How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?

Installing an outdoor kitchen costs an average of $16,000, but outdoor kitchen project costs can range from $1,400 for a small pre-made island with cabinets and a grill up to $65,000 or more for a custom, luxury outdoor kitchen complete with a pergola, pizza oven, and full set of cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

Quick Takeaways

• The average cost of an outdoor kitchen is around $16,000, which will get you several linear feet of cabinets and countertops for storage and prepping, a grill and other small appliances, and a seating area.

• You can keep costs down by choosing pre-made cabinets and a standard-dimension kitchen island, and by choosing appliances that don’t need utility connections, like propane grills.

• An outdoor kitchen costs an average of $75 per square foot, so larger kitchens will always cost more with similar materials.

Average Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen Cost per Square Foot

On average, expect an outdoor kitchen to cost around $75 per square foot, but note that prices can range from $40 to $130, depending on fit and finish.

These costs assume that the kitchen is being fully constructed with a new patio, counters, storage, cooking element, refrigeration, plumbing, and cover. 

If you build on an existing patio and only use some elements, your costs per square foot will be lower. On the other hand, if you choose to use luxury and high-end materials for each component and add things like a bar area and a standalone seating section, your costs will be higher.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost Factors

While you can arrange your outdoor kitchen in many ways with various materials, some universal materials and methods exist. This includes framing, countertops, plumbing, flooring, and labor. The following cost breakdown helps determine the basic ranges for the different components:

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Outdoor kitchen cabinets will cost you an average of $100 per linear foot, so cabinets in a kitchen with 12 linear feet of cabinetry will cost around $1,200 on average. Your total will depend on the material you choose to face them with, though. You can use many materials, although it is recommended that you use materials that match the landscaping you have.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Countertops for an outdoor kitchen cost an average of $4,000, but prices can range widely depending on the quality of countertop material you pick and how large your outdoor kitchen is. The average outdoor kitchen has around 20 linear feet of counter space, and the average cost per linear foot is about $100.

Note that while Granite is the most expensive option, it's also the most durable countertop material, so you can be confident it'll hold up in an outdoor space.

Outdoor Kitchen Cover Costs

Many homeowners choose to install some type of cover over their outdoor kitchen, both to protect the kitchen elements and provide protection from the rain and snow so that they can entertain regardless of the weather. 

The type and extent of the cover you install will affect your kitchen costs greatly, especially if you choose a fully enclosed cover for maximum comfort and protection.

Outdoor Kitchen Flooring Cost

Many people install their outdoor kitchen on an existing patio to keep costs down, but if you don’t have that option, you’ll need to make some room in your budget to install a patio, deck, or other type of outdoor floor. The cost will range from $1 up to $40 per square foot, depending on the quality of the materials you choose.

Outdoor Kitchen Plumbing Cost

You won’t have to pay anything for plumbing if you’re not installing a kitchen sink, a gas line for a natural gas grill, or an ice maker. But if you do want these features or anything else that makes your outdoor kitchen feel more like the one inside your home, you’ll have to pay a plumber to run water supply lines and drain lines to your outdoor kitchen area.

The average cost to do this is around $500, but prices can increase drastically if you have to excavate an existing patio or another landscaping feature before installing the lines or if your outdoor kitchen is located further from your home. Most homeowners pay between $300 and $1,500 to run plumbing to their outdoor kitchen, plus $300 to install a sink if they aren’t using a pre-made outdoor kitchen.

Cost of Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

You’ll face similar costs for electrical connections in your outdoor kitchen. Expect to pay an average of $500 to run electrical lines for lights, appliances, and outlets to your outdoor kitchen, or more if you have a patio or another landscaping feature in the way. You’ll then pay $50 to $100 per fixture, appliance, or outlet you need installed.

Installing electric for a larger kitchen that requires multiple outlets and light fixtures can cost $1,500 or more and may need a permit.

Cost of Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Adding appliances to your outdoor kitchen costs an average of $4,000, and most homeowners pay between $1,500 and $7,000. Prices can easily climb over $10,000, though, depending on which appliances you want and the quality you choose.

