Whether you want to continue the Kansas City BBQ tradition at home or simply love the al fresco outdoor dining experience, an outdoor kitchen is a must to turn your backyard into an at-home vacation haven.

In Kansas City, a new outdoor kitchen can cost between $20,000 and 50,000 or more. The actual cost is affected by several factors, including:

• Size: The size of your outdoor kitchen, including the necessary counter space.
• Material Selection: Countertop material will also affect how much your outdoor kitchen would cost
• Construction Method: The complexity of kitchen design, including any overhead structures.
• Appliances: Extra appliances besides stoves and sinks.
• Additional costs: plumbing, electrical wiring, permitting, and any other expenses associated with the project.

Cost by Size

The size of your kitchen will significantly impact the cost of your project. On average, an outdoor kitchen costs $75 to $250 per square foot, although the rate can vary based on your local labor rates. Most outdoor kitchens typically range from 200 to 300 square feet, with some larger designs taking up 400 square feet or more.

Cost by Layout

The layout and complexity can also affect the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular layouts include:

• Small layout: suitable for kitchens under 200 square feet. Usually comes in a linear design with one grill and a counterspace on the side.
• L-shaped layout: L-shaped layouts can be placed along the edge of your patio and usually feature multiple appliances, an extended counter, and sometimes a bar.
• Large/full kitchen: A full-size outdoor kitchen has a rectangular layout, typically with three sides of counters and appliances and a central island. These layouts can cover over 400 square feet.

Overhead Structures

Sometimes you may want to add an overhead structure, such as a pergola, to cover part of your outdoor kitchen for weather-proofing. Overhead structures cost about $15,000 on average, but exceed $50,000 depending on the size, design, and material used.

Cost by Material

The material you use for your countertop can significantly impact the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular countertop materials for outdoor kitchens include granite, soapstone, concrete, and tiles.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Price by Material

Material	Cost (per square foot)
Granite	$80 to $150
Soapstone	$60 to $130
Concrete	$50 to $150
Porcelain and ceramic tiles	$17 to $30

Many outdoor kitchens are built on top of existing patio pavings. However, if you want to use a different type of paver for your kitchen, be ready to pay more for material and labor as well.

Appliance Costs

Appliances are the soul of your outdoor kitchen, determining its capacity and functionality. To ensure the efficiency and safety of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to use appliances specifically designed for outdoor use.

Below are the prices for some common outdoor kitchen appliances:

• Grill: $700 to $7,000
• Outdoor-rated Fridge: $2,000 to $6,000
• Storage Doors and Drawers: $350 to $1,500
• Pizza Oven: $700 to $7,000
• Ice Trough:  $300 to $600
• Dishwasher: $400 to $2,000
• Wine cooler: $400 to $2,000

Additional Costs

Like most other architectural design/build projects, a complex outdoor kitchen project also comes with some additional costs for design, engineering, and upgrades

Plumbing

If your kitchen comes with a new sink, it will also need new plumbing. The cost to install a working sink outdoors falls between $300 $600 in most cases. Plumbing for water or gas, altogether, typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how many appliances are needed to service and how far it is away from the source 

Electrical

Sometimes you may be able to use the exterior outlets on your home to support your outdoor kitchen appliances. However,  most times you might need to install new outlets to keep the kitchen running. New outlets can cost anywhere from $250 to $500 per outlet, with outlets further away from the home costing over $1,500 sometimes.

Outdoor Living Features

Fire features, dedicated dining areas, outdoor lighting, and landscaping around the kitchen each come with their separate cost. 

Permits

You may need certain permits to complete your outdoor kitchen projects, especially if new electrical, plumbing, and surrounding structures are involved.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can put together a DIY kitchen on your patio with a simple grill and standing storage cabinets for around $4,500. However, we highly recommend hiring an outdoor kitchen expert to build your outdoor kitchen if you want something lasting, efficient, and enjoyable. A professional landscaping company can also take care of any permitting needs and play the role of Project Manager to help you coordinate with other contractors on the project.

To custom-build an outdoor kitchen on an existing patio, expect to pay between $20,000 to $50,000. If you want to add an overhead structure to the kitchen area, you should budget an extra $5,000 to $10,000.

Do Outdoor Kitchens Increase Property Value?

A well-built outdoor kitchen can significantly increase your property value. Generally speaking, the larger and more complex the kitchen, the higher the increase in property value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, most outdoor kitchens can yield a 71% return on investment.

Outdoor Kitchen Maintenance

Like all hardscapes and appliances, your outdoor kitchen also requires regular maintenance. Common outdoor kitchen maintenance routines include appliance inspection and repair, regular cleaning, and paver sealing and maintenance. 

In the Midwest, you will also need to winterize your outdoor sinks to prevent freezing. This can be done when your sprinklers are blown out, using a similar process by blowing air through the lines to prevent freeze damage during the off-season.