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What Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?

Last updated 03/14/2024 by

Jessica Walrack
There are many benefits to building an outdoor kitchen. For one, you get to enjoy the outdoors as you are preparing food, which is reason enough in itself. Beyond that, you can avoid heating up your house in the summer and can keep the mess outside when hosting parties. But how much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen, and make this dream come true? Let’s break it down to get a better understanding of what to expect.

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Cost range

The cost of an outdoor kitchen can range from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some people keep it simple by just adding a grill with a countertop. Others go all out with a full luxury kitchen that includes everything from a dishwasher and fridge to a wood fire pizza oven. Most people find a balance somewhere in the middle, with the average cost landing at $9,393, according to Home Advisor.
Here are the components often added to an outdoor kitchen.

Components of an outdoor kitchen

Grill

What’s an outdoor kitchen without a grill? This is usually the first outdoor kitchen component people will get, and sometimes it’s the only one. Maybe you get a standalone grill with a burner on the side, or maybe you have a grill built into a framework. The Landscaping Network estimates that a grill will cost somewhere from $200 to $4,000, while Fixr estimates $1,000- $15,000. The price can depend on what type of grill it is, the size, the quality, the brand, the features, etc.

Framework

Next, an outdoor kitchen will typically require a framework that the appliances are set into. This will include the raw framework and the finish. Fixr says the framework can be prefabricated for around $200 to $400 per linear foot, or custom-made for around $400 to $600 per linear foot.
The finish can be composed of materials including stucco, manufactured stone, natural stone, granite, or poured concrete, just to name a few. Prices can range from $5 per square foot for Stucco, up to $135 per square foot for poured concrete.
Don’t forget that, if you’re not installing it yourself, you will also pay for the labor.

Appliances

When it comes to appliances, a refrigerator can be very convenient to have outdoors so that you won’t have to worry about running back and forth into the house to get ingredients or drinks. The Landscaping Network estimates this cost to range from $400-$1,000.
You may also want more than just the ability to barbecue. Other potential add-ons include:
  • An oven (According to Homewyse, electric ovens range from about $500 to $1,200.)
  • A wood fire pizza oven (According to the Landscaping Network, prices go from $1,200 to $2,700)
  • A warming drawer (According to Homewyse, these range from $1,000 to $2,400)
Lastly, a true luxury add-on is an outdoor dishwasher. How nice would it be to eliminate running dirty dishes between kitchens? Fixr estimates this to cost from $350 to $1,000.

Countertops

Outdoor countertops need to be easy to clean, durable, and attractive. Many materials fit this bill including stone tile, granite, stone slab, concrete, brick and flagstone, and glazed ceramic tile. According to Fixr, countertops often cost in the ballpark of $3,500 to $5,000; prices will vary depending on the material you choose.

Sinks

An outdoor sink is more of a necessity than a luxury when it comes to a kitchen. Homewyse estimates a sink installation will cost in the ballpark of $300.

Plumbing, electricity, and gas

You will also need to install the proper infrastructure for the components of your kitchen. For example, a refrigerator will need electricity, a grill may need gas piping, and an outdoor sink needs to be hooked up to hot water and needs to drain to the sewer system. These costs can be expensive, so be sure to get estimates including the full set up.
These are some of the main components of an outdoor kitchen, and the prices are estimated averages. There may be additional costs including lighting, shade structures, required building permits, and designer fees. Costs can also vary widely based on where you live.
For example, Agent Ashlie Roberson, who has done multiple renovations outside of NYC says, “For a home in the Southeast, just putting in a grill with water access (piping on the wall where the grill would be) and countertops would cost around $15,000.” She adds, “NY is more expensive, so it’s much harder to do here.”
To determine the cost in your area, you will need to reach out, get estimates, and calculate the costs.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

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How to finance your outdoor kitchen

When it comes time to pay for the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you’ll want to choose your financing method wisely. Of course, the cheapest option is using cash, because you won’t have to pay any interest. However, online personal loan companies like Lightstream, Prosper, and Avant can be the next best thing.

The days of pleading your case with a traditional bank only to get rejected are long gone. You can find out if you qualify through an easy online application and, if approved, can have the funds transferred to your account in as little as one day. There are many online lenders who will compete for your business.
Different personal loans come with different rates, fees and requirements, so check out what the best personal loans are to ensure that you choose the best option for you.
To find out what loan amount and terms you qualify for from top online lenders, check out SuperMoney’s loan offer engine. You simply answer a few questions and then can receive offers from various lenders, all without negatively impacting your credit score.
Then, head over to our personal loans review page where you will find in-depth reviews on each lender along with real user ratings.

Determine the right cost for your outdoor kitchen

The cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on how extravagant you want it to be. You can start small with a simple grill and countertop, or you choose to have a full-on kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Figuring out the cost will require looking at the different components, getting price estimates in your local area, and then deciding how you can build the outdoor kitchen you want within the budget you set.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

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Jessica Walrack

Jessica Walrack is a personal finance writer at SuperMoney, The Simple Dollar, Interest.com, Commonbond, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, Guardian, Personalloans.org and many others. She specializes in taking personal finance topics like loans, credit cards, and budgeting, and making them accessible and fun.

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