How Much Does It Cost To Build an Outdoor Kitchen? Factors To Consider and FAQ

As you consider building an outdoor kitchen, you probably hope to find a good round estimate of the prospective cost so you can peek into your savings to see whether it’s a possibility.

We can’t give you that one number you’re looking for, but we can help you develop a likely range for the cost of your project.

Read on to learn how various factors influence the overall cost of building an outdoor kitchen and how the decision can benefit you and your home itself.

Table of Contents

• How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
• 6 Factors That Determine How Much an Outdoor Kitchen Costs To Build
• Commonly Asked Questions About the Cost of an Outdoor Kitchen
• Is It Worth It To Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
• Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value?
• Three Rivers Custom Decks: Professional Custom Designers of Outdoor Kitchens and More

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

The cost of an outdoor kitchen depends on just how extensive you want your project to be. Just as you would designing or remodeling an indoor kitchen, you can choose to go a more economical route or shoot the moon.  

For a truly functional outdoor kitchen, you should budget at least $25,000, to include plumbing and gas, propane, or electric. Beyond that, it depends on the appliances, coverings, add-ons, and the location of your home. For a high-end kitchen with top-notch accessories, you could pay up to $100,000.

To determine more narrowly the price range for the outdoor kitchen you envision, contact Three Rivers Custom Decks for a quote. 

 

6 Factors That Determine How Much an Outdoor Kitchen Costs To Build

#1: Size

The size of your kitchen depends on many things, such as how you want to use the space, how much space you can build on, and how much money you can dedicate to the project.

Prices range widely depending on the size and scope of the kitchen. A mini kitchen with a basic set up will cost substantially less than a large kitchen with extensive fixtures and add-ons. Prices could range anywhere from $3,000 to well over $50,000.

#2: Location

The closer the outdoor kitchen is to your home, the less it will cost. A perimeter kitchen, located near the perimeter of your house, can share gas, electrical, and water lines that already serve your dwelling. Thus you can save money by not having to hire a plumber or electrician.

The proximity of a perimeter kitchen also gives you easy access to your indoor appliances, so you may not need to buy an outdoor sink or fridge. This can save a good deal of money.

A kitchen built as an entity separated from the house is called a satellite kitchen and needs its own appliances and sink. As such, you’ll need to hire a plumber and electrician. Consider their hourly rates for the overall cost of labor for installing gas, electrical, and water lines.

A satellite kitchen will give you a fully functional space to entertain guests and is more easily customized than perimeter kitchens, allowing you the freedom to follow a unique design.

#3: Appliances

Besides a grill, any appliance in your indoor kitchen — such as a refrigerator and dishwasher — can be installed in your outdoor kitchen.

Grill prices vary widely depending on the type of grill and its functions. Charcoal grills are the cheapest at $150-400 and yield tasty results, but they can be annoying to handle and clean. A good-quality three-burner gas grill costs $500-700. Bigger grills, with four or five burners and extra functions, can run about $1,200.

Though you can find smaller refrigerators for less than $1,000 and luxury refrigerators for up to $10,000, mid-range models cost around $1,500.

An outdoor dishwasher can cost between $400 and $1,200, depending on its size and quality.

#4: Covering

Some kind of shelter from the elements, such as a pergola or awning, may be essential to your enjoyment and the functionality of your outdoor kitchen. An awning attached to your house and spreading out over a perimeter kitchen can cost, on average, $2,705. 

Pergolas are more permanent structures that allow protection from the sun as well as a way to grow your plants in vertical space. Their cost ranges from about $2,140 to $6,350, the pre-manufactured pergolas costing less than those that are custom-built.

