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Published on Marsh 9, 2023

Pro Tips

6 Ideas to Build an Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget

Discover the right ingredients for building an outdoor kitchen while staying on budget. Create a space where you can cook, entertain, and relax—without spending too much—during the warmer months of the year. Here are our top tips to help you save.

6 Ways to Build an Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget

Discover the right ingredients for building an outdoor kitchen while staying on budget. Put together a space where you can cook, entertain, and relax during the warmer months of the year, and keep costs down with some tricks along the way. Use one or all six of these tips to help you save.
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Outdoor kitchen right next to a house

1
Build Your Outdoor Kitchen Close to the House

Placing an outdoor kitchen close to your home is much cheaper than building one further away. The main reason is that you’ll have a far easier time hooking up to utilities like electrical and plumbing, especially if you have an outlet and water hose nearby.

The close proximity to your home also means you can save on additions like a sink and a full-sized fridge, either by saving on installation costs or by deciding that you don’t need to have them outside.
Outdoor cocktail bar

2
Minimize Utility Line Costs

Installing plumbing, gas lines, and electrical lines can cost hundreds of dollars each, and even more the further away the kitchen is. While building a kitchen close to the house can keep costs down, there are also ways to eliminate these costs entirely.

For example, choosing a gas barbecue or charcoal grill means that you won’t need to run a gas line. This will save you on the costs of permits and hiring installation professionals. Likewise, rather than installing a water line for a refrigerator, you can keep drinks cool in an ice chest or a drop-in cooler.

Smart Saving Tips

To illuminate your outdoor space or create an atmosphere without having to spend money on power lines (and then on electricity), simply install solar outdoor lights!

Portable barbecue grill

3
Keep Things Portable

Instead of installing permanent kitchen counters and appliances, opt for portable carts that are not only less expensive but that you can move wherever you please. You can even wheel the cart inside your home for an easy cleanup. When your kitchen is not in use, simply wheel it away to save space.

A portable kitchen means you won’t have to shoulder any construction costs and, if you decide to move, you will be able to take your kitchen with you!
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Man using a barbecue

4
Opt for Versatility

The fewer appliances you include in your outdoor kitchen, the less money you will spend. At the same time, you don’t want to compromise on your cooking options. A multifunctional appliance like a gas grill that includes a charcoal tray can make an excellent compromise.

By minimizing the number of appliances, you may also be able to cut down on your counter space, lowering installation costs.
Wooden outdoor furniture

5
Build an Outdoor Kitchen DIY Style

If you have some DIY skills and know-how, you can save big by building your own outdoor kitchen rather than purchasing and installing a prefab one. You can also save on the cost of materials by using recycled stone, reclaimed wood, and other salvaged materials.

Check out some DIY inspiration to help get you started:

6
Keep Your Kitchen in Good Condition

When left exposed, your kitchen can more quickly deteriorate or become damaged. Protect your investment by protecting your kitchen from the elements. The easiest way to do this is to install it close to your home, where the walls and roof will provide protection at no additional cost.
Alternatively, you can use an awning, a gazebo, or even just a small and stylish barbecue gazebo to keep the sun, rain, snow, and wind at bay.

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