Outdoor Kitchen Ideas - How To Make An Outdoor Kitchen

How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen?

Outdoor kitchens cost from about $3,000 for one with a good-quality grill, a 6-ft. -long counter and a patio to $15,000 and up for higher-end versions with an assortment of appliances. Although it's tempting to compare outdoor kitchens to the one indoors, there are some key differences.

What can you make an outdoor kitchen out of?

You can build your outdoor kitchen atop a concrete slab, but you may not like the look as a floor. However, concrete, natural stone, brick, and tile are good, non-slip, easy-to-clean options for outdoor flooring. You don't want a high-maintenance product outside, but you do want it to be stylish and weather-resistant.

How do I set up an outdoor kitchen?

Follow these easy tips for choosing the perfect location for the outdoor kitchen.

Provide Ample Shade. ...
Keep the Kitchen Close to the House. ...
Consider Your Desired Views. ...
Avoid Areas With a Lot of Wind. ...
Cooking and Grilling Surfaces. ...
Countertops and Prep Stations. ...
Storage. ...
Accessories and Dining Area.

Are outdoor kitchens worth the money?

A study from Absolute Outdoor Kitchens found homes with an outdoor kitchen see an ROI of between 100% and 200% than homes without. Therefore, outdoor kitchens add significant value to the home.

Can you use a regular grill in an outdoor kitchen?

Yes, you can, and I have done this for clients. You'll want to make sure of a few things first: if your built-in grill has folding sides to act as a work surface you'll probably want to remove them. ... I've known people who veneered around the grill and ended up sealing it in.

Why are outdoor kitchens so expensive?

The cost of an outdoor kitchen will depend largely on its size, the materials you select and the appliances you want installed. A basic outdoor cooking area with a patio, grill and countertop can run a few thousand dollars. While a luxury design with top-of-the-line appliances will cost many times that amount.

What countertops are best for outdoor kitchen?

Your best choices are natural stone, concrete or tile. If your heart is set on a manufactured countertop like quartz or recycled glass, talk to the manufacturer first. Most use pigments that are not designed to stand up to outdoor use, so if the counter is exposed to UV rays the color may change over time.

Should I cover my outdoor kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen is exposed to the elements. Even if you don't use it often, appliances and surfaces will need to be covered and maintained because they are outdoors.

Why are drop in grills so expensive?

One key factor, like with anything, is material cost. A lot of drop-in grills are made with high grade steel that is far superior in quality than that of standard $100-$200 propane grills. ... What this means in costs means far better quality of grill that is guaranteed to last for years.

Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a deck?

Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a deck? The answer is yes—but proceed carefully. Here are some of the important questions you'll need to answer before starting this project.

Can I build an outdoor kitchen with wood?

You can build your outdoor kitchen with wood. ... In order to protect the wood frame from heat and water, it should be covered with cement backer board, both on the inside and outside of the structure. Be aware that there is still some concern over fire safety, even with the backer board in place.

How deep should an outdoor kitchen counter be?

There should be at least 72 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep. Large (more than 20 linear feet). A large kitchen has all the amenities and can accommodate multiple cooks. Provide 156 inches of countertop frontage at 24 inches deep.

Where should I put my outdoor kitchen?

Proximity - An outdoor kitchen should be located close to the home. The closer your outdoor cooking area is to your home's backyard entrance, the more convenient it will be for food preparation and transport.

How do I cover my outdoor kitchen?

Cover the outdoor kitchen with a tarp in the off-season.

You can do this quite easily with a large tarp and a few small bungee cords. You should also take care to cover the BBQ grill (or any other type of cooking apparatus) portion of the outdoor kitchen island whenever it is not in use.

Does a pergola add value to a home?

Here's what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.

What is the best stone for outdoor kitchen?

For many homeowners, sturdy, weather-resistant outdoor countertops are a must. That means stone and concrete countertops are the most popular choices for outdoor kitchen areas. Arguably, granite is considered the best choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. Granite is a natural stone that is both durable and beautiful.

Does outdoor living space add value?

Outdoor kitchens are popular additions, and most experts estimate that homeowners with kitchens in their outdoor living spaces will break even on the investment when selling their homes. According to Absolute Outdoor Kitchens, homes with outdoor kitchens can potentially see an ROI ranging between 100% and 200%.

Can you grill under a pergola?

Many people enjoy outdoor cooking under a pergola. If you are placing your barbecue under a pergola, use your common sense to make sure that the smoke and heat have ample room to escape. ... Don't set your barbecue against any of the beams of the pergola as they may become brittle or warp from the heat of the grill.

How far should a grill be from the house?

Your grill—whether it's charcoal or gas—should be at least 10 feet away from your home or garage, deck railings and other structures.

Where should I put my grill outside?

Be aware of your surroundings

Avoid setting up the grill directly outside the back door, especially if kids are running in and out of the house. Always place grills on a flat, clean surface away from any potentially flammable debris such as rubbish bins or mulch. The same goes for low-lying trees and hedges.