{"id":23422,"date":"2021-04-29T14:35:44","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T21:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=23422"},"modified":"2026-04-10T01:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:51:01","slug":"outdoor-kitchen-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/outdoor-kitchen-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready to Level Up Your Backyard BBQ? Here\u2019s Your Outdoor Kitchen Cost Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tempted to level up your backyard entertaining with an outdoor kitchen? You\u2019re not alone in your thinking \u2014 outdoor kitchens are trending big time. In HomeLight\u2019s recent Top Agent Insights Report, 46% of agents ranked outdoor kitchens as homebuyers’ most-wanted outdoor feature<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Depending on your choice of appliances and materials, your outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000<\/a> to build. That\u2019s quite the range!<\/p>\n

Fortunately, like indoor kitchen remodels<\/a>, outdoor kitchens add value to your home. According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors , outdoor kitchens typically garner a 71% return on investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll break down outdoor kitchen costs so you can see just how far your budget will go. For next-level insight, we spoke with experts in real estate, design, and construction to weigh in on three outdoor kitchen<\/a> project scopes, ranging from a modest kitchenette to an elaborate luxury design.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Chris Barrett Design<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Project cost by scale: From budget to high-end designs<\/h2>\n

Do you want a casual space for dining al fresco<\/a>? Or, would you prefer an elaborate design for hosting parties? Questions like these help you determine details like the appliances and counter space.<\/p>\n

“Every homeowner is different when it comes to what they want and [what] their needs are for the space,” says Sean Moore, project manager for Marquis Fine Cabinetry<\/a> in Florida. “The budget is really determined by each client.”<\/p>\n

Here are some options to consider for a budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end outdoor kitchen design.<\/p>\n

Budget-friendly outdoor kitchen: $4,500 to $10,000<\/h3>\n

More than half of agents surveyed in HomeLight’s recent Top Agent Insights Report agree that a built-in grill is one of the top amenities buyers want<\/a> in their backyard retreat. For a budget-friendly kitchen, this is the most important purchase you’ll make.<\/p>\n

“[If] I was just going to buy one thing, I would buy the greatest barbeque I could find,” says Chris Barrett, interior designer and owner of Chris Barrett Design<\/a> in Southern California. Since the grill is the focal point of your outdoor kitchen, spend what you can. For instance, this top-rated 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill by Saber Grills<\/a> for $1,999 is well worth the splurge.<\/p>\n

You can offset the cost of the grill by selecting more affordable countertops and cabinets. Joe Raboine, Director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard<\/a>, a leading manufacturer of hardscape materials for outdoor kitchens, suggests tile countertops since these can cost as little as $1 per square foot<\/a>. “Not only will it last forever, it’s easy to clean and typically less expensive than granite or natural stone,” he says.<\/p>\n

If you opt for a fully customized outdoor kitchen design, expect to dedicate roughly 70% of your project budget to labor alone<\/a>. Fortunately, pre-made outdoor kitchen islands are another excellent option for budget-friendly builds. For instance, this 7-foot BBQ Island in Stainless Steel from Home Depot<\/a> comes with four burners, a stylish stone veneer, and a porcelain tile countertop space for prepping your burgers and brisket, all for $3,601.<\/p>\n

If there’s room in your budget, wrap up your design with a fire pit<\/a> and string lights<\/a> for ambiance, two upgrades buyers are craving<\/a> this year.<\/p>\n

Overview of a budget-friendly outdoor kitchen:<\/h4>\n

At just $4,500, you can build a 100 square foot kitchen<\/a> atop an existing patio with stock cabinets against the wall, tile countertops, and a freestanding grill.<\/p>\n

Cost breakdown (materials):<\/h4>\n