How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
$7,000 – $16,000 pre-built outdoor kitchen installed cost
$10,000 – $35,000 cost to build a custom outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchen cost
Installing an outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000 on average. The cost of a pre-built outdoor kitchen is $7,000 to $16,000 installed with modular pieces. Building a custom outdoor kitchen costs $10,000 to $35,000 total. Outdoor kitchen prices are $1,500 to $6,000 for BBQ island kits with DIY installation.
| Outdoor kitchen type | Average cost installed* | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-built outdoor BBQ island kit (DIY installation) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Built-in outdoor BBQ island | $3,000 – $10,000 |
|
| Pre-built modular outdoor kitchen | $7,000 – $16,000 |
|
| Mid-sized custom outdoor kitchen | $10,000 – $20,000 |
|
| Large / custom outdoor kitchen | $20,000 – $35,000 |
|
| Luxury outdoor kitchen area | $35,000 – $65,000 |
|
*Prices for installation on existing patios with utility lines already in place.
Average pre-built outdoor kitchen prices
Pre-built modular outdoor kitchen prices are $7,000 to $16,000 installed, depending on the size, materials, and number of features. This price includes shipping, kit assembly, and hookups for those who already have a patio with existing utility connections. These units come with all appliances pre-installed.
No customization is available for most pre-built outdoor kitchen sets.
A new water line extension is necessary for units with a built-in sink. Costs vary to add a new water line according to the location of the drain.
Grills in these kits run on electricity, propane, or natural gas.
Modular prefab outdoor kitchen kits
Modular prefab outdoor kitchen kits cost $5,000 to $10,000+ according to the size and features included, excluding installation. The sellers ship these ready-to-assemble kits in large pieces on pallets. General contractors or experienced homeowners with tools can put them together.
The lowest prices apply for smaller kits with a 1- to 2-burner grill, under-counter cabinets, and a mini fridge.
The maximum price includes a grill of up to 5 burners, fridge, drawers, cabinets, sink, and a large, attached counter for food prep.
Existing utility hookups are necessary.
Most kits typically have a faux-stone veneer exterior.
Prices vary according to the design, fuel-connection type of the grill, size, and shipping distance.
Cost to build a custom outdoor kitchen
The following table shows the cost breakdown to build a custom outdoor kitchen:
| Factor | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Patio flooring | $5 – $35 per square foot |
| Built-in grill | $3,000 – $20,000 |
| Gas line installation | $12 – $25 per linear foot |
| Electrical wiring | $4 – $9 per square foot |
| Outdoor outlet | $180 – $350 each |
| Water line installation | $450 – $800 per fixture |
| Drawers / cabinets | $900 – $4,000 |
| Countertops | $40 – $200 per square foot |
| Sink | $330 – $1,300 |
| Refrigerator | $675 – $2,500 |
| Range hood | $650 – $2,100 |
| Lighting | $80 – $300 per fixture |
| Bar / beer tap | $1,000 – $12,000 |
| Wine cooler | $150 – $1,100 |
| Dishwasher | $300 – $1,300 |
| Pizza oven | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Roof, pergola, or gazebo | $1,450 – $31,000 |
| Fireplace | $1,500 – $9,000 |
| Permit cost | $200 – $600 |
Additional costs for new utility lines may apply:
Water line installation costs $25 to $200 per linear foot to add a new connection to the city water or sewer systems.
Adding a drainage system costs $10 to $25 per linear foot when connecting to a new sink.
An electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour to extend new wiring from the home.
Gas line installation costs $12 to $25 per linear foot for natural gas grills.
A propane tank costs $35 to $150 for most 20 lb. to 100 lb. units.
Labor costs to install an outdoor kitchen
Common labor costs to install an outdoor kitchen include:
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour.
A landscape architect costs 5% to 20% of the total fee to design the outdoor kitchen, get permits, hire subcontractors, and supervise the installation.
A plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour.
Electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
A new outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350 each.
