Creating an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic way to enhance your backyard living space, extend your home’s entertainment area, and increase your property’s value. But if you’re wondering about the cost of an outdoor kitchen or just how much for an outdoor kitchen build, you’re not alone. In 2025, outdoor kitchen prices vary widely depending on size, materials, features, and location. Whether you dream of a cozy kitchenette or a sprawling backyard kitchen, understanding the cost to install an outdoor kitchen is key to planning your perfect setup.
From modest DIY-friendly projects to luxury custom builds, this guide by Ready Remodel will walk you through current outdoor kitchen pricing details, practical estimates, and money-saving strategies so you can make informed choices.
Outdoor Kitchen Costs by Size: What to Expect
Typically, the cost to build outdoor kitchen ranges roughly from $3,300 for a smaller setup to upwards of $50,000 or more for extensive, full-scale kitchens featuring high-end appliances and finishes. The average outdoor kitchen costs about $16,000, hitting a sweet spot between basic and deluxe installations.
The size of your outdoor kitchen heavily influences cost since it affects the amount of framing, flooring, appliances, and countertops required. Most installations fall between 100 and 400 square feet.
| Outdoor Kitchen Size (Square Feet) | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | $3,300 – $13,000 |
| 200 sq ft | $6,600 – $26,000 |
| 300 sq ft | $9,900 – $39,000 |
| 400 sq ft | $13,200 – $52,000+ |
Cost Breakdown: Types and Layouts of Outdoor Kitchens
Every outdoor kitchen is unique. Costs vary depending on what you include in your backyard cooking area. Here are common types and the typical price ranges you can expect.
Kitchenette
A small outdoor kitchenette is compact – under 100 square feet – and usually features a grill, a small counter, and perhaps a sink. These range from $3,200 to $10,000. It’s a budget-friendly way to boost your outdoor cooking capabilities without a huge investment.
Small Outdoor Kitchen
Small kitchens are generally between 100 and 200 square feet. The cost range widens here, from about $3,200 to $30,000, depending on included appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, or a larger cooking range.
Medium Outdoor Kitchen
Between 200 and 400 square feet, a medium kitchen might include more elaborate features such as U-shaped or curved countertops, a bar area, multiple appliances, and a decent dining space. These cost from $8,000 to $50,000, influenced by the complexity of framing, flooring, and countertops.
Large Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen space larger than 400 square feet, expect to spend starting at $16,000 and up. Larger kitchens accommodate more cabinetry, extensive prep areas, and bigger grills. Additions like pergolas or full covering for weather protection will add to the price but greatly increase usability year-round.
Labor and Contractor Fees
Contractors often charge based on the project’s scope. On average, outdoor kitchen contractors bill between $300 and $500 per day, totaling $3,300 to $6,400 for labor fees. Don’t forget to factor in electricians for wiring your outdoor kitchen, who may charge $50 to $150 per hour, or a total of $350 to $2,000.
How Location Drives Outdoor Kitchen Prices
Prices differ notably by city due to local cost of living, labor rates, and material availability. Here’s a snapshot of average outdoor kitchen costs in some major U.S. markets:
| City | Average Outdoor Kitchen Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $10,000 |
| New York, NY | $11,200 |
| Miami, FL | $12,500 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $19,700 |
| Houston, TX | $17,300 |
| Chicago, IL | $20,000 |
Moreover, placing your outdoor kitchen close to your home and existing plumbing or utility hookups can reduce costs. Kitchens attached to your house typically cost between $90 and $120 per square foot, while detached or satellite kitchens start at $110 to $130 per square foot.
Key Factors Affecting Outdoor Kitchen Pricing
Besides size and location, several elements influence your backyard kitchen cost. Let’s break down the most impactful ones.
Framework and Structure
Though outdoors, your kitchen needs a solid framework to support walls, countertops, flooring, and appliances. Materials range from wood to steel or aluminum, with prices between $200 and $800 per linear foot.
Prefab and modular framing kits offer convenient alternatives to custom builds. Prefab framing costs vary from $200 to $500 per linear foot depending on quality and material.
| Material | Price Range (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $200 – $600 |
| Aluminum | $200 – $600 |
| Steel | $300 – $800 |
Flooring Options and Costs
Your outdoor kitchen needs durable flooring that withstands weather and kitchen use. Common materials include:
- Gravel: $1 – $4 per sq ft
- Concrete: $3 – $8 per sq ft
- Brick Pavers: $8 – $25 per sq ft
- Natural Stone: $3 – $35 per sq ft
- Permeable Pavers: $10 – $30 per sq ft
- Decking: $30 – $60 per sq ft
Countertop Materials and Prices
Countertops are both practical and decorative. Not all indoor countertop materials perform well outdoors – marble, laminate, and quartz are less suitable. Sealants may be required for granite or wood to protect from the elements.
