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Backyard kitchen on a budget


Secret Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Tight Budgets| Don's Appliances

When your outdoor space is limited, but your will to grill is massive, it’s time to start considering small outdoor kitchen ideas to satisfy your need to grill. Finding a jumping point can be tricky with a fixed budget, but it’s not impossible when you have the right tips and guidance.

Get started on your journey to enjoying your very own outdoor oasis with help from us — the experts at Don’s Appliance, Pittsburgh’s trusted appliance supplier for over 50 years!

At a Glance:

The Cost of an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen Essentials on a Budget

Tips for an Affordable Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen FAQs

Why Trust Us?

How Much Does a Small Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

Perfectly charred burgers, mesquite barbecue, juicy hotdogs, and more are in your near future, but to get there without breaking the bank, you need to set a spending limit. The national average for outdoor kitchens starts at just under $5,500, while a basic outdoor kitchen usually includes a grill, accompanied by a sink, refrigeration, and storage.

A basic outdoor package will cost around $2,000, while high-end outdoor kitchen remodels average just over $22,100. On average, the typical homeowner can expect to spend just over $13,700 on a decent outdoor makeover. Here’s a general breakdown of what each level includes:

How to Budget an Outdoor Kitchen Remodel

Once you’ve decided on a comfortable budget to work with, subtract 10–20 percent of that budget to cushion unexpected costs.

Experts also suggest budgeting the remainder of that spending limit between 80–90 percent of the total cost to avoid overspending.

For instance:

Essentials for Open-Air Kitchens (on a Budget)

Small spaces can be tricky to work with, but they can also make an impact with the right elements. If you’re working with a budget, we recommend focusing on these three areas to get the most function (and fun) out of your space.

Grills & Outdoor Cooking Appliances

It’s the main attraction and the reason for celebration (other than the good company): the outdoor grill. If you ask us, this is the number-one essential for any open-air cooking space, so you’ll probably want to focus a good portion of your budget on a grill.

These days, you have several outdoor kitchen grill options to choose from. Let’s break down what each variety has to offer.

Charcoal grills – Iconic, smoky flavors are synonymous with charcoal grills. These wood-burning grills are often the most affordable, but sizes can be limited.

Gas grills – Get grilling at the single press of a button with gas grills that don’t need to be stoked or fanned to get a fire going. Liquid propane grills are the cheapest options, but natural gas grills that connect to your home’s gas line are also available.

Pellet grills – Arguably the most expensive grill type, pellet grills make barbecuing simple with an automatic auger that feeds wood pellets into a heating element. You can literally set a temperature, walk away, and come back to perfectly grilled food.

Portable grills – Don’t underestimate a small grill. While you won’t get as big of a cooking surface as other grills, portable grills can be a convenient way to enjoy the pleasures of grilling, especially if you’re cooking out of a condo or townhouse.

✓ Keep in Mind

Built-in grills provide a luxurious touch to your hardscapes, but there’s the upfront cost and then another cost for installation. To keep your spending on track, we recommend a freestanding grill, preferably one with wheels for convenience.

Outdoor Refrigeration

If there’s one other outdoor appliance that’s worth splurging on, it’s an undercounter refrigerator. Based on your budget, you can explore outdoor refrigeration for a variety of beverage needs, whether it’s a compact refrigerator for soda and juice, a kegerator for craft brews, or a wine cooler to store local vintages ready to pour and enjoy for your next gathering.  

Abundant Workspace

From preparing ingredients ready to hit the flame to displaying your latest great grilled sensations, countertop space is a core asset to any outdoor cooking space. To double up on workspace, look for grills with foldable side tables or appliances that double as work surfaces, like the top of a compact fridge.

Smart Storage

No patio or backyard designed for gathering is complete without comfy furniture for you and your guests to sit, enjoy some grub, and catch up over some laughs. To make the most out of your small outdoor kitchen idea, look for pieces that double as storage. Popular examples include an ottoman with a removable top to put weather-resistant throws, outdoor games, rain boots, and similar items when not in use.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to organize with appliances, too. Many freestanding grills offer open bottom shelves, which are ideal for neatly storing charcoal, propane, grill tools, and packs of bottled water.

Tips for an Affordable Outdoor Kitchen

We’ve seen plenty of projects in their experience, and that means we’ve collected quite a few outdoor kitchen ideas for small space layouts. Here are a few of our favorite tips we’ve come up with over the years.

Respect Your Outdoor Layout

There are times when going against the grain is worth it, and then there are other times when going with the flow is the best solution. In the case of small outdoor spaces, we recommend working with the layout that already exists. Surveys show the average cost of a patio starts at $1,922, or about $8–$20 per square foot. Considering our previous budget model of $5,040, building a new patio would leave you with just $3,118 to spend on any remaining outdoor projects.

