Have you been dreaming about adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard? You’re not alone–every year homeowners across the country start living the dream by installing an outdoor kitchen. In the past, outdoor kitchens were seen as add-ons that only wealthy homeowners could afford, but today that has changed. Outdoor kitchens come in a variety of different types, styles, and sizes to accommodate any homeowner’s budget.
For most homeowners, an outdoor kitchen is an accessory space meant for entertaining, which means that a grill, sink, and counter space are more than enough. However, some homeowners take their outdoor kitchens to the next level with a chef-style kitchen including refrigerators, pizza ovens, beer taps, smokers, ample countertops, and high-end appliances and finishes. You can take it as far as your imagination will allow.
Just like with interior kitchens, outdoor kitchens sometimes come with a heavy price tag due to the cost of materials and specialized labor they often require. But, the good news is that there are several ways to achieve a functional outdoor cooking or grill space without breaking the bank.
In this expert guide, we’ll give you a wide view of what is out there and your options for outdoor kitchens. You’ll get a sense of types, styles, materials, and all the considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when shopping for your outdoor kitchen.
Types of Outdoor Kitchens
Movable
Moveable outdoor kitchens are a smart choice for small spaces where you can multitask. One day, they can be cookout central and the next, a garden hub. Start out with a portable charcoal or gas grill that’s easy to clean and move. For storage and counter space, add a rolling cart with shelving. Add a clip-on light for post-sunset grilling.
Cost: $300 to $3,000
Prefab
If you have the square footage and budget, a prefab outdoor kitchen could be the perfect fit. The base setup usually includes a stucco-clad 5-foot island with a tile counter, drop-in gas grill, and access doors for a propane tank. Throw in extras like granite counters, a refrigerator, and LED lighting to take it up a notch. Prefab outdoor kitchens are set up fast and allow for cooking on the same day of delivery.
Cost: $2,000 to $30,000
Custom
A custom built-in-place design is the ultimate in outdoor kitchen design. It can be crafted by a professional or a handy homeowner. Custom outdoor kitchens offer integrated appliances, storage, ample countertop space, and the most flexibility for matching the kitchen style to its surroundings. Custom builds typically are larger, include extensive lighting, in-ground utilities, and a pergola-style roof or some other covering.
Cost: $3,000 to $50,000 and up
Your Outdoor Kitchen Checklist
For movable kitchens, you can just roll and go. But for prefab, built-in, and custom outdoor kitchens with plumbing and electric, you’ll likely need some help from the pros unless you’re handy. Here’s a chronological checklist that includes the major considerations to keep in mind.
1. Hire a contractor (if needed)
2. Get permits
3. Gather materials
4. Run utility lines
5. Install hardscaping
6. Buy appliances
7. Add built-ins
8. Hook up lighting
Outdoor Kitchen Styles
Traditional
A masonry base in the form of mortared brick and stone is a classic outdoor kitchen style. To tie it in with the house, choose a material and design, such as a running-bond brick pattern, that syncs with your foundation walls or chimney.
Contemporary
Contemporary style is characterized by sleek lines and polished finishes like granite and stainless steel. Horizontal bands add dimension to the kitchen while blending it with the backdrop.
Rustic
Rustic style is defined by matte finishes and textures giving a lived-in look. Stucco on the built-in base can be tinted to match terra-cotta and harmonize with tones of a rough stone. Earthy colors are a great choice for blending with surrounding landscaping and plants.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Layouts
Your outdoor kitchen design layout will largely depend on the space you have to work with. Here are the four most popular design layouts we see.
- Along One Wall – Utilizing a singular wall is good for smaller, budget-friendly spaces, and outdoor kitchens for one cook, with a separate dining or seating area.
- L-Shape – The L-shape layout works well for two or more cooks. Incorporate extras, such as a sink or a refrigerator, and consider adding a buffet, bar, or seating area for entertaining.
- U-Shape – A U-shape layout is good for freestanding kitchens with multiple appliances, including a grill, refrigerator, sink, and seating area.
- Island – Islands are great for creating a hub for entertaining. Consider dividing the island with a raised counter so the grilling and prep areas remain separate from where people are socializing.
Best Location for Your Outdoor Kitchen
For most homeowners, you don’t want to get too far away from the house when choosing a location for your outdoor kitchen. Here’s why:
- Convenience: Hauling food and supplies across the yard isn’t ideal. Instead, install your outdoor kitchen 15 to 20 feet from your indoor kitchen. Make sure to consider the sun when choosing where to place your seating area.