Pricing per square foot typically falls within:
| Material | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $18 – $38 |
| Corian | $20 – $75 |
| Stainless Steel | $60 – $100 |
| Granite | $15 – $140 |
| Concrete | $70 – $140 |
| Soapstone | $60 – $185 |
Appliances and Additional Features
Your appliance choices make a huge difference in outdoor kitchen pricing. A modest grill can cost just $100, while built-in units with smoker functions may top $5,000.
Other common appliances and estimated price ranges include:
- Refrigerator: $400 – $4,000
- Dishwasher: $400 – $2,000
- Wine Cooler: $400 – $2,000
- Pizza Oven: $800 – $2,000
- Garbage Disposal: $100 – $1,100
- Ice Maker: $300 – $2,000
Plumbing and Electrical Costs
Installing sinks and new plumbing lines can range from $215 to $630 depending on distance from the home’s existing system. Pipe materials may cost $0.50 to $8 per linear foot, plus around $330 per hour for labor.
Electrical fixture installations can cost $75 to $1,400, depending on distance and safety requirements for outdoor GFCI outlets and lighting.
Enclosures, Coverings, and Outdoor-Specific Features
To enjoy your outdoor kitchen in all weather, many add awnings or pergolas. Installation costs can range:
- Awning (attached to home): approx. $2,800
- Pergola (custom or prebuilt): $2,100 to $6,100
Other popular additions include:
- Dining furniture: $300 – $5,000
- Outdoor fireplace: $1,500 – $20,000
- Fire pits: $200 – $3,000
- Outdoor heaters: $100 – $300
- Ceiling fan installation: $70 – $4,000
Lighting
Plan to budget between $500 and $3,000 depending on lighting complexity. Professional installation costs about $260 per light fixture, but do-it-yourself options can save money.
Permits and Maintenance
Local permits for decks, patios, plumbing, or electrical work can add $250 to $2,000 to your total budget.
Maintenance costs vary by materials; resealing patios every 2 – 3 years may cost $300 to $500. Granite countertop sealing usually falls between $170 and $350. Outdoor kitchens require winterizing to protect from snow, frost, and salt damage.
Building Your Outdoor Kitchen: DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Choosing to build your outdoor kitchen yourself can save roughly 20% to 40% on labor costs, which translates to about $1,500 to $6,000 in savings.
If you have some construction experience, tasks like framing, shelving, and painting outdoor cabinetry can be tackled in a DIY approach, while licensed contractors are typically necessary for plumbing, electrical, and appliance installation.
If you DIY, be sure to factor costs for:
- Materials and supplies
- Tools and safety equipment
- Permits and inspections
- Licensed professional service where required
7 Smart Ways to Save on Outdoor Kitchen Costs
If the upfront investment seems steep, there are practical strategies to reduce your backyard kitchen expenses:
- Use existing porches or patios instead of building new foundations.
- Locate the kitchen near your house to minimize plumbing and electrical work.
- Consider prefab or modular kitchen frames to cut custom framing costs.
- DIY non-licensed work where you have confidence and skills.
- Utilize existing utility hookups instead of installing new lines.
- Hire contractors during off-peak seasons to negotiate better rates.
- Place the kitchen near existing outdoor lighting to reduce electrical costs.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value to Your Home?
Absolutely! Outdoor kitchens generally offer an excellent return on investment (ROI), increasing home value by anywhere from 60% to 100% of your spending.
Keep in mind, since outdoor kitchens are significant backyard upgrades, it makes financial sense mostly if you plan to use your kitchen regularly or sell your home in the near future.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Kitchen
Can You Build an Outdoor Kitchen on a Deck?
Do You Need a Vent Hood for an Outdoor Kitchen?
Do I Need to Winterize My Outdoor Kitchen?
Ultimately, by planning carefully and selecting appropriate materials and features, you can create a beautiful, functional outdoor kitchen that fits your budget and enhances your home enjoyment for years to come.
Ready to start? Reach out to trusted outdoor kitchen experts at Ready Remodel to get free quotes and transform your backyard today!