The cost to run a water line is $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
Built-in BBQ grill island cost
A built-in BBQ grill island costs $3,000 to $10,000 installed for grills up to 3' long with 1 to 2 standard drawers and cabinets below it. This price includes basic hookups to existing utilities. A prefabricated grill island unit alone costs $1,500 to $6,000 or more.
These islands typically have a brick or stone-veneer surround with higher prices for long countertops.
The prices shown do not include hookups for gas or propane lines.
Solid brick BBQ grill islands built in a custom design cost the most.
Framework, finish, & drawer prices for outside kitchen
Cabinets cost $900 to $4,000 for materials on average, which includes the framework, finish, and drawers for an outside kitchen. Weather-resistant materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or synthetic wood are popular choices.
The framework alone for an outdoor kitchen costs $200 to $700 per linear foot depending on the material type. Wood and aluminum are the cheapest framing materials. Readymade frames are available in common sizes for DIY outdoor kitchen building.
Popular finishing options include:
Stone veneer costs $10 to $45 per square foot.
Brick siding costs $8 to $18 per square foot.
Stucco costs $3 to $9 per square foot.
Appliance costs for outdoor kitchen
Appliance installation costs $2,500 to $6,800 on average for installing a whole new set. These packages include a refrigerator, microwave, range, and dishwasher.
Total prices with installation vary according to the appliances chosen:
Sink installation costs $330 to $1,300 total for putting in a new unit.
A refrigerator costs $675 to $2,500 installed.
Range hood installation costs $650 to $2,100 total.
Dishwasher installation costs $300 to $1,300 total.
Individual appliance unit costs alone include:
A side burner costs $300 to $1,000, depending on the number of burners and fuel type.
A warming drawer costs $800 to $2,000 to keep food heated under the counter.
Adding a bar costs $2,000 to $30,000 with installation for a wet bar, depending on whether it’s prefabricated or custom. A dry bar costs $1,000 to $15,000 installed
Wine cooler prices are $150 to $1,100.
A pizza oven costs $1,200 to $6,000.
An ice maker costs $100 to $500 for a portable countertop unit or $200 to $1,500 for a freestanding ice machine.
Outdoor kitchen countertops installation prices
Outdoor kitchen countertop installation costs $40 to $200 per square foot according to the choice of materials. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are cheapest while custom-cut teak wood is typically the most expensive counter to install.
| Material type | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Porcelain countertops cost | $50 – $120 |
| Bluestone countertops cost | $60 – $120 |
| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 |
| Concrete countertops cost | $50 – $150 |
| Soapstone countertops cost | $60 – $130 |
| Stainless steel countertops cost | $80 – $200 |
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 |
| Teak countertops cost | $100 – $200 |
Cost to build patio for outdoor kitchen
The cost to build a patio for an outdoor kitchen is $1,000 to $7,000 on average or $5 to $35 per square foot, depending on the material. Request highly moisture-repellant pavers or sealants to prevent patio stains from food or wine spills.
| Patio type | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Pavers | $2,000 – $3,400 |
| Stone | $3,200 – $7,000 |
| Flagstone | $3,000 – $6,400 |
| Concrete | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Stamped concrete | $1,600 – $3,800 |
*Materials and labor to build a 200-square-foot patio.
A paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot.
A stone patio costs $16 to $35 per square foot.
A flagstone patio costs $15 to $32 per square foot.
A concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot.
Stamped concrete costs $8 to $19 per square foot.
A plain concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
Covered outdoor kitchen cost
The total cost of a covered outdoor kitchen is cheapest with an awning and most expensive with a shingled patio roof attached to the home. Any solid roof over a grill or stove requires a vent built through the roofing to prevent fire hazards.
Extra costs for an outdoor kitchen cover include:
A covered patio costs $10,000 to $22,500.
Adding a gable patio roof costs $14,000 to $31,000.
A pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750.
Installing awnings costs $200 to $6,000.
A gazebo costs $4,300 to $10,000.
