How Much Does An Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
Outdoor kitchens are all the rage these days. Have you been staring longingly at your friends’ or neighbors’ outdoor setups, wondering if and how you could possibly create such a gorgeous area in your backyard?
Price is almost always the most important consideration. The average price of an outdoor kitchen in the United States ranges anywhere from $6,000 to $60,000+. The average price nationwide is $5,057-$17,276, though. So, while the Better Homes & Gardens featured outdoor kitchen might cost a cool $100K, most people are creating their outdoor kitchen dreams for much less. The national average price of an outdoor kitchen is $13,176.
If this still seems unfathomable, don’t sweat it. Plenty of options are available for you to create an amazing outdoor kitchen for a fraction of that price.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
There are two types of outdoor kitchens: perimeter and satellite.
A perimeter kitchen is right outside the house, maybe sharing a wall, overhang, or patio cover with the house itself. Here you need a grill and perhaps a refrigerator, but due to the proximity of the indoor kitchen, you may not need a sink. You can hook up to the house utilities right there at the house.
Running utilities for an outdoor kitchen can be expensive. By locating it near your home, this cost can be significantly reduced.
A satellite kitchen is out in the landscape, separated from the house, so it must be as self-sufficient as possible. For satellite kitchens, all utilities must be run at a higher cost. Then you need a sewer hook-up or a daylight drain depending on local codes. Here, design is more important, because you need to cover all the details in the same depth as indoor kitchens to make sure it works for you.
What Are the Three Types of Kitchen Remodels?
Size matters; the average by size for a kitchen remodel is:
Small – 100 square feet: $3,250 – $10,000
Medium – 300 square feet: $9,750 – $30,000
Large – 400 square feet: $13,000 – $40,000
These estimates are typically given for an indoor kitchen. You may spend more creating your outdoor kitchen. The small, medium, and large size references are still used for outdoor kitchens, however.
How to Plan and Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Each outdoor kitchen will have its own steps based on its makeup, location, appliances, surfaces and more. These steps outline the basics:
Choose its location & determine if you want a satellite or perimeter outdoor kitchen.
Determine if you will need any planning permissions from HOA or local area or any permits for the structures you’re creating (typically, you don’t).
Determine if using an existing patio or need new flooring.
Plan the basic layout. Consider your climate & its impact on the equipment, appliances and materials you choose.
Choose the grill and other kitchen essentials (usually includes refrigerator; other appliances may include a sink, a pizza oven, a beer tap, a wine cooler, oven warming drawers, a dishwasher, etc.)
Choose surface materials for flooring, countertops, eating area, any other surfaces you’re creating (again, consider the climate and how these surfaces may be impacted).
Choose how to shade the area (pergola? Awning? Roof? Another option?)
Choose lighting & lighting setup, and extra amenities (fireplace, landscaping, etc.)
Hire an electrician and a plumber for gas & electric lines if required (usually for satellite models).
Contact your homeowner’s insurance to see if your payments will be adjusted.
Hire all necessary labor, contracting firms, etc.
Have your new outdoor kitchen built!
Pass inspection.
Enjoy!
For many of the costs associated with building your outdoor kitchen, see the following guide:
Do You Need Planning Permission or Permits for an Outdoor Kitchen?
If you don’t want to add a roof, and if you don’t need electrical or plumbing work, then you most likely won’t need a permit. Otherwise, it’s very likely you will require one. You may also need to follow state and local requirements with respect to framing grills and fireplaces.
Consider Invisible Infrastructure Costs
Perhaps more important to consider in the overall cost estimate is the utility requirements. For example, an outdoor sink requires a hot water hook-up and drain to the sewer system. Items such as a refrigerator require 110-volt electrical lines in conduit. The grill may require natural gas piping. These are the sometimes hefty costs that cover the invisible infrastructure.
Is Access Limited?
In other words, how is your backyard tough to navigate? Depending on the outdoor kitchen solution you choose, access can become a sticking point.
