What Is the Average Cost of a Custom-Built Outdoor Kitchen?

Are you dreaming of a beautiful outdoor kitchen to unwind in the sun, inhaling the smells from your dinner cooking slowly on the barbecue? Before designing your new summer kitchen, you first have to establish a realistic budget. But, the question is, How much should you plan on spending for such a project?

Outdoor Kitchen: How Do Prices Differ?

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Before delving into all things budget when carrying out a renovation project, let it be said that this sort of project is just as hard to put into number as that of a complete kitchen or bathroom renovation. In fact, several factors must be taken into consideration, such as the following:

• Type of barbecue needed (options, width of grill, burner efficiency)

• Flooring

• Material selection (polyethylene, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum/stainless steel pairing, granite, marble, etc.)

• Installing a pergola or not

• Storage type and amount

• Lighting

• Patio furniture

• Equipment and accessories (ice maker, wine fridge, pizza oven, electric oven, charcoal grill, etc.)

• Square footage of the installation

Cost Overview

Now then, let’s start off by saying that the first thing to consider is your outdoor kitchen’s structure. For the latter, budget at least $10,000, and up to $50,000 for high-end installations.

As for accessories and equipment, note that costs are typically around $15,000 to $20,000. For a more in-depth look at the budget for accessories, various outdoor kitchen equipment and features, as well as its installation, note that the required labour time can easily double costs. 

As for barbecues, there’s quite a broad range of price tags, which can really impact overall costs. A mid-size device (about 41 inches) can cost up to $5,000, and that doesn’t even include an infrared grill or a warming drawer.

Materials and Accessories: Two Factors That Weigh Heavily on Your Budget

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While you may be tempted to save here and there, note that you still have to choose weatherproof and waterproof materials. This isn’t an easy feat, especially with a restricted budget.

While choosing materials on the low end of the quality spectrum is cost-effective upfront, your equipment will wear and tear at a much faster rate, requiring you to reinvest by replacing the damaged materials. 

When choosing appliances, bear in mind that waterproof and reinforced models are outdoor must-haves to face constant weather exposure, even if the appliances in question are stored during the wintertime, as they should be. 

Which countertop and patio furniture material to choose?

It’s highly advised to use pretty resistant materials, such as the following:

• Outdoor ceramic tiles

• Slate

• Stone

• Stainless steel

• Teak or treated wood

Other materials, such as granite, Neolith (a mix of clay, silica, feldspar, oxides, minerals, and pigments), and Dekton (a mix of raw materials found in glass, quartz, and porcelain) are highly recommended for outdoor countertops given the materials' strength.

Since this isn’t an all-encompassing list, inquire with trade professionals to learn more about what option best suits your situation and budget. 

How to Cover an Outdoor Kitchen

Note that when it comes to an outdoor kitchen, it’s best to cover it with either a pergola or patio awning, especially if you opt for wooden features. Plan on spending between $900 and $10,000 for a pergola, all materials included. Given the wide-ranging pricing, shop around before purchasing anything. Such a structure may have a significant impact on the overall cost of your outdoor kitchen. 

An Outdoor Kitchen: A Venture Best Suited for Professionals

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While the costs related to the structure, equipment, and accessories will make up the better part of your budget, let’s not forget to mention that you should also plan for water, gas, and electrical connection fees. 

On that note, be sure to hire qualified, trade professionals to ensure that the connections are not only compliant but safe, too.

Moreover, note that laying materials like granite and porcelain should be done by professionals for a job well done, given the level of expertise required.

Request Three Project-Specific Quotes

While this tip applies to all renovation endeavours, this is all the more true when it comes to projects like this as there are numerous aspects to consider, making it difficult to link to a specific price tag. By requesting several quotes from different contractors and distributors, you will be able to gauge the going rates and make the most out of the money spent.