How Much Should an Outdoor Kitchen Cost with 6 Examples

Planning on installing an outdoor kitchen and curious about the cost? An outdoor kitchen can be the perfect location to entertain in nature and can spruce up any backyard.

But, between appliances, surface work, cabinets, and labor, there are many variables when it comes to estimates.

On average, outdoor kitchen installations cost anywhere between $3000-$10,000.

Having an idea of the scope of your job can be a good starting point. Think about how large you plan on the space to be. You will also need to consider the location of your new outdoor cooking space.

Even the most basic of outdoor kitchens can run several thousand dollars. Here are some examples of costs encountered and what you should expect to pay.

Flooring

A standard feature of almost any outdoor kitchen is the flooring. When it comes to styles and materials, there is quite a bit to choose from. Keep safety in mind when choosing flooring options.

Some styles that can be slippery, like glazed tile or stone, should be avoided. Additionally, some styles are more prone to damage—like tile. So, factor in repairs. 

When it comes to materials, costs can vary heavily.  Here are some popular options and what your should expect to pay:

• Poured concrete slab—A professionally poured concrete slab can be installed for around $3,000.
• Ceramic or porcelain tile—Depending on your floor’s size, tile costs can range anywhere from $500-$2000.
• Natural stone—Durable stone can run you around $60 per square foot. 

Grills

The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen is a grill. For most outdoor cooking areas, the grill gets the most use and attention. This is an area you don’t want to be cheap on.

If you choose a grill you don’t like, you may not want to use the outdoor kitchen at all. Grills also come in different sizes, so consider your family size and how often you will be entertaining.

There happen to be many different grill options for outdoor spaces. You obviously have the choice between charcoal, electric, or propane as your heat source. But, you may also consider:

• Smokers
• Upright grills
• Barrel grills

Additionally, you may opt for either a standalone grill or a built-in/drop-in grill. While costs for the grills themselves are similar—around $1,000 to $3,000—labor and installation for the drop-in style should be considered.

This can be an additional $300. Built-in grills have the advantage of working with your kitchen design more seamlessly.

Standalone grills have the advantage of not only being cheaper but also easier to install. They even the capacity to be moved when necessary. Additionally, you may not need to run gas or electric lines to a standalone grill, offsetting a lot of the built-in grill’s costs.

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Frames

Outdoor kitchen frames are most commonly made from the three materials below. Each has it’s pros and cons but each is chosen for to the overall aesthetic the homeowner wants.

• Wood Framing– $200 – $300 per linear foot
• Metal framework – $200 – $800 per linear foot
• Masonry framework – $6-30 per square foot, Stone veneer lowest, natural stone highest

Polymer is another option, although not as common as the other three listed above. 

Each material provides for beautiful designs that adhere to your styles and tastes. Choosing which one is best for you will be the hardest part. From there, you will be able to create your unique kitchen. Here is more information about each to help you ease your decision.

Outdoor Kitchen Counters

Another essential kitchen component, counters often need to be incorporated with other kitchen pieces. You can choose to go with either prefabricated or custom-built framework.

Make considerations for food prep areas, space for appliances, and room for things like sinks. Keep in mind that counters can really bring the feel of a kitchen to an outdoor space.

Much like flooring, the average cost of countertops varies based on material and area covered. Typically, a framework can run you around $200-$300 per square foot. 

Here are some popular kitchen counter options:

• Granite – $60-$80 per square foot
• Stone (bluestone or soapstone) – $250 per linear foot
• Tile – $10-$25
• Concrete – $50-$60 professionally installed, DIY concrete counter $200-$500

Some materials are more durable than others. When dealing with a high-trafficked area, you should also consider repair costs down the line. Things like tile can be replaced quite easily, granite on the other hand can be more costly to repair. 

Sinks

If you opt to have a sink installed, expect to tack on another $200-$1000. Costs vary so much because plumbing can be challenging to run for an outdoor kitchen sink. Especially so if the area is in a satellite location. Consider that you will need to run water lines and lines for drainage as well. 

You can also choose between:

• Undermount sinks
• Top-mount sinks

A top mount sink will be more expensive, averaging in cost at around $750. Undermount sinks are the better budget option but can still get expensive quickly. Keep in mind costs like labor, water lines, and plumbing need to be added to the cost of the sink. 

Other Appliances

There is a lot more than a grill and some countertops involved in an outdoor kitchen. Think about what kind of features you want from your outdoor space. Consider what kinds of meals you will want to cook outside. Will you need a fridge? A range? Each piece will add to the overall cost of your outdoor kitchen.

A refrigerator is undoubtedly a standard piece of an outdoor kitchen. Having efficient cooling can mean the difference between staying put on the grill and taking several trips indoors for ingredients.

An outdoor fridge can also be an excellent place for ice-cold refreshments. Some kitchen spaces even have more than one fridge.

Fridges will vary in size and price:

• Small mini-fridge(under 3 cu. ft.)—$300-$700
• Larger outdoor fridge (5 cu. ft.+)—$600+

You also may want to add a few burners to your kitchen. Adding an outdoor stovetop can help expand your cooking space and allow for more meals to be prepared outside. Generally, one and two burner units are used in outdoor spaces. You may also consider full-size ranges or specialty items like a flat top. For one and two burner units, prices range from $500-$3,000.

Power, Gas, and Water

In addition to the costs of appliances, flooring, and countertops, you’ll need to consider providing gas, power, and water to your kitchen.

These costs will be upfront, as well as the added consumption to your utility bills. You may be able to get away without dedicated lines for basic outdoor kitchens, but that will depend on the appliances and features you are considering.

Here are some averages when it comes to adding utilities:

• Plumbing—Plumbing will be necessary if you intend to install a sink or other appliances that need water to function. Average costs for plumbing range between $350-$1700.
• Electricity—You will need to find a licensed electrician to handle your electrical work. At an average of around $70 per hour, a quality electrical contractor can finish an outdoor kitchen in around 10 hours.
• Gas lines—Running new gas lines will run your $15-$35 per linear foot.

You will also need to factor in the cost of the general contractor. They take care of things like installing brickwork and flooring and handle all the necessary permitting. Contractors generally charge per project. You should expect to pay $1500-$6000 for an outdoor kitchen. 

For specialty jobs, you will need to find quality electricians and plumbers. This kind of work tends to be the source of headaches down the line.

Because this is an outdoor space and subject to the elements, quality work is necessary for longevity.

Wrapping Up

Prices for an outdoor kitchen can vary. You will need to consider appliance costs and factor in contractor and specialist work. Location can also play a role in how much your kitchen will cost.

Picking an area close to a wall is your best bet to save money. Regardless of the kind of kitchen you choose to build, you can expect plenty of nights outside using your new space.