How To Build Your Own Outdoor Kitchen On A Budget

This outdoor kitchen project doesn’t need to seem as if it’s far out of reach. Sure, some planning will need to be involved, such as whether your outdoor kitchen should have a gas grill or a charcoal grill and maybe if storage space, such as kitchen cabinets, is needed. If you’re doing the DIY outdoor kitchen project by yourself, then you can count on this having some challenges. But like all projects, outdoor kitchen or not, it will start with some planning. Planning will be the first step in getting you that dream outdoor kitchen you’re after.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Planning your outdoor kitchen involves more than just deciding where to place the grill island and mini fridge. Before you start building, you need to plan your space. This isn’t only about surface space but where the cooking area will be located. Even if you hire a professional to help you, you’ll still need to do some space planning and measurements. Measure the area you have available and decide what pieces you will need.

You will want to consider the size and shape of the space and the size of the appliances and furniture you plan to include. Make sure you leave enough room for people to move around within the cooking area and the area for dining too. Also, will this be on the patio or deck, or will you need to lay out concrete (or stone) to build a strong foundation for this outdoor kitchen? When working on this project, there’s a lot to ask yourself; being in the great outdoors can hold more challenges. However, breaking this down bit by bit will help you create your space without being at such a high cost.

Defining Your Budget And Expectations

One of the biggest questions you’ll need to ask yourself is how much money you will put back into your outdoor kitchen. While it’s fairly obvious that everything you want will need to stay within budget, is there anything you’re willing to sacrifice or find an alternative in case the cost is too high? It’s not just about the materials that will add; some installations will be required, such as concrete for the foundation and gas lines, and some of the basic tools needed can add up in price. Overall, it is possible to save money, but you need to be clear on what your budget is, your expectations, and what you’re willing to depart with.

Choosing The Location

Unless you want an easily portable kitchen that can go anywhere in your backyard, you can count on having some limitations on location. Typically, the outdoor kitchen will be around the patio area or the outdoor living space. While it should be close to your house, it should be too close, as this could defeat the purpose of having an outdoor kitchen (plus it’s a fire hazard). Plus, the outdoor kitchen should be in a large area; typically, a pizza oven takes up a lot of space, and a small fridge and a power burner take up quite a bit.

So, what part of your backyard is best for this outdoor kitchen? This needs to be an area that complements the outdoor living area while at the same time can easily protect all the contents of the outdoor kitchen. While it can feel challenging trying to decide this, if you hire a professional contractor, they’ll be able to assist you in choosing the best space in your outdoor area.

Planning The Layout Of Your Outdoor Kitchen

The kitchen layout is everything! Consider the kitchen inside your house, is it set in a certain way where it’s easy to navigate? Is there plenty of counter space? Does your kitchen follow the Work Triangle Rule? How you stand, walk, and cook plays a part in the kitchen experience. It would be best if you remembered the kitchen experience goes far beyond aesthetics, and the kitchen layout is a prime example.

Like traditional kitchens, the outdoor kitchen can come in various layouts, such as Galley, L-Shaped, U-Shaped, you name it! But before you choose a layout, you’ll still need to remember what you plan to put in your outdoor kitchen, such as a grill, bar, sink, dishes, table, chairs, and any appliance you believe will be needed. Ultimately, you want an outdoor kitchen that will last in the long run and won’t need any changes. So this layout needs to go with your workflow, but it needs to complement your backyard as well.

Building Your Outdoor Kitchen

Once you have determined your outdoor kitchen’s size, shape, layout, and budget, it is time to move on to the next step, such as determining what materials and appliances you need. Whether you want a DIY outdoor kitchen or not, there is no denying that outdoor kitchens can be challenging. There are a lot of considerations that need to be put forth, and it’s only more if this is a DIY job where you want to create everything.

Selecting Building Materials And Appliances

Look for materials that will hold up well in the elements, such as stainless steel, stone, and tile. If you look into outdoor kitchens online, you will mostly find these materials. They’re both aesthetically pleasing and can handle even the harshest weather. You may want to consider salvaged materials for this space. Why not consider looking into wood such as reclaimed wood? This can add a romantic touch to your kitchen cabinets and counter space.

