Budget is arguably the most important aspect to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen. It determines the size of your kitchen, how many guests you can host, how many appliances you can buy…everything comes back to your budget!
We’ll go over what your kitchen might look like for three different budgets:
Then we’ll give you some advice on how to account for all your expenses and conduct a smooth outdoor kitchen project.
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The first thing you need to do is decide how much you want to spend. From there, you can unpack the costs of material, appliances, labor, and the like.
Keep in mind that the values provided in this article are estimates. The exact price depends on where you live, material quality, and the quality and availability of contractors in your area, among other factors.
You can use the values in this article to get a rough estimate of your outdoor kitchen cost. But be sure to determine the exact price for labor, materials, appliances, and the like for your specific outdoor project. Then run your numbers again.
In small-budget outdoor kitchens, you’ll typically have a one-wall kitchen. That is you have one counter with your grill and hood along with some space to prep food.
Most counters are 24 inches or two feet deep. In a <$10k kitchen with the above furnishings, you might have eight feet of counter space.
8 ft. * 2 ft. = 16 square feet. $50 per square foot * 16 square feet = $800.
Depending on the exact budget, some people may be able to afford one extra feature, like a sink, side burner, or mini-fridge.
Mid-tier outdoor kitchens can be one-wall, L, or U-shaped. They aren’t quite as decked out as $30,000+ outdoor kitchens but create a functional and beautiful space.
With $30,000+, you can consider a quality outdoor cover, natural stone siding, and high-end appliances like stainless steel pizza ovens. And of course, your kitchen can be quite larger to accommodate more guests.
When calculating your budget, you don’t want to leave out any expenses. You could end up in a tough spot if you don’t have enough funds to finish your project. Your budget will differ depending on your area and the contractors you have available. Here are some general pricing guidelines for all your potential outdoor kitchen expenses.
The price of your outdoor cover varies depending on the type of cover you want. Gazebos and pergolas are pretty similar, at around $3,000-$6,000 for a 10×10 foot cover. Large covers can reach up to $30k. Awnings are a little cheaper than pergolas at around $1,000 to $3,000.
Countertop prices vary widely depending on the material. Laminate, granite, and ceramic porcelain are on the cheaper end, while stainless steel and marble are more expensive. Here’s a full breakdown of countertop material pricing.
Cabinets fall under three main pricing categories. The cheapest are ready-to-assemble cabinets. These range between about $100 and $500 per linear foot. The next tier is semi-custom cabinets, which can range from about $100 to $1,000 per linear foot. Fully custom cabinets round out this list. They range from $500 to $1,500 per linear foot.
You might consider buying couches, chairs, and tables for your outdoor kitchen. A small kitchen might invest just a couple hundred dollars, while larger kitchens may spend $1,000 or more.
You have a wide range of options for appliances in your outdoor kitchen. Popular appliances include refrigerators, freezers, and pizza ovens. Remember to account for the cost of the appliance as well as the installation. Check out the lists at the beginning of this article for more information on budgeting for specific appliances.
Depending on your setup, you might want to consider some landscaping. Something like a garden or just a few plants to add some color to your outdoor space. Unless you’re going after something ambitious, you can do the landscaping yourself.
Depending on how you want to decorate your space, you might invest a little money into lighting and wall decor. Don’t skip out on accounting for these items – even though they are small!
If you need a professional for delivery or installation services, this falls under your labor costs. Labor can be a significant percentage of your overall budget, so we encourage you to figure out what you can do yourself. More on that later!
If you want water, gas, or electricity in your outdoor space, you might need to hire a professional to install access to these utilities. You’ll get natural gas if you install a gas grill, and water if you have a sink installed. Electricity will be tricky, especially if your outdoor kitchen is far away from your house. But you can always call up an electrician and talk to them about your plan.
You might want electricity to hook up your TV or run some electric appliances like griddles or blenders.
Related: Building an Outdoor Kitchen: What You Need to Know Before You Start
If you’re on a tight budget, a great way to save money is to do more of the work yourself. When working with gas or electricity, it’s recommended that you hire a professional. If you’re not trained, you can get hurt. But painting and some appliance installations like your fridge or range hood can be done yourself.
Every project can have its setbacks. To reduce your stress in those situations, set aside extra money for emergencies or additional materials. It will give you peace of mind when a problem or two inevitably comes up.
Hopefully you have the tools to determine your outdoor kitchen budget. Did you find some inspiration in our kitchen photos?
Good luck with your project. Remember, you can never be too prepared when it comes to crunching numbers for your budget!
For more outdoor kitchen guidance, check out the articles below!
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