For example, when working with a contractor, tight spaces may make it difficult or impossible to use the heavy equipment required for the project. Contractors will charge more for the inconvenience of working in a space with limited access.
What Should I Put in my Outdoor Kitchen?
Your outdoor kitchen is yours to do with as you please! That being said, the most basic outdoor kitchens contain a grill, some also have a sink and a refrigerator, and others have various other appliances as needed. Many have seating areas, landscaping, custom countertops and tabletops, and more.
Ultimately, though, this is your space to use as you see fit. If a pizza oven is important to you but a grill isn’t, consider that swap. Make sure you plan your outdoor kitchen to be your ideal.
Do I Need Utility Lines Run to the Area?
This typically comes down to whether you choose a perimeter or satellite kitchen, and can impact cost substantially.
A perimeter kitchen’s proximity to the kitchen indoors makes additions like a sink and full-size refrigerator less essential, saving you $300 to $1,500 on the installation costs alone. Even if you incorporate these features, you can connect them to the home’s existing plumbing to save on installation costs.
Because a satellite kitchen sits further away from the home, you’ll need to bury electrical cables and gas lines to reach your outdoor kitchen, perhaps in two separate trenches, depending on local codes. You may pay as much as $35 per linear foot to run new gas lines.
Where to Save, Where to Splurge?
The materials and finishes you choose may become big ways to save when you’re creating your outdoor kitchen, as they vary considerably based on what they’re being used for and the material’s complexity. If you’re willing to use less expensive materials for tabletops, countertops, and flooring, you may be able to save big.
For the splurges: first, splurge on the grill. Make it your most important and well-considered purchase
Next, splurge on various other appliances, surfaces, and roofing structures.
Finally, splurge on elements that are important to you. Are the countertop finishes essential? Take your time researching and choosing these. Are you trying to create a wall-to-wall stainless steel look? Consider this when purchasing appliances. It’s your dream outdoor kitchen, so you should really decide for yourself what you’re going to splurge on.
How Much Work Will You Do Yourself?
Generally, contractors are required to create your outdoor kitchen, so most of the heavy lifting is done by laborers. It’s estimated that labor will be 70% of your expenses in creating your kitchen.
If you are a contractor or have similar experience, you may be able to DIY your outdoor kitchen, but make sure you understand the entire project and all it entails, first. The outdoor kitchen industry does include scores of pre-fabricated islands, surfaces, even grills and ovens that you may be perfectly comfortable installing. Let the complexity of the project be your guide here. A DIY outdoor kitchen could save you considerably, but not if items are installed improperly or set up in ways that start sinking your patio. Better safe than sorry.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value to Your Home?
This is truly tough to say; it’s a mixed bag. One study states that kitchens in warmer climates with quality appliances can see returns of 100% – 200%.
Another study cites only a 55% return and says that your ROI depends on whether the new home buyer values an outdoor living area. This second study considers an outdoor kitchen to be a perk, not one of the core amenities.
Only 1% of Realtors® suggest sellers install an outdoor kitchen before listing their home if it doesn’t already have one
Can I Put it on My Existing Patio?
You may also be able to build on an existing patio — covered or uncovered. Either way, it will save you money.
However, your deck may or may not be able to handle the weight of an outdoor kitchen.
Traditional masonry or block construction specifically requires structural footings as part of your patio’s construction. A deck without the necessary structural footings can become problematic. Over time, your patio or deck will settle and cause instability.
You’ll also have to consider the size of your deck or patio surface. Is it large enough to fit your design? You may have to extend your existing patio or add a whole new area for an outdoor kitchen.
Many factors come into play when considering whether or not you should build an outdoor patio. It is your home, however, so if it’s a priority of yours, start budgeting and prioritizing towards the patio of your dreams!
Create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams with WWOO Concrete Outdoor Kitchen. Work with the professionals and watch your dreams come true!
