How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost to Build? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $6,348 - $26,903
Building an outdoor kitchen costs an average of $16,480. Simple designs can cost as little as $6,348 whereas high-end, complex kitchens can range up to $26,903.
An outdoor kitchen costs anywhere from $6,348 to add a simple cooking area to an existing patio up to $26,903 to build a large, deluxe, customized kitchen from the ground up. Most homeowners, however, spend an average of $16,480 on the cost to build an outdoor kitchen.
- Average
- $16,480
- Low end
- $1,000
- high end
- $60,000
Don’t have a big budget? Not to worry. You can still create a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen area with a modest budget. Building an outdoor kitchen can extend your living space and add value to your home. To help you plan out your project, read on for insights into what you can get for your budget.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Factors
Designing an outdoor kitchen is an opportunity for creativity, both in style and budget. While the average homeowner will spend about $13,100 for a 300-square-foot outdoor kitchen, there are many variables that can send the price up or down. Everything from countertop materials to your dream grilling setup can affect the budget by thousands.
Size
Most outdoor kitchens range from 100 to 400 square feet to accommodate a cooking, prep, and dining area. You'll pay anywhere from $33 to $130 per square foot to build an outdoor kitchen.
The trick to determining the per-square-foot cost truly comes down to what you choose to install within those square feet. 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.
Framework
Keep in mind that adding an outdoor kitchen—while not contained by the four walls of your home—still requires a framework, including:
Surrounding walls or overhead enclosure
Tiles or wood flooring
Countertop framework
Structural support for the appliances
Unlike your indoor kitchen, the foundational materials must stand up against the elements, as well as the high heat and splashes of barbecue sauce while grilling.
Prefab vs. Modular Framework
When choosing the framework, you will also have the option of prefab and 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.
Framework consists of either wood, steel, or aluminum and will cost between $200 and $800 per linear foot. Within each category, you'll have budget-friendly options such as prefabricated wood framing and pricier options such as highly-durable steel.
| Material | Price Range (by Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $200 – $600 |
| Aluminum | $200 – $600 |
| Steel | $300 – $800 |
Flooring
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.
| Material | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Gravel | $1 – $4 |
| Concrete | $3 – $8 |
| Brick pavers | $8 – $25 |
| Natural stone | $3 – $35 |
| Permeable pavers | $10 – $30 |
| Decking | $30 – $60 |
Countertops
Don't forget that you'll need a spot to lay out the burgers and shuck the corn on the cob. You may also choose to install countertops for a bartop dining area. There are only a few restrictions on the type of countertop material you can use outdoors. Marble, laminate, and quartz are not ideal when exposed to the elements, so it is best to avoid those materials. 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.
Here's what you can expect from the cost of countertop materials ideal for the outdoors:
| Material | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $18 – $38 |
| Corian | $20 – $75 |
| Stainless Steel | $60 – $100 |
| Granite | $15 – $140 |
| Concrete | $70 – $140 |
| Soapstone | $60 – $185 |
Cabinets
The cost to install kitchen cabinets in your outdoor cooking space is often included in the cost of the framing. 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. Let's look at the most common cabinetry materials and their price ranges.
| Material | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Stucco | $3 – $6 |
| Manufactured Stone | $15 – $25 |
| Brick Veneer | $15 – $25 |
| Brick | $25 – $35 |
| Natural Stone | $25 – $45 |
Appliances
A chance to show off the grill was likely one of the first stages of daydreaming about your outdoor kitchen. The sky's the limit when choosing appliances, as is how much you want to spend. And keep in mind that you'll pay for both the appliance itself as well as the cost to hook it up to new or existing utilities.
On average, you'll pay between $1,500 and $7,000 for all your appliances, but totals can range into the tens of thousands.
You'll find grills—typically the basic requirement for an outdoor kitchen—costing anywhere from $100 to $5,000. You'll find endless varieties and levels of bells and whistles as well. Choose between a built-in or freestanding grill, a propane or natural gas grill, and basic grills or those with special smoker capabilities.
Additional outdoor kitchen appliances include:
Refrigerator: $400–$4,000
Dishwasher: $400–$2,000
Wine cooler: $400–$2,000
Pizza oven: $800–$2,000
Garbage disposal: $100–$1,100
Ice maker: $300–$2,000
Plumbing
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.
Electrical
As you're considering an outdoor kitchen, remember that all these extra appliances and lighting fixtures will require access to dedicated outlets. Installing a new GFCI outlet, for example, costs between $75 and $500. However, outdoor outlets placed further away from your home can cost up to $1,400 to account for the extra waterproof safety equipment.
Enclosures or Coverings
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. Pergolas cost between $2,100 and $6,100, depending on whether they are custom or pre-built.
