Cost to build an outdoor kitchen

Thinking of treating yourself to an outdoor kitchen? Studies have shown that building an outdoor kitchen could add value to your home. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of that summer sun, whether you’re hosting family and friends or simply enjoying getting closer to nature. Here, we’ve outlined the typical cost to build an outdoor kitchen.

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost to build?

You might think that building an outdoor kitchen would come in at a similar cost to building a kitchen inside the home. However, outdoor kitchens tend to be a little more expensive as the materials you use will need to be durable enough to cope outdoors – particularly the worktops.

They’ll need to be able to withstand lots of different temperatures and weathers all year round, at the same time as looking beautiful. It’s a tough job!

Your total outdoor kitchen cost will also depend on factors such as:

• Size
• Spec
• Number of appliances

You can also expect to pay more if your appliances are sourced from well-known brands.

Build an outdoor kitchen cost

At the lower end of the scale, if you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen that consists of just a barbecue and a few units, you could spend under £1,000 on the project. However, for a ‘proper’ outdoor kitchen that includes a couple of appliances along with worktops and storage space, you can expect to spend a minimum of £4,000.

Although you could spend over £50,000 on a fully bespoke outdoor kitchen, you’re likely to find you don’t have to spend quite that much for a premium finish. In general, you could get a very high-quality bespoke kitchen for between £15,000 – £25,000.

Outdoor kitchen on a budget cost

Looking to create an outdoor kitchen on a budget? Follow these simple steps to reduce the cost to build an outdoor kitchen.

• Repurpose materials: Consider what free materials you have lying around that could come in handy. For instance, you could build your kitchen cabinets from old pallets or floorboards.
• Use online marketplaces: They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. By using online marketplaces like Facebook or Gumtree, you could find cheap or free items, such as worktops.
• Use existing space: Consider building your outdoor kitchen and dining area around a pre-existing patio so you don’t have to fork out on additional garden landscaping costs.
• Work around your plumbing and electrics: If you’re installing appliances or a sink, it pays to think about where your plumbing and electrics are currently. By positioning your outdoor kitchen nearby, you’ll be able to save money.
• Prioritise: Make a list of must-haves in terms of equipment and furniture and prioritise those. That way, you can make sure you get your top priorities now and continue adding those lower down your list at a later date.

FAQs

Where should I put my outdoor kitchen?

In most cases, your outdoor kitchen should go near the house. That way, it can act as a real extension of your living space. However, there may be reasons why you’d like to put your outdoor kitchen further afield. For instance, you might want to make the most of a sunnier part of your garden or build it around a feature such as a pergola or a swimming pool.

What should I put in my outdoor kitchen?

At a minimum, you’ll want to install a grill, barbecue or oven, along with a surface that can be used for chopping and preparing food. Aside from that, the possibilities are endless. For instance, you might wish to include a fridge, sink, worktops, kitchen units, shelving or even a pizza oven.