Fortunately, when it comes to some appliances, such as grills, are already made to handle harsh elements. Organic materials like wood have a way of balancing out aesthetics, especially since you’ll be outdoors. Still, opting for stainless steel for your grill, sink, power burner, and maybe even your cabinets are strongly recommended. This way, you can still have a gorgeous outdoor kitchen without worrying about damage or destruction in the long run.

What about keeping to your budget? It isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” for outdoor kitchens, especially when making a DIY outdoor kitchen. Materials for outdoor kitchens vary, and the prices will fluctuate based on the brand, store, and even the time of year you’re making these purchases. But, if you don’t mind doing a bit of work, repurposing materials can be a great way to cut costs. You can find materials such as cabinets, countertops, and appliances at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.

If you’re a fan of reclaimed wood, this can be used for creating whatever you need, from cabinets to dining tables. It’s great to DIY, but this can sometimes cost more than a purchase. So another option would be checking the second-hand market. Why not check out thrift stores within your locality or even head online to eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist? Not only can this be more cost-effective, but it also ensures that your outdoor kitchen has a unique and personalized feel.

DIY Vs. Professional Installation

Something else you’ll need to consider is whether you want to DIY your outdoor kitchen or if a professional installation from a contractor will be easier (and potentially cheaper). It can be a great experience getting to DIY your outdoor kitchen since there are more than enough tutorials online. But, will it all be worth it with the time, money, preparation, and headache that will go in when you create this outdoor kitchen? Depending on your DIY experience and what changes need to be made to make the outdoor kitchen a success will depend on what you’re after.

If you’re only wanting a grill and maybe a couple of countertops on your deck, then this could be ideal for a DIYer. But if you lack time, have enough within your budget, and want something intricate, such as a U-shaped outdoor kitchen with a sink, grill, countertops, and a stone bar, you’re better off getting a professional installation.

Making The Most Of Counter Space

Having the opportunity to cook outside with the family can be fun. Getting to grill the food right in your concrete outdoor kitchen in the middle of the summer is a pique of luxury. However, one common complaint for most grill cooks would be the lack of workspace that grills offer. You only get one small counter for this appliance unless you have a table nearby.

What separates a small grilling station from an outdoor kitchen is the counter space. With an outdoor kitchen, you can expect a kitchen island or at least enough countertop space for your sink, food, and appliances. So, when setting up this outdoor kitchen, what do you want to install? Counters are vital for any cook but can take up a lot of space. So when you’re in the planning stages, think about how much counter space you need and what it would be used for.

Adding The Finishing Touches

Once your outdoor kitchen is built, you want to ensure it looks its best. This will make a world of difference and add that coziness factor that makes people swoon for outdoor kitchens. While setting up the kitchen space can have challenges, decorating it is fun!

Decor And Accessories

Chances are, the kitchen in your house has some hints of décor, right? Just think about what it offers and how to add something similar to the outdoor living space. Adding outdoor furniture, such as tables and chairs, could be more than enough if you want something simplistic. These are quick and easy to install, but why not go a step further? From paper towel holders to spice racks, plenty of great options can add style and functionality to your outdoor kitchen.

Lighting Options For Outdoor Kitchens

It’s crucial to help set the mood; lighting is key to making this happen when guests arrive. Several different types of lighting are perfect for outdoor kitchens; you could look into task lighting if you want to illuminate your grill, but wall-mounted lighting is another excellent option. String lights can be a nice tough, but this is more suitable when it’s surrounding furniture.

Budget-Friendly Ways To Add Ambiance

The decor, lighting, and accessories all add up to create the ambiance of the outdoor kitchen, but sometimes, you need to go a bit further. While lighting is key for ambiance, it’s not the only option. You could add a rug, some potted plants, and play music. These are all fairly budget friendly and can make quite an impact!

Pros and Cons of DIY Outdoor Kitchens

Does getting an outdoor kitchen make sense? After all, you already have a fully operated-kitchen inside your home. While outdoor kitchens aren’t needed, they’re fantastic but may not be for everyone.

Pros:

• It can be easily customized
• Easier access to food during outdoor get-togethers
• Usually, add value to the home

Cons:

• Weather protection is needed
• Regular upkeep is required
• Can be expensive

While an outdoor kitchen can have the potential to be very expensive, it’s best to reach out to an expert, as they will be able to help you lower the cost of your dream outdoor kitchen.