Outdoor-Specific Kitchen Features
It's nearly impossible to think of all the small upgrades you can add to your outdoor kitchen. In addition to the major players we listed above, consider the prices of these outdoor living space add-ons:
Dining furniture sets: $300–$5,000
Outdoor fireplace: $1,500–$20,000
Fire pit: $200–$3,000
Outdoor heater: $100–$300
Outdoor ceiling fan installation: $70–$4,000
Lighting
Light up your kitchen by adding an average of $260 per outdoor light for professional installation to your budget. However, you can also save some money by installing a light fixture yourself. 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.
Location
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.
Additionally, location can affect the price depending on where you place the kitchen itself. The closer the kitchen sits to your home and all its helpful hookups, the less it will cost. For example, an average outdoor kitchen attached to the perimeter of your home will cost between $90 and $120 per square foot, whereas a satellite kitchen of the same size will cost $110 to $130.
Installation and Labor
Labor will account for a total of 20 and 40% of your project depending on who you hire. Projects of this size greatly benefit from the help of a general contractor. In most cases, a general contractor charges between 10 and 20% of the total project cost.
They will also hire trusted contractors for specialized work such as electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers. In addition to the price of the general contractor, be sure to budget:
$350 to $2,000 for the cost of a plumber
$50 to $100 per hour for the cost of an electrician
$45 to $1,500 for the labor costs to lay new gas lines
Permits
Several stages of the outdoor kitchen process may require the cost of local building permits. A deck or patio permit can cost between $220 and $500, for example, while plumbing permits range from $50 to $500. In general, outdoor projects add an average of $250 to $2,000 in total for permits alone.
Cost of Outdoor Kitchen by Layout
With all the various elements of an outdoor kitchen, it can be tricky to see the big picture. Imagine, instead, the cost of an outdoor kitchen by its average size.
Kitchenette
An outdoor kitchenette costs between $3,200 and $10,000 on average and measure about 100 square feet or less. Unlike a full outdoor kitchen, you'll just pay for a grill, a small counter area, and perhaps a simple sink.
Small
Small outdoor kitchens range anywhere from 100 to 200 square feet and cost between $3,200 and $30,000. The wider scope accounts for what you choose to do with the extra space. There is now room for large counters, appliances such as a dishwasher, and a larger range.
Medium
For between $8,000 and $50,000, picture an outdoor kitchen area between 200 and 400 square feet. The most expansive space can fit a U-shaped or curved countertop, a bar, 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.
Large
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. Add a pergola or similar covering over part or all of the area to use in any weather.
Ongoing Outdoor Kitchen Expenses
When you opt for durable materials, maintaining your outdoor kitchen should be less of a headache. You may, for example, just need to reseal or clean your patio every two to three years for between $300 and $500. Or if you choose to install granite countertops, budget between $170 and $350 for the cost to seal the countertops.
However, keep in mind that most counter, flooring, and finishing materials will require more care than they would indoors. You must winterize your outdoor faucets, countertops, and seating area to protect them from snow, salt, and freezing temperatures.
Building an Outdoor Kitchen Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
By opting to DIY your outdoor kitchen, you can save 20% to 40% on project costs, for an average total of between $1,500 and $6,000 in labor fees.
While you’ll need to hire a local plumber, electrician near you, 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. You can also paint outdoor furniture yourself.
If you feel confident installing an outdoor kitchen yourself, include the cost of:
Materials
Tools and hardware
Safety equipment
Building permits
Necessary licensed contractors
As a general rule of thumb, remove 20% to 40% if you forego hiring a local outdoor kitchen contractor. For example, a professionally built outdoor kitchen that costs $20,000 will cost between $12,000 and $16,000 to build yourself.
7 Ways to Save on New Outdoor Kitchen Costs
If the average outdoor kitchen cost looks a bit daunting, keep in mind that this is a very versatile project. You can lower the costs of a new kitchen by:
Installing your kitchen on an existing porch or patio.
Placing the kitchen close to your house.
Consider prefab or modular kitchen framing.
DIYing portions of your installation (that do not require a licensed contractor)
Work with existing electrical, gas, and plumbing connections.
Hire a general contractor off-season, in the winter if weather permits.
Place your kitchen close to existing light fixtures.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the benefits of an outdoor kitchen is that it can add value to your home, increasing your home’s monetary value by between 60% and 100% of the money you put into it. However, since outdoor kitchens significantly redesign your backyard, be sure that you will use your outdoor kitchen on a regular basis to justify the short-term cost as well.
You may need a permit to install certain features of your outdoor kitchen. It depends on your local building codes. Ask your contractor, local building department, or homeowners association to find out what’s required. The answer could vary from only needing permits for gas and water lines to needing to acquire permits for the entire space.
Yes, if you live in an area that gets cold during the winter. In the fall, turn off the gas to the grill, unplug and cover the appliances, shut off and drain the water lines, clean the sink, remove the faucet, and seal the cabinets. Consider these steps essential to maintaining your outdoor kitchen.