We may be biased, but…outdoor kitchens are pretty awesome! They’re the next trendiest thing homeowners everywhere are looking to jump on. They’re luxurious and perfect for spending your days outdoors in the summer, and who doesn’t love an outdoor dinner party in the sun?
However, many people feel like having an outdoor kitchen in their backyard is nothing but a pipe dream, and the cost of the kitchen would get in the way. But we are here to tell you that that’s not the case! It is perfectly possible to achieve the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, even while on a budget!
And we are here to help. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about having the outdoor kitchen you desire without a dollar to your name (okay, so you will need a dollar or two but, you get what we mean.) So, if you’re interested in our top tips, read on for more!
How To Build An Outdoor Kitchen On A Budget?
Here’s exactly how you can build an outdoor kitchen even while on a budget!
Choose An In-House Location
What exactly do we mean by this? Well, an in-house location is another way of saying a lawn or a garden. These are very budget-friendly, and you can have an outdoor kitchen installed here for a fraction of the cost.
A typical outdoor kitchen will cost around $300-2000 dollars to install, and you can save on this by just choosing the right in-house location! It really is as easy as that.
Assess Your Utility Lines Installation
If you have totaled the cost of your outdoor kitchen and find it to be extortionate, do not worry! A great way to bring that number all the way down is to assess your utility lines installation. Utility lines are not necessary for an outdoor kitchen. So, if they’re bringing the price up, it may be better to avoid them.
Select Your Appliances Carefully
All great kitchens have appliances, but the ones you choose for your budget outdoor kitchen need to be considered with care. Some appliances are not totally necessary in the kitchen, so you can greatly reduce the cost by removing some of these from the list.
For example, many pans out there are multipurpose and you can use those instead of investing in multiple different appliances with different functions. However, it is important to note that one item you should never compromise on is the grill.
After all, the grill is an integral part of the kitchen, and if you cheap out on a grill you risk the quality of your food and end up spending more money in the long run. So, you need to ensure that you invest in a quality grill that can withstand any type of weather.
We recommend investing in a high-end propane grill. However, as mentioned, you do not need every appliance that you can find in your regular, indoor kitchen. Just make sure that the appliances you choose are ones that you use frequently.
Avoid Installing A Sink
This is one of the most common tips for installing an outdoor kitchen on a budget – and for good reason. Of course, we know how convenient it is to have a sink, especially when it comes to cooking. However, sinks can cost a lot of money, and they’re no friend to budget-friendly kitchens.
Now, purchasing a sink is not the problem, but installing it, even when using a service, does cost a lot of money. A far better alternative for an outdoor kitchen on a budget is a self-contained station. Alternatively, if your outdoor kitchen and indoor kitchen are close together, then you can use the same connections and save a lot!
Choose Your Countertop Material Wisely
This is a very important point, as your choice of countertop material can make or break your budget. However, not only that, you need to ensure you are choosing a budget-friendly countertop material that is built to last. This is especially true since there are some materials that are not built to last in all kinds of weather.
As far as outdoor kitchen countertops go, we recommend using granite. Granite is a natural stone that is extremely durable. It is not damaged by heat and is resistant to mold, mildew, and stains. Not to mention, it is a very beautiful stone that will make you the envy of all your neighbors.
Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Coverage Carefully
Unfortunately, coverage for your outdoor kitchen is expensive. Even more unfortunately, it is necessary. You need to protect your outdoor kitchen from all the elements. To do this, you will need to find a covering.
The best thing to do is get quotes from a variety of different roofers to see which one would be the cheapest. However, you need to ensure that you are still choosing a reputable brand that you can trust to do this for you.
Planning Is Vital
You are not going to get very far trying to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget if you don’t plan! Planning is vital for success, so you need to have one in place to know you are not missing out on any of the best deals and you are investing in the right materials and appliances for your kitchen.
It is good to make a document of all the appliances you need and their different price points of various retailers. You should also make a to-do list that includes calling roofers to get quotes, and whatever else you think you need to make your budget outdoor kitchen a success.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor kitchens do not need to be expensive to be nice! If you plan carefully and choose your appliances, countertops, and covering carefully, then you can have a beautiful outdoor kitchen on a budget! Be the envy of your neighbors and family by following our top tips to get the perfect, budget-friendly outdoor kitchen!