- Budget: The farther you get away from your house, the more expensive it becomes. It’s less expensive to run utilities a short distance from the house. You can also save on structure costs by building onto an existing patio or deck by the back door.
- Shelter: The walls of your house can provide structure and protection—at no extra cost. However, if you’re adding your outdoor kitchen under an overhang, avoid smoking the place out by placing the grill near the roof’s perimeter.
Outdoor Kitchen Base Building Materials
Once you’ve decided on your style, design, and location, you’ll need to think about the base building materials. The three most popular are cultured-stone, brick, and stucco.
- Cultured-stone veneer – Mortared to a wood, concrete-block, or precast-concrete frame, it looks like and lasts as long as natural stone but is simpler to install because it’s lightweight and easy to cut.
Price: $5 to $25 per square foot, uninstalled
- Brick – Affordable and easy to maintain. However, brick requires careful prep, and you may have to cut bricks to fit. But if you’ve got basic masonry skills, it can be a good weekend project.
Price: $3 to $6 per square foot, uninstalled
- Stucco – Troweled onto a wood, concrete-block, or precast-concrete frame, it’s a hard-wearing and flameproof finish that comes in colors.
Price: $4 to $9 per square foot, uninstalled
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry
Just like in your indoor kitchen, you’ll want some cabinets for your outdoor kitchen. The three most popular cabinetry options for outdoor kitchens include stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, and teak.
- Stainless steel – Stainless steel is durable, weatherproof, and matches most grills for a streamlined and modern look.
Price: About $200 for doors hinged to a face frame or $500 for a full 18-inch base unit with drawer and door
- Marine-grade polymer – Brings the charm of painted wood, without the potential to rot, and is basically maintenance-free. A quick hose-down is all you need to clean it.
Price: Starts at $600 for a semi-custom 18-inch base unit with a door
- Teak – Offers a warm, classic look, but must be finished annually with a clear sealer, so that’s a maintenance consideration to keep in mind.
Price: About $75 per door, not including hinges or a face frame, or $750 for a full 18-inch base unit with a door
Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
Another important component is your countertops. Because you’re outdoors, you’ll want countertops that are durable and hold up to the elements. The three most popular outdoor kitchen countertops to consider are granite, concrete, and outdoor-rated ceramic tile.
- Granite – This classic hard stone stands up to the elements, won’t stain as easily as marble, soapstone, or slate, and doesn’t fade in the sun.
Price: $50 to $100 per square foot for slabs, installed
- Concrete – Creates a clean, contemporary look, but can be prone to cracking if not properly installed. You’ll need to hire a professional for concrete work and it must be sealed annually for maintenance.
Price: About $50 to $100 per square foot for a custom-poured slab
- Outdoor-rated ceramic tile – A thrifty choice that’s good for DIYers and offers a range of styles and colors. Best in warmer climate regions where freezing and thawing won’t damage grout lines.
Price: $3 to $10 per square foot, uninstalled
Outdoor Kitchen Add-Ons
Once you have your outdoor kitchen installed, you can start having a lot of fun with all the add-on options. If your budget was limited during the initial installation, you should have plenty of room for add-ons later. Here are some of our favorite outdoor kitchen add-ons.
- Sink – Sinks make washing hands and food prep so much easier than going inside the house every time you need some water. The total investment can be around $2,000 for a sink, water lines, and drain lines.
- Dedicated gas line – If you have natural gas, running a line from the house keeps you from needing to take trips to the hardware store to refill the propane tank multiple times per year. And you’ll never forget and run out of gas while you’re entertaining. The investment for running a permanent gas line can be $300 to $900, depending on the distance to the grill.
- Extra burner – Ideal for side dishes. Some grills come with one, but be sure there’s enough space to fit your pots. A separate burner is about $500, plus installation. Plug-in induction ones that stow away when not in use start at $200.
- Refrigerator – A stainless-steel under-counter unit keeps cold drinks and ingredients within reach of the grill. Expect to add $600 to the cost of a $300 fridge for a new in-ground electrical line to power it unless you have an outdoor outlet already installed.
Conclusion
Outdoor kitchens can appear to be a large and overwhelming project, but don’t worry – our team is here to help. The team at Atherton Appliance and Kitchens are outdoor kitchen experts and can help you every step of the way. So if you’re interested in transforming your yard into an outdoor kitchen, let us take care of it and contact us today.