Outdoor kitchens elevate outdoor spaces. They’re awesome. Not only do they encourage everyone to get outside, but they’re practical, too. You’ll find yourself running inside less because everything you need is right there. Building an outdoor kitchen may be on your to-do list, so I want to give you a guide to get you started.
What All Goes Into Building Outdoor Kitchens?
Building outdoor kitchens is one of the most satisfying home improvement projects you can do. Before you can jump in, you’re going to need to do some of the following:
Find a Good Location
You must find a good spot. Outdoor kitchens are an investment. The worst thing that could happen is that you put somewhere that’s ideal — or worse — dangerous. I’m personally prone to keep it closer to the doors leading to the indoor kitchen, keeping a distance of 10 to 20 feet to avoid long trips with supplies. Once you’re outside, it’s less of an issue. But there is still a level of work to get your food and utensils in and out.
Pay attention to weather and wind, too. Is an area drafty? You might want to cross that spot off the list. No one enjoys battling smoke that swirls when grilling. If there’s no spot that’s out of the wind’s way, a basic windbreak like a privacy screen or well-designed landscaping creates significant improvements.
And ask: Where is the sun hitting? Outdoor kitchens will become very uncomfortable during summer cookouts when they receive direct sunlight all afternoon. Install shade structures like pergolas or retractable awnings and place umbrellas strategically to maintain comfort for both cooks and guests.
Create Smart Traffic Flow
Make sure your outdoor kitchen looks like an organic extension of your backyard’s design. Design pathways that connect cooking zones to dining sections and lounging spaces while avoiding congested areas.
Ensure cooking zones remain separated from where the bulk of your traffic walks through. You don’t want to create an overcrowded area (except for when it’s time to eat!); you also don’t want to cause safety issues if you have little ones.
Navigating Building Codes
Before doing anything, check local zoning guides such as:
- Zoning restrictions on permanent structures
- Building regulations require fire safety separations between property boundaries and adjacent structures.
- Permits for water and electrical connections
- Professional installation requirements for gas lines
Each town and village has its own setup where these codes are housed. For example, you can find Oyster Bay’s here: https://ecode360.com/26874455. Many are using the ecode360 platform. If you type in “(Your town) building codes,” you should be able to find it.
Setting a Realistic Budget
The cost of outdoor kitchens varies wildly. I second-guessed even writing this section because what you want from your build might differ entirely from someone down the street. Still, I think it’s worth giving a (very) rough breakdown of the costs associated based on what I’ve heard and seen. Take these with a large grain of salt.
Let’s start at the base. A setup with a high-quality grill and counter space starts in the $6,000 ballpark. Angi found that the average price of building an outdoor kitchen is $16,480. If you added all the bells and whistles, you could easily hit $30,000. Keep in mind that the materials you’ll use must hold their own against the Long Island weather. That makes them more expensive. Stone and stainless steel are your best option, but you can make a rot-resistant wood like cedar or teak work if you’re willing to maintain it. Here’s a quick breakdown of some typical costs involved in building outdoor kitchens:
| Category | DIY Cost Estimate | Professional Cost Estimate |
| Basic Setup (Grill, Counter, Storage) | $3,000 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-Range (Sink, Mini Fridge, More Counter Space) | $8,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Luxury (Built-in Grill, Pizza Oven, Bar, High-End Finishes) | $15,000 – $30,000+ | $30,000 – $50,000+ |
RELATED: Home Improvement — Ideas for Spring Projects
Should I Build An Outdoor Kitchen Myself?
If you’re a DIYer, you can save some money, but outdoor kitchens are no joke. It’s not a beginner-friendly project. That said, if you have the skillset, you’ll obviously save some serious cash doing it yourself: Angi found that you can save between $1,500 to $6,000 in labor fees.
Be safe, though. Unless you’re a professional contractor, you’ll need to get help with plumbing, electric, and appliance installation. Working with these is best for pros, and I’m not recommending in this post or anywhere else that you attempt any of that work yourself. Water mains, gas lines, and electric wires are extremely dangerous to work with.
Whether you’re hiring a pro or doing it yourself, your budget should come down to what matters most to you. If you’re looking to cook full-course meals outdoors, make the cooking appliances your top priority. If you’re hosting lots of friends and family, seating, tables, and counter space are everything.
Maybe you’re envisioning watching football and needing a good fridge for drinks. Whatever it is that you want most, start from there and make sure you at least get that piece. You can always add additions to the space later on.
Essential Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
Your outdoor kitchen appliance choices should be based on your cooking preferences. Here are some of the items you should have:
Grill: A top-notch grill serves as the focal point of outdoor kitchens. Whether it’s gas, charcoal, or pellet, the grill is the item that you probably shouldn’t cheap out on. You want a grill that looks good and can cook up a lot at one time.
Sink: An outdoor sink streamlines food preparation and cleanup by removing the need to go inside to wash hands and utensils. Again, this is an item that is worth spending a bit more on. You want it to be spacious enough to help you maximize time spent outdoors.
RELATED: Cambridge Pavers Set The Standard In Elevating Outdoor Spaces
Cabinets: Durable storage cabinets protect grilling tools, dishware, and cleaning supplies. Your outdoor kitchen should be able to house almost everything you need to cook and host guests outside. The more you can house outside, the better your outdoor space. Look for weatherproof polymer materials and stainless steel — these can handle any weather that rolls in.
Countertops: Your countertops are vital for food prep and setting up your dishes. Concrete, stainless steel, and granite countertops work well in outdoor kitchens.
Fridge: I can’t imagine having an outdoor kitchen without having — at the very least — a mini fridge. It’s simple: food and drinks are what everyone wants and needs. A fridge brings it all together.
Nice Upgrades
You can experience that authentic pizza parlor taste from your own backyard with a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven. Some models work as both bread and roasting ovens. I’ve seen outdoor kitchens with
ice makers that add to the experience. A smoker is a nice addition if you’re really into cooking meats and BBQ.
Quick Summary
Installing outdoor kitchens is not a small project. It’s more than just throwing a grill and a table out in your yard (but there’s no shame in that at all; it gets the job done). Building a full-functioning outdoor kitchen is a big task that costs quite a bit and can enhance your home and outdoor living space in a major way.
We’ve gone over the most vital things you need to know. You need to choose a strategic location close while steering clear of windy areas and direct sunlight. Maintain proper traffic movement and adhere to local construction regulations addressing fire safety, gas, and electrical systems.
The price range for outdoor kitchens spans from $6,000 to over $30,000 when premium materials and features are included. Building your own outdoor kitchen is a way to save money, but it still demands professional expertise for utility installations. Every outdoor kitchen needs a top-notch grill, sink, refrigerator, and durable storage space that withstands the elements. Adding pizza ovens and smokers can transform outdoor kitchens into valuable investments.
