The XO Main Points:
- Outdoor kitchen costs vary by size, materials, appliances, and customization. They can range from $6,000 to over $100,000, with the average for a mid-range set-up around $16,000.
- Key expenses include the materials you choose, premium features and appliances, labor, and utility installations, such as pergolas and lighting.
- An outdoor kitchen is a valuable investment, offering up to %200% ROI, boosting your home’s value, and enhancing your outdoor lifestyle.
Some might call it an upgrade, but an outdoor kitchen goes far beyond that. It’s a lifelong lifestyle investment. An outdoor kitchen sets the stage for hosting family alfresco dinners, celebrations, or simply enhancing your home and family’s backyard.
Knowing the general costs involved in an undertaking such as building an outdoor kitchen is crucial for realistic budgeting, determining what resources need to be allocated, and ensuring that the kitchen you have is one you will love for generations.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the expenses, from materials and appliances to labor and design choices, to help you budget well for the outdoor culinary haven of your dreams.
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
Predicting a single monetary value is difficult as prices vary based on size, materials, and customization. We can provide you with a general breakdown, and that looks like:
- Basic setups: $6,000 to $15,000
- Mid-range outdoor kitchens: $15,000 to $30,000
- High-end, custom designs with luxury appliances: $30,000 to $100,000
On average, homeowners spend around $16,000 on an outdoor kitchen, but costs can escalate with premium features and specific finishes.
Costs: Breaking It All Down
1. Materials
The materials you choose will significantly impact the cost to build an outdoor kitchen and how durable it will be:
- Granite, concrete, or stainless steel countertops can range from $50 to $200 per square foot.
- Weather-resistant materials in cabinetry like marine-grade polymer or stainless steel range from $500 to $1,500 per linear foot.
- Pavers or natural stone flooring could cost between $15 and $35 per square foot.
2. Appliances
Premium features and quality appliances are the heart of any outdoor kitchen, and given its exposure to the outside, it deserves a bit of investment. Your price range could be:
- Built-in gas grills range from $1,000 to $3,000
- Outdoor-rated refrigerator units cost between $1,000 and $3,000
- Accessories like side burners, sinks, and pizza ovens can add anywhere from $500 to $2,500 to your budget.
3. Labor
You’ll most likely want professional installation help if you seek electrical and water features for your outside kitchen. Depending on where you live, where the outdoor kitchen will be, and how complex a build it is, you may be looking at:
- $50 to $150 per hour for skilled installation labor added to the cost of an outdoor kitchen
- An additional $2,000 to $5,000 for running gas, water, and electricity
4. Design Choices
Are you looking to customize? Unfortunately, customization options affect both the aesthetics and the outdoor kitchen prices.
- L-shaped or U-shaped designs require more materials and intensive labor, so expect a higher price range.
- Adding details like a pergola, lighting features, or a fire feature could increase costs by $1,000 up to $10,000
Factors that influence Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Several elements can further sway the budget:
- Urban areas may have higher labor costs
- Regions with very harsh weather require more durable, tougher materials
- Local regulations may necessitate the purchase of additional permits, adding to your expenses
Common Outdoor Kitchen Cost Questions Answered
How much should I budget for an outdoor kitchen?
Budget for at least $15,000 for a functional setup, with understanding that costs will increase based on any customization and quality.
How much value does an outdoor kitchen add to a house?
Your outdoor kitchen can offer an ROI (Return on Investment) between 100% and 200%, especially in regions that experience favorable climates and milder weather.
How much does it cost to build a 12×12 outdoor kitchen?
A typical 12×12 outdoor kitchen can fall into the mid-range category, costing between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on your desired materials and features.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
The answer is a solid yes for those who frequently find themselves outdoors, entertaining, and cooking outside. It’s the perfect enhancement to an outdoor and active lifestyle, boosts property value, and can entertain for decades.
How long do outdoor kitchens last?
When an outdoor kitchen is built correctly, maintained, and furnished with premium-quality outdoor appliances and materials, it can last between ten and twenty years and beyond.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter—Get the Outdoor Living Experience You Crave
An outdoor kitchen is a cooking space, a family gathering space, a fun-adventurous play area for the kids, or your quiet after-work sanctuary to fire up the grill and watch the sunset. You deserve to invest in quality time and home value. By knowing the average price for outdoor kitchens before you dive in, you can create the custom backyard oasis that will feel like a destination getaway, time and time again.
Explore our stunning selection of superior appliances to design your ultimate outdoor kitchen with XO. Stop waiting for the memories to happen and build them in the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.