Budgeting for an Outdoor Kitchen
Location
Outdoor kitchens are more common in Canadian houses now, as they provide extra space to cook and party. It’s much more tempting for everyone to cook, clean, and entertain out in the fresh air, than being crowded indoors, especially in the warm season.
If you choose to create an outdoor kitchen, you need to plan well before breaking any ground. Setting your budget is the most important thing in the whole process. You don’t want to spend more money than you expected.
The size and location of your outdoor kitchen will affect the costs, in addition to the number of appliances you chose to install and their brands. Read to learn more about what you’re expected to pay for your dream outdoor kitchen.
Plan and Design
The location of your new kitchen will affect the overall cost. If you have a patio that is near your house, then this is the wanted location. The costs of your kitchen will be much less in this case, since you don’t need to run new water, gas, and electric lines. Installing your kitchen back into your yard will cost more money to build.
You can avoid unnecessary expenses by choosing a closer location to your house even if it means building a smaller outdoor kitchen. Consult with a specialist to discuss your options and how to best use smaller space to get a convenient kitchen within your budget.
It’s important to plan every aspect before start creating your outdoor kitchen. Planning makes you feel confident in your choices, and allow you to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Make sure to include all features and conveniences, as this place is going to be yours for many years.
Design your outdoor kitchen as if it was your indoor kitchen. Choose model, size, and appliances that best fit your family needs. You can discuss it with a pro in case you have no idea how to plan and design your place. The cost of your outdoor kitchen highly depends on whether you’re choosing a luxury or basic style.
If you’re willing to invest your money in a deluxe outdoor kitchen, there’s no limit here. A costly outdoor kitchen includes more features and conveniences. It also has a larger space which is useful to add more appliances. A luxury kitchen can cost around $50,000-$100,000.
On the other hand, if your budget or space are limiting your options,a basic outdoor kitchen only includes a patio with a grill and countertop will cost around $2,000-$10,000 on average.
Appliances
A basic outdoor kitchen saves you a lot of money, but a fancy kitchen is more practical and more comfortable. Make the best choice that works for you and your home.
Most of your outdoor kitchen budget will be allocated for kitchen appliances. There’s a wide variety of kitchen appliances in the market. Prices depend on the size and brand you choose. Buy durable, weather-resistant appliances to make sure they withstand weather elements.
Countertop
The price ofa countertopmainlydepends on the material used. On average, it may cost you $70 per square foot of countertop material and installation.
If you’re building a basic style kitchen, your countertop space will be limited. However, if you want more space, or you’re installing the luxury kitchen then you are going to pay more money.
Grill
If you’re trying to cut costs, you need to skip the grill. The average grill costs around $200-$400. Choose wisely so you don’t replace it after a couple of years. Choose a grill that lasts longer and withstands the outdoor elements.
Sink
Installing a sink in your outdoor kitchen is a smart decision, so you avoid running back and forth inside to wash dishes or get water. The price of this great addition depends on its size. You may spend anywhere from $500-$1200. The sink is essential in any kitchen. Add it now, so you don’t regret it later.
Fridge
A full-size fridge is not necessary for an outdoor kitchen at all. All you need is a bar fridge that will cost you around $500. You can put it on the countertop to hold beverages.
Some people even skip this option and use a built-in cooler, where they throw ice and drinks in to stay cold. It seems quite the solution for having summer parties with minimum costs.
However, you can add a keg dispenser or a wine fridge to your kitchen which is more common now. This additional beverage storage is indispensable if you’re looking to entertaining multiple guests during summer.A keg dispenser costs around $700-$2000 and a wine fridge can be from $500-$2000.
Construction
Your pre-existing patio will save you a lot of money, as it will be the space for your outdoor kitchen to sit on. If that is not the case then a new place has to be constructed, adding to the total costs.
Bringing the whole project together, you can calculate these costs for every aspect of the projects, Construction $5000-$12,000, appliances and installation $2000-$5000, another masonry $400-$600 per linear foot.
Your outdoor kitchen may cost less or more than the average costs mentioned above. It all depends on your choices. Whatever decisions you may make, creating an outdoor kitchen is a great way to spend the summer and enjoy the fine weather. Connect a pro to get started and create your dream outdoor kitchen.