How Much Does it Cost to Put an Outdoor Kitchen on Your Deck?
An outdoor kitchen can expand home living space, create an entertainment area, increase home values, and keep indoor kitchens cool in the summer. It is possible to add an outdoor kitchen to almost any home, but the costs for the projects vary widely, depending on many factors.
Some factors that determine the price of a kitchen include its size, the number and type of appliances, and add-on features. Also, a custom kitchen generally costs more than a ready-to-assemble model.
Getting a General Estimate
Because so many issues impact the project prices, determining the cost of an outdoor kitchen is difficult without a personal estimate. However, according to industry experts, homeowners can use a general price range as a guide.
It is possible to build anything from a simple, functional kitchen to a luxury entertainment area. Per Home Advisor, you can expect prices to range from $5,479 to $22,148, with $13,364 being the national average.
Features that can affect kitchen costs include:
- The framework. This is the structure that supports the countertop and cabinet doors and generally runs $200 to $600 per linear foot.
- Countertops. Choices range from economical ceramic tiles at $10 to $25 per foot to luxury teak that costs $100 to $150 per square foot.
- The grill. The price to buy and have a barbecue grill installed can range from $400 to $3,950.
- A fireplace. Firepits typically cost between $300 and $400.
- A sink. Adding an outdoor sink can cost between $225 and $600.
What to Consider When Adding a Kitchen to a Deck
According to Outdoor Kitchen Insider, a deck is a great location for an outdoor kitchen. It is convenient and could eliminate the need for an outdoor sink if it is close enough to the indoor kitchen.
The most common layouts for a deck kitchen are:
- Central island
- Outer edges of the deck
- Against the house
Before designing your kitchen, it is critical to ensure the deck can support the weight. It may be necessary to make repairs before building.
You need to know what materials will work best for your needs and then create the best design for your deck’s size. It’s also essential to know the location of utilities.
Building a kitchen on a deck can be budget friendly because it usually includes utilities. Adding utility lines to custom decks is very expensive. An outdoor kitchen on a deck is typically also well-lighted, complements the home’s exterior, and has a built-in roof.
As you design your kitchen, consider appliances that fit the size of the area and meet your needs. The grill is typically the centerpiece, but you may be able to add options like a pizza oven, griddle, smoker, bar stations, or entertainment features.
Contractor or DIY installation?
Homeowners can hire a contractor to build their kitchens or construct their own using RTF or RTA products. RTF or ready-to-finish kitchens arrive in sections that are ready to install, but many are made of poor-quality products and only last a few years.
RTA, or ready-to-assemble, kitchens are another option and are of higher quality. You can install your own pre-designed kitchen if you have the skill, but it can be a complicated process.
A contractor can either design a custom kitchen from scratch and then install it or install a ready-to-assemble kitchen you have ordered. A contractor is more expensive, but they ensure the kitchen is correctly installed, functional, and professionally finished.
An outdoor kitchen can increase home values, add living space, and become an entertainment area. Homeowners can build kitchens almost anywhere on their property, but many use existing decks. The cost of adding an outdoor kitchen can vary widely, depending on the size and features. Homeowners may order kitchens that are ready to install or hire a contractor to build one from scratch.
