor kitchens are the most expensive option but are also generally considered the highest quality option. These are typically built by a contractor who will work with you to build exactly what you want. With a custom outdoor kitchen, you can create a unique design that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost: When You Buy

Not surprisingly, there is a seasonality factor for building an outdoor kitchen. Many manufacturers of prefabricated or modular outdoor kitchens will offer discounts on their products during the off-season.

For example, buying during peak seasons (such as summer) will likely result in higher prices than buying during off-peak seasons (such as winter). Buying during sales events such as Black Friday could also save you money on certain items like grills and other appliances. 

This may be less of a factor if you are getting a custom-built outdoor kitchen installed by a contractor, although they may have their own preferred time of the year to work outdoors.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost: What Materials You Select

The type of materials used to construct your outdoor kitchen can also have a big impact on its overall price tag. You can find a wide range of options when it comes to design and materials used in building an outdoor kitchen, so it’s important to consider what type of look and feel you want for yours before making any decisions. 

If you’re looking for something more traditional or rustic, you may want to consider using stone or brick, which are more expensive than other materials like wood or concrete but can give your space a timeless look that will last for years. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more modern and sleek, then stainless steel might be the way to go, as it’s more affordable but still looks great! 

Here are some of the primary components of an outdoor kitchen and how they impact the overall cost.

Countertops: Countertops can be made of a variety of materials, including concrete, granite, tile, and more. The cost of countertops will depend on the type of material you choose. If you opt for high-end materials such as soapstone or granite countertops, then expect those costs to increase exponentially compared to more budget-friendly options such as concrete or wood. 

Cabinets: Cabinets can be made of wood, stainless steel, or other materials. Custom cabinets can be expensive, while pre-built options are typically more affordable.

Appliances: Finally, the types of appliances you buy for your outdoor kitchen will have a big impact on the final cost. Do you want a basic grill, or do you want something more sophisticated, like a rotisserie grill? The cost of a grill can vary significantly depending on the brand, size, and features. 

A basic gas grill can cost a few hundred dollars, while a high-end model can cost several thousand dollars. Depending on what type of appliance it is and where it’s sourced from, prices can vary significantly from one item to another, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your project. 

Other Outdoor Kitchen Cost Considerations

Here are a few other cost considerations to keep in mind when thinking about the overall price of an outdoor kitchen.

Perimeter vs Satellite Outdoor Kitchens

Another consideration when building an outdoor kitchen is whether you want to create a perimeter outdoor kitchen or a satellite outdoor kitchen. A perimeter outdoor kitchen is built as an extension of your home, while a satellite outdoor kitchen is built as a separate, standalone structure.

Since perimeter kitchens are built closer to the home, some homeowners opt not to install a full-size refrigerator or extra sinks in their outdoor kitchen areas. However, even if they do opt to have those components installed, it may still be cheaper since any plumbing or electrical systems might be able to be incorporated into the home’s existing systems.

On the other hand, since a satellite kitchen is further away from the house, you may need to have additional plumbing, electrical, or gas lines installed to reach it. This will require the services of a professional electrician or plumber, which will add to your final outdoor kitchen cost.

Utility Costs

On a related note, the ongoing cost of utilities is another factor that needs to be considered when thinking about installing an outdoor kitchen. For example, if you have an outdoor gas oven, this will add to your overall gas bill. Similarly, an additional sink or refrigerator will add to your water and electric bills, respectively.

Framework Costs

Although the framework won’t be visible after the outdoor kitchen is complete, it does carry a high cost that should also be considered. Depending on what materials you select, framework costs can run from $200 per linear foot for prefabricated units to $600 per linear foot or more for a custom-built framework. This includes using high-end durable hardwoods such as teak for the framework.

Landscaping Costs

Another crucial consideration to keep in mind when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen is landscaping. After all, what’s the point of building an outdoor kitchen if the outdoor space isn’t attractive?

The cost of landscaping around your outdoor kitchen will vary widely depending on the size of the area, the existing condition of the landscape, and the plants and materials you select. Property Care Systems can help you design the perfect landscape for your backyard paradise. We specialize in using native plants that are well-adapted to the climate of Nevada and provide a habitat for local insects and animals. You can see pricing details for our three tiers of landscape design here.

Build Your Dream Outdoor Living Space With Property Care Systems

Building an outdoor kitchen is not cheap, but with careful planning and research, you can make sure that you get an outdoor kitchen that works best for your space and budget. Knowing what factors go into determining how much it costs–from the scope of the project and location to the types of materials you select–should give you the confidence to make the right decision about designing and constructing your dream backyard oasis.

Here at Property Care Systems, we understand the importance of quality work. That is why we offer an industry-leading 3-year craftsmanship warranty on all our work. If you’re ready to start planning your own outdoor kitchen oasis, fill out our contact form today, and one of our representatives will get back to you soon!