At its simplest, an outdoor kitchen can be a countertop and grill. However, you can also include as many appliances outdoors as your indoor kitchen. Many of these items have lower costs than their indoor counterparts, as many homeowners choose smaller versions of refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooktops.

Labor Costs to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

On average, labor accounts for around 50% of your total outdoor kitchen installation costs, but that can range from 30% up to 70%, depending on what you’re installing. In most cases, you’ll pay around $8,000 for the labor. For extremely high-end outdoor kitchens with full enclosures and luxury built-in appliances, labor costs can be as high as $20,000.

You may need different professionals when building your outdoor kitchen, including plumbers, electricians, concrete specialists, and general contractors.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

There are tons of add-ons you can choose to customize and improve your outdoor kitchen design, from kitchen layout and functionality to the countertop and flooring materials. Here are a few additional upgrades you may want to consider, along with average costs for each.

• Outdoor bar: An outdoor bar costs between $200 and $300 per linear foot to build. This is similar to building out the kitchen’s frame and countertop but without the cabinets. You’ll need to budget between $50 and $250 each for stools.

• Fencing: If you choose not to fully enclose your outdoor kitchen, you can add a fence to section off the area and add some privacy. Most privacy fences cost between $8 and $18 per linear foot. They come in many styles and materials, which can coordinate with your landscaping.

• Outdoor kitchen seating area: It is very common to add a seating area to your outdoor kitchen. Standalone outdoor dining furniture will cost you an average of $900, and prices can fall between $600 and $7,000 or more, depending on size and quality. Another option is to install seating at the countertop. This can be done with an extra-wide countertop, a peninsula countertop with one section just for seating, or a split-level countertop.

• Outdoor kitchen with bar seating: The typical method of creating an outdoor kitchen with bar seating is to use the 3/4 square or split-level countertop. These cost between $90 and $130 a square foot. When you opt for this style, ensure the countertop section is large enough that you can still use it as a workspace while people dine or relax on the other side.

• Built-in BBQ cost: You can include a standalone grill in your outdoor kitchen, but upgrading to a built-in grill will make your kitchen look more high-end and cohesive. The cost of building cabinets and countertops around an existing rolling grill is between $400 and $600 a foot, or $7,500, on average.

• Outdoor kitchen fireplace cost: Few things elevate an outdoor kitchen like a fireplace. The cost of an outdoor fireplace ranges from $1,500 for a small, standalone fire pit to $20,000 or more for a larger built-in fireplace with a chimney and stone facade.

Additional Considerations and Costs

There are some final cost considerations and other things you should think about before you get started on your outdoor kitchen build.

• While anything you install in an outdoor kitchen should be weather-resistant, some can be damaged by the elements. Invest in appliance covers, which cost $100 to $200 each, to reduce damage.

• Most outdoor kitchens require a permit. Check with your town or city hall for more information, but expect to pay between $150 and $500 in most municipalities. That includes the permit for building, as well as for plumbing and electrical changes.

• Outdoor kitchens have been shown to add resale value, sometimes more than the cost to build them. A typical ROI for an outdoor kitchen sits between 85% and 200%. They typically add the most value in moderate climates where outdoor living is possible year-round, but they’re a solid addition in all areas.

• Make sure that you choose only appliances and materials rated for outdoor use. Even if you live in a moderate climate, anything used outdoors must be made for that purpose. If you live in a coastal area, choose materials that will stand up to salty air.

• You can build an outdoor kitchen at any time of the year, provided the weather is favorable. Costs to build can be lower in winter, but unfavorable winter weather can slow the process down a bit.

• Your kitchen build timing will vary based on what you want done and the quality you're aiming for. It can take a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks to build your outdoor kitchen, with many taking 4 to 6 weeks and some high-end outdoor kitchens taking several months. Work with a contractor or builder who specializes in this project for the best results.

• Outdoor kitchens will constantly be exposed to the elements, which means they typically require more intensive maintenance than indoor kitchens. Keep things like grills and countertop appliances covered when not in use. Invest in materials and appliances designed for outdoor use and keep up with routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.

FAQ: Outdoor Kitchen Cost