Optimize your small outdoor kitchen idea by creating specific zones for cooking, hanging out, and playing games. Ideally, you’ll want to have your grill close to your indoor kitchen to make it easier to travel in and out of your home for ingredients. This will also eliminate causing traffic jams passing through designated areas.

Choose Propane for No Pain

Natural gas grills offer the luxury of never having to remember to fill a propane tank by connecting directly to your home’s gas supply. The setup is convenient, but it can also be expensive since it adds to your monthly utility bill. Remember, grills are made for high-heat output; many grills produce as much as 75K BTUs of gas-powered heat per hour, and that adds up quickly.

You’ll also pay a hefty amount to install a gas plumbing line if your outdoor space doesn’t have one already. According to HomeGuide, that could result in as much as $743 per line, on average. If you’re working on a $5,040 budget, that equates to about six percent of the total spending per line added.

Build as Close to the Kitchen as Possible

Keep it close to home is more than an adage — it’s also a great tip for cutting down on unnecessary appliance costs for your outdoor living space. Virtually every corner in limited patios and backyards competes for real estate, so adding appliances, such as a sink, full-size refrigerator, or even a kitchen cart might make the space less functional and burn a hole in your wallet without any need to.

The solution? If possible, build your cooking area as close to the kitchen as possible. By doing so, you can access a full-size sink, refrigerator, countertop space, plus all your tools and kitchen gadgets without having to travel too far.

Design in the Off Season

We get it — the itch to grill hits hard once the weather starts to blossom, but being strategic can save you big time. The contractor market for outdoor remodels is booming during spring and summer since the demand is high, and that means prices soar. Meanwhile, fall and winter see a natural dip in the demand since fewer people are spending time outdoors. This is the prime time to find a contractor and a local appliance supplier to begin planning while prices are in hibernation.

Salvaged

Building an outdoor kitchen design from scratch is exciting, but it’s not the only option worth considering. A smart way to craft an outdoor kitchen on a budget is by scouting salvageable pieces that have been gently used. This is a great way to incorporate storage and outdoor fixtures at a fraction of the cost while giving the space function, too.

Hot items to look for are cabinetry, kitchen carts, furnishing — even plants and décor can be thrifted to give the space a touch your unique personality.

Outdoor Kitchen FAQs

The best way to discover cheap, simple outdoor kitchen ideas is by asking questions. Over the years, we’ve gotten several questions on the topic from homeowners like yourself. Below, we answer a few of the most common questions when it comes to small backyard patio ideas.

Does an outdoor kitchen increase home value?

The value of an alfresco kitchen varies depending on the location. Studies show outdoor kitchens have a 100–200 percent return on investment (ROI), while the national average for an outdoor kitchen falls between 55 percent ROI.

How far should a gas grill be from my house?

As recommended by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an outdoor gas grill should be located no less than 10 feet from a home.

Why Trust Us?

Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.

When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.

Shop Outdoor Appliances at Don’s Appliances

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop outdoor appliances at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover small outdoor kitchen ideas — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!

Learn More: The Best Grill Brands for Grill Season

Outdoor Kitchens on a Budget Without Giving Up Style

An outdoor kitchen can be a great way to spruce up your yard and create an outdoor space that you, your family, and your guests will love. These spots are great for summer barbecues and celebrations, and they can be a great asset to birthday parties. The only caveat? They can be quite costly. For some, building an outdoor kitchen on a budget is a must—thankfully, that’s entirely possible! All you need is some careful planning and some creativity.

Contents

Keep reading to get our tips on designing and building your dream outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank.

What do you put in an outdoor kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen space often features grills and cooktops, outdoor seating, counter space, and sometimes even a bar. You might also want to have a sink and/or a refrigerator or cooler. All of these features can lead to greater expense, but you can stay within budget by deciding what you absolutely have to have in your space. Maybe you just need a grill and somewhere to sit right now, and that’s fine! Still, you might want to leave the design open so that you can add to it later as your budget and needs change.

One of the most difficult parts of staying within your budget may not be the kitchen itself, but the ground it’s on. Many people opt for a masonry option, like stone, concrete, and slate, to give their kitchen a solid foundation. If you want it to stand out a bit more, you can also choose to do a ground-level or floating deck. However, decks tend to be the most expensive option once you account for the wood, foundation, and leveling work. By going with a stone or slate foundation that rests on the ground, you’ll be able to save on costs and install it yourself so long as you start with an area that’s relatively level.

How can I build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

One of the best ways to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget is to work with salvaged materials like reclaimed wood or recycled stone and brick. They’re less expensive than new materials and are better for the environment. As long as you don’t care too much about your kitchen having the most cutting-edge style, you’ll have your pick of materials to use in your space.