#5: Materials

An outdoor kitchen, although it is not indoors, still needs a framework that includes:

• Surrounding walls that provide structural support for appliances, countertops, and cabinetry
  • Steel: Strong, versatile, and durable, steel can withstand extremes of temperature and wind. The beams are riveted together, bolted to a concrete slab, and covered with a “skin” of cement board. Stucco, stone, or tile may be used to cover the cement board, potentially accommodating a wide variety of styles. 
  • Concrete block or brick: This weather and fire-resistant material is easy to work with. It must be built on a solid, level slab of concrete.
  • Wood: Though it may cost less upfront, wood may end up being more costly because it is prone to damage by rot, moisture, heat, and insects.
• Flooring
  • Concrete: Although it must be sealed and is prone to cracking, it is the cheapest option and is versatile and sturdy.
  • Gravel: One of the cheapest options, gravel is difficult to keep clean and does not provide a level surface for appliances.
  • Pavers: Brick pavers are durable and affordable, but they are porous and should be sealed. They do not get slippery and can bear the weight of heavy furniture.
  • Natural stone: A durable option that may or may not need sealing, depending on the type of stone used.
  • Wood: A more expensive option, wood requires more maintenance, but it is durable, strong, and aesthetically pleasant.
• Countertops
  • Wood: A hardwood rated for outdoor use with a water-resistant seal can serve effectively as a countertop.
  • Stainless steel: Although streaks and fingerprints are obvious on steel, it is a durable and affordable material for countertops.
  • Granite or bluestone: These non-porous stones are ideal for outdoor use, but sealing them is important to maintain the natural look of the stone and to minimize staining.
  • Cast concrete: Customizable in terms of size, texture, and color, this can be another good option.

The materials you choose depend largely on your personal preferences and on the climate of the area you live in. They must be able to withstand different weather conditions, in addition to the grill’s high heat and the generally dirtier environment of the outdoors.

#6: Add Ons

If you have the extra money to spend, many more features can be added to enhance the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor kitchen:

• Fire pit: The warmth afforded by a fire pit allows year-round enjoyment of your outdoor kitchen, even in the wintertime. Installation may cost $325-$2,000.
• Pergola: The price of a pergola depends on whether you are installing it yourself or hiring a professional and what materials you use.
• Outdoor lighting: You can choose electric lighting or solar lighting, for a price range of $3,000-$20,000 or $200-$1,600, respectively, for professional installation.
• Dining furniture: Essential for entertaining guests or for enjoying family dinners in the open air, dining sets can cost between $200 and $3,000.
• Additional landscaping: Incorporate trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants to give your space a special aesthetic touch and add to the welcoming atmosphere. Landscaping can cost between $4 and $12 per square foot, plus $30-$80 per hour if you pay someone to do the labor.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Cost of an Outdoor Kitchen

Is It Worth It To Build an Outdoor Kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen can be an exceptional source of enjoyment for you, your family, and your guests. Besides being a pleasant resort when you need a break from the four walls of your home, this outdoor space can lend a celebratory or mellow feel to those gathered on various occasions, such as:

• Family reunions
• Birthday or graduation parties
• Game nights
• Baby showers

Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value?

Having an outdoor kitchen can add value to your home, but how much depends on the current real estate market. Overall, however, an outdoor kitchen adds value for many reasons:

• It adds square footage to your home, expanding its living space.
• It can enhance your family’s mental well-being by giving everyone a comfortable change of scenery for relaxation purposes.
• An outdoor kitchen can make your overall home more attractive aesthetically.
• It gives you a space to entertain guests, which is therapeutic for everyone involved.

These features appeal to homebuyers and may make them value a home with an outdoor kitchen more highly than other homes.

Three Rivers Custom Decks: Professional Custom Designers of Outdoor Kitchens and More

At Three Rivers Custom Decks, we have designers on staff who can help you with your outdoor kitchen design and ensure that each feature can be accommodated by your budget. 

Contact us today to learn how we can turn your plans for an outdoor kitchen into reality. Our carpenters are continuously trained in proper installation techniques and work under experienced crew leaders who work closely with you throughout construction to ensure your expectations are being met.

Combine some of our many services — such as outdoor kitchen modeling, fire pit installation, and landscaping — to turn your outdoor space into a beautiful, inviting place for all who enter your home.