Cost of lighting for outdoor kitchen
Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture on average, including standard labor for extending the wiring outside. Costs vary for adding motion sensors, remote controls, and extra outlets near the outdoor kitchen.
Lighting options for an outdoor kitchen include:
Patio string lights hung from a pergola above the patio
Built-in lights around the countertops
Lamps near the main food-prep areas
Walkway lights around the patio edges
Cost of a fireplace or fire pit for outside kitchen
The cost of adding a fireplace or fire pit to the outdoor kitchen depends on the size and construction method. A fire pit is cheaper, keeps larger groups of people warm, and allows more space for roasting marshmallows. A fireplace suits smaller groups.
Adding a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $9,000 for a prefabricated fireplace with installation or $6,000 to $20,000 to build a custom fireplace.
Alternatively, an outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
Outdoor kitchen and pool cost
The cost of an outdoor kitchen and pool depends on the pool type and size. Putting them in at the same time lowers overall costs for matching pavers around both the pool and outdoor kitchen patio.
The cost to build a pool is $1,800 to $5,000 for an aboveground model up to 33' long.
An inground pool costs $80 to $250 per square foot, or an average of $25,000 to $100,000.
DIY outdoor kitchen cost on a budget
Building a DIY outdoor kitchen costs $500 to $1,000 minimum to add onto an existing patio. The key elements include a BBQ or cooking area, an attached counter for food preparation, and basic seating. Utility lines are necessary for adding a sink, natural gas appliances, or electric lighting.
Tips to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget include:
Get an outdoor kitchen island and grill table on wheels for $200 to $400. These units have built-in storage and space for portable stoves.
Buy a standalone grill that costs $100 to $350 minimum with no connections needed. These units typically cook using charcoal or small propane tanks.
Build close to the home to lower fees for new electricity, plumbing, and gas lines.
Consider skipping utilities altogether.
Build on an existing patio.
Add simple shelving onto the home’s exterior wall.
Build custom cabinets and counters from reclaimed materials.
Outdoor kitchen FAQs
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
An outdoor kitchen is worth it for these benefits:
A resale ROI of 50% to 70% or more depending on the neighborhood
Ability to entertain large groups of people regularly
Expanding your kitchen without an expensive indoor-kitchen remodel
Spending more time outside comfortably
Adding a cooking space around an open-flame grill or oven
Does an outdoor kitchen add value to a home?
An outdoor kitchen does increase the total property value of a home and helps to resell it at a higher price. Outdoor kitchens have the most curb appeal in warm climates. A perimeter kitchen doesn’t add square footage to your home unless the space is fully enclosed, insulated, and heated.
Why are outdoor kitchens so expensive?
Outdoor kitchens can be expensive depending on how many appliances you choose to install and their size. The appliance costs are 40% to 50% of the total cost. Installing expensive pavers or natural stone counters can also significantly raise prices.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen on top of pavers?
You can build an outdoor kitchen on top of pavers set in mortar on a compacted and level base. If the pavers are loose and the ground isn’t level, the weight of the kitchen appliances will make the paver stones sink.
Getting estimates & quotes from outdoor kitchen builders
Before hiring outdoor kitchen contractors near you, be sure to:
Compare 3+ quotes from companies with licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Ask for members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Seek companies with 5+ years of experience.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed outdoor kitchen cost estimate and contract before work starts.
Request copies of all warranties.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Make the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been building outdoor kitchens?
Do you offer a free on-site consultation?
How much is your minimum service charge for the initial design sketches?
Can you provide a 3D computer-generated illustration?
Will extra architect fees or building plan fees apply for this project?
Can you pull all permits needed?
What are my design options to keep the stove out of the wind?
How much space will I need to include all the features I want?
Do you work with subcontractors to extend or add new utility lines?
Which types of built-in grills do you recommend?
How much extra would it cost to add a patio roof or pergola?
What types of cabinets, ovens, minibars, and amenities do you typically install?
Do I need a new foundation for the outdoor kitchen?
Which building materials would you recommend for my design and budget?
How long will this project take to finish?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.