There is nothing better on a beautiful summer day than getting to utilize an outdoor kitchen. Family and friends will be in awe of this backyard upgrade. You’ll be sure to become the host with the most in your group of friends. Just think of warm summer nights with a meal on the grill, a firepit to gather for conversation, and memories built within this special place. Here’s everything you need to know about outdoor kitchen costs and what it takes to build them.

But this is an undertaking, and expensive.  How much outdoor kitchen costs depends on several factors—location, size, add-ons, and labor are all elements that affect overall cost. This project ranges from $13,000 to $30,000. 

How To Calculate the Cost of Your Outdoor Kitchen

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average building cost per square foot is $252. Interior Design Magazine estimates outdoor kitchens costing anywhere from $13,000-$30,000 and being anywhere between 100-400 square feet depending on a specific homeowner’s wants and needs.

So, calculating the cost of your outdoor kitchen will vary—but knowing the general size and style of your outdoor kitchen will give you a good sense of what you’ll be spending. And this cost is adjusted based on several factors. Location, size, add-ons, and labor will be the determining factors in what your budget should look like for an outdoor kitchen. Customization in this case, is key, so getting a custom builders opinion is important for a project like this.

Your Location Matters 

The most important factor when it comes to anticipating cost is location. Different climates require different building materials and it’s important to consider how much use you’ll get out of your kitchen. A warmer climate may call for a more extravagant kitchen. One with a fuller winter may be a bit more barebones and easy to pack up. 

• Cost of Living – Cost of living can be a huge factor when it comes to determining the cost of an outdoor kitchen. According to Forbes, Hawaii has the highest cost of living and Mississippi has the lowest. And Yahoo Finance has outlined which states are the most and least expensive to build in. 
• City vs. Suburban vs. Rural – Your environment matters greatly. Labor and materials are easier to access in the city or suburbs. However, your backyard plans are subject to city ordinances and HOA requirements. 

The location of your home is one of the largest factors in the flexible costs of building your dream outdoor kitchen. Before you begin work on your outdoor kitchen, make sure your plans are viable for your location. Budget is also something to consider when thinking of how you’d like to build.

What Size Kitchen Do You Need? | Outdoor Kitchen Costs

The size of your outdoor kitchen will determine several cost factors when it comes to building out the space. Knowing exactly what type of space you are working with determines materials, labor, and overall cost.

• Plans To Use The Kitchen – First, it is important to determine how you will use your outdoor kitchen. How much actual cooking will you do outside? Do you need dining space and additional features as part of your install? Figure out if you need a simple countertop and a barbecue, or if you need the full suite to accomplish your goal. 
• Being Proportional To Your Own Backyard – Sometimes, outdoor space is sparse and precious, and you want to make sure your outdoor kitchen is proportional to the rest of your backyard. Generally, we recommend a kitchen and dining area taking up no more than a third of your outdoor space—this will leave room for gardening and outdoor recreation. 
• Measure it Out – Once you know generally where your kitchen should sit and how much you want to include, take careful measurements to get an idea of the square footage of your ideal outdoor kitchen.

Size is one of the most important pieces in the ultimate price of your outdoor kitchen, many of your costs are linked directly to square footage. For example, adding true granite countertops to an outdoor kitchen costs $40-60 per square foot. Create your plans and budget with your ideal square footage in mind. Remeber that for a custom piece like an outdoor kitchen, a custom builder can help you create your vision wih all the factors in mind.

Kitchen Bonuses

Once you’ve fully analyzed the spacing, plans, and size of your outdoor kitchen you can focus on the added elements. Whether it feels like an essential part of your kitchen, or a dream addition to your plans, each of these items play a big role in your budget.

• Pizza Oven – Pizza night will never be the same if you install a pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen. From an electric oven that requires a hook up, to a wood-burning structure, pizza ovens range from $350-$8000.

• Smoker – Channel your inner grill master by incorporating a smoker into your outdoor kitchen. Beyond just meat, a smoker can add character to mac and cheese, vegetables, and more. A smoker ranges from $280-$14,000

• Bar Seating – Give your outdoor kitchen the full restaurant feel by incorporating bar seating into the design. Bar seating allows guests to interact with the cook and make cooking time and social time one in the same. The sort of addition ranges from $50-$2000 depending on the design. 

• Wet Bar – If a cocktail is an essential part of your outdoor recreation, you can add a wet bar to your dream kitchen. An outdoor wet bar falls between the $1000-$2000 range.

• Beverage Fridge – Having access to a cool beverage while you watch the game or barbecue dinner can make all the difference. A drink fridge is the perfect addition to a kitchen. This costs anywhere from $400-$4000.

• Freezer – Whether you plan on keeping frozen treats, or storing your food before the big cookout, an outdoor freezer opens up many options for your kitchen. A freezer ranges from $100-$3000. 

• Television – Being able to watch the big game outside is a great spring and summertime activity. You’ll become the go-to party host when you’re able to screen these big-time events. A television will range from $80-$1000. 

• Heating – Elongate the seasonal potential of your outdoor kitchen, with an outdoor heater. Imagine cool fall nights with dinner on the grill and just enough warmth from a standing heater. These heaters range from $80-$5000. 

There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your outdoor kitchen to create a dream space. Each of these add-ons has a lower and higher range of cost. 

Consider the Cost of Labor | Outdoor Kitchen Costs

Labor will be a big part of anyone’s budget, but doing it yourself helps to cut down on costs. However, it is important to determine exactly what is reasonable for you to do yourself. Everyone’s building abilities are different, and when constructing an outdoor kitchen it is important to know your own limitations. Never DIY at the expense of safety. Finding the perfect mix of DIY and professional help is the best way to effectively cut cost without sacrificing quality.

Labor costs also vary greatly depending on your area, the scope of work, and expertise needed. Even if you plan to do some of the work yourself, get some quotes from a local contractor, or a custom home builder for more info on how to incorporate your vision in your home.

Put It All Together

Building your dream outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to finish your dream home. Though there are many factors contributing to the cost of your outdoor kitchen, such as size, style, and additions, you should generally expect to pay $13,000 to $30,000.

When you plan to build a custom home with a luxury builder, like Oakmont, you can plan your dream outdoor kitchen as part of your new build.