The other thing to focus on is inexpensive furniture. Although many people choose to go for matching sets, that can often get expensive. You can go to places like flea markets to find affordable sets of furniture, window boxes, and lights to add ambiance to the space.

The grill

Purchasing a premade outdoor grill will help avoid the cost of custom selections and installations. Your grill will be ready to go, and there are plenty of options to choose from! (As an added bonus, you can even choose a grill that you love and can easily move with you if you ever decide or need to go to a new space.)

Another cost-saver is using propane to fuel your grills instead of natural gas, as running gas and electricity to your outdoor kitchen will increase costs. Keep in mind that even if you’re purchasing a premade grill, you’ll want to opt for one that’s a bit costlier but still works within your budget. After all, if you have to replace the grill once a year, it will cost you more in the long run than if you invest a bit more upfront in a high-quality grill.

Other furniture and seating

If you’re looking for bar-height seating, you can opt for a cloth chair (like a director’s chair) with a removable cover that can be washed. If there are any accidents, stains, spills, or dirt, you’ll be able to clean the covers and won’t have to worry about replacing the whole piece of furniture. You’ll also need to remember to bring your furniture inside during harsh winter weather so that heavy snow and ice won’t cause damage.

When it comes to tables and chairs on a tight budget, you can also opt to get mismatching furniture. Especially when you’re first setting up your outdoor kitchen, mismatched furniture is better than none at all, so use what you can get! It will have more of an eclectic vibe if you have different chairs and tables for everyone to use, but that will just make it memorable. Plus, tables and chairs can be among the easiest changes to make if you decide to swap them out later on down the road.

Photo By Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock

Plan for your outdoor kitchen’s future

By selecting things like mismatched furniture and premade grills, you can establish your outdoor kitchen without making a huge investment. Especially if you aren’t looking to stay in your current space for a very long time, choosing more easily replaced and movable items will allow you to save up for your own future and eventually build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams in your new home.

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44 photos in the interior and design ideas

The nuances of decorating a country kitchen

Kitchen design in a country house does not begin with choosing the color of the walls, there are a lot of technical issues to be resolved:

When you have thought over and solved the issues related to the distribution of communications, you can start developing the design of the kitchen in the country.

Features of the layout

The kitchen can be open, semi-open and closed. The first two options are more suitable for the southern regions or as a summer kitchen. Closed, on the contrary, you can use it all year round - this is the main advantage.

A large kitchen in a country house is the exception, not the rule. Usually the space is quite small and it is not easy to create a functional kitchen. Practical options for placing a kitchen set are linear and angular. In the first case, the kitchen is more compact, but the capacity and working area are much smaller. The L-shaped set does not take up too much space, while allowing you to arrange the necessary and cook even together.

In the photo is a kitchen in the country with a sofa

Arrangement of the kitchen in the country does not end with the installation of a set. You need to find a place for a dining table or bar counter. If you have a living room kitchen in the country, you can organize a dining area with a sofa at a distance from the worker. Or install a long rectangular peninsula between two spaces for zoning - it is used as a table and worktop.

Finishing recommendations

There are many options for the interior of the kitchen in the country - from the usual rustic to ultra-modern. But whatever style you choose, bet on practical natural materials and quality - coatings must withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

Floor

The choice depends on the kitchen in the country house, or rather, on the foundation. On a solid foundation, anything will hold - linoleum, laminate, board. Any of these floor coverings are demanding in terms of conditions, do not accept high humidity, can become moldy or rot.

Screed, concrete or tile is considered practical. Such a floor will last for many years, it is not afraid of high humidity, it has increased wear resistance - what is needed for harsh conditions. To add coziness and warmth, lay homespun rugs on top.

The photo shows a tiled floor in a country kitchen

Walls

When designing a kitchen in a country house, standard materials are used:

Ceiling

Repair of a spacious or small kitchen starts from here. Before starting decorative work, make sure there are no leaks, treat the surface with a hydrophobic, antiparasitic impregnation.

If white paint is a classic for an apartment, then lining or boards are more often used in the country house. They are easy to mount, communications are hidden behind them, the final version looks aesthetically pleasing. Coat the wood with varnish or paint to protect it from corrosion and fungus.

Inexpensive alternative - Styrofoam tiles. It does not need processing, it is cheap, it lasts a long time.

Modern analogue - stretch ceiling. Installation will be expensive, but the design will last a long time.

The photo shows the lining of the ceiling with clapboard

Apron

The walls in the cooking area must be provided with additional protection - stick ceramic tiles, install a standard MDF panel or place an economical plastic apron.

Choose the type according to the expected load: it is better not to put plastic or MDF near the gas burner or stove.

We select practical furniture and appliances

The heart of the kitchen is the hearth. It's great if the house already has a stove. But every time you boil a kettle or fry an egg, you won’t start it - so keep a portable gas stove with a small cylinder in reserve. The same solution is perfect for a small kitchen in the country. Is there an oven in the house? Purchase an ordinary gas stove or hob, put a large gas bottle - the standard one is enough for the season.

The second important element is the refrigerator. In the summer heat, it helps to preserve food, and drinking a refreshing chilled drink is a real pleasure. For a small kitchen, a small model is enough for a countertop; for a large one, there is enough space for a standard high one.

Additional household appliances are purchased according to the needs: a vegetable dryer, a mixer, a blender and other little things will greatly simplify housekeeping.

The photo shows a color set in a log house

The main requirements for furniture are practicality and durability. No need to choose too expensive models from the array, give preference to functional counterparts from laminated chipboard. Metal remains reliable - cabinets are made of wood, and the countertop and apron are made of steel. This headset will not be equal.

The dining area is ideally compact and mobile. Stackable chairs, a light table will allow you to change the layout of the kitchen. Rattan and plastic are the main contenders to meet the requirements. If desired, transfer them to the veranda or leave them inside the house.

Where is the best place to install the sink?

Dreamed of a washbasin by the window, but could not bring this idea to life in your apartment? Take her to the garden! With natural light, save energy while still enjoying a great view while washing dishes. It’s good if the view is not cluttered with tall trees or shrubs, and there is a flower garden under the window.

The photo shows a discreet design of the kitchen

Next to the sink, it is logical to place a cupboard (top or bottom), or a separate dryer on the countertop.

On the photo is storage on open shelves

How to create comfortable lighting?

It is impossible to equip a kitchen in a country house without lamps, light is the most important component of comfort. Above the working area, the backlight should be bright. Use pendant lights, LED strip, sconces, spots, fluorescent lamps.

Hang one ceiling chandelier above the dining table, maximum light level is not required here.

When choosing electrical appliances, pay attention to their efficiency: this is an important criterion for country lamps.

On the photo finishes and furniture made of wood

Choosing decor, curtains and other textiles

Do not prevent sunlight from entering the room. For these purposes, curtains should be abandoned altogether or light transparent tulles should be hung. A suitable option is short cafe curtains, which add comfort, but almost do not block the light.

When neighbors' windows are opposite the windows, curtains are indispensable. Choose thick Roman or roller blinds - they are more practical.

Additional kitchen textiles - towels, aprons, tablecloths, napkins, potholders - are selected in accordance with the chosen style.

The photo shows short curtains on the windows

Functional decor - pots, wicker baskets, pans, plates of all sizes and shapes. Or natural - bunches with onions, bouquets of wild flowers, green houseplants, flower pots. Make open shelves instead of hanging bulky cabinets, place beautiful things, jars and baskets on them, decorate with flowers, then additional accessories will not be needed at all.

The photo shows ornamental plants and pots

What is the best style to decorate the interior?

Rustic interior styles look harmonious in the country kitchen. Rough country, for example, with an abundance of warm texture of solid brown wood combined with authentic decor, gives a special charm to the cottage.

Romantic Provence, the classic style of the French countryside, charges with positive emotions and promotes relaxation.

The photo shows a bar counter in a garden house

The modern Scandinavian direction will perfectly fit into the interior design of a country house. The abundance of white is ideal for compact spaces.

An interesting industrial or loft would be appropriate in brick houses. Expose the brickwork, concrete floor, and ceiling for maximum impact.

Life hacks for a small kitchen

When creating a kitchen in the country with your own hands, pay attention to these nuances:

Photo gallery

Now you know how to furnish your dacha to get not only beautiful, but also ergonomic functional space. What ideas did you like best?

Kitchen in the country house - 30 beautiful design ideas for the kitchen in the country house in a wooden house0238

Zhenya Zhdanova

1. Kitchen in a dacha in wooden house
Where: Tver region
Designer of the project: Zhdanova
What do we like: Color Palette "Raders" - Zeleny with Alym - Zelely with Alym - Green with Alym - Green with Alym - Green with Alym Lavka-Design

2. Kitchen-dining room with sideboard
Where: Moscow region
Project designers: Lavka-Design
What we like: Atmosphere of a manor or summer house with a century-old history

_____________________________
IN YOUR CITY …
► Houzz can hire an interior designer in any city and country. Start searching for a designer
_____________________________

Olga Shangina | Photography

3. Kitchen with painted facades
Where: Moscow region
Project designers: Anastasia Nemolyaeva Studio and Veniamin Skalnik Workshop
Kitchen: Veniamin Skalnik Workshop; Flos lamps; apron from tiles of the old stove
Photo: Olga Shangina
What do we like: Incredible paintings

Alexey Ilyin

4. The entrance hall in one color
Moscow Region ALEXED ALEXEN we like it: A country kitchen that destroys the stereotype about a country house as a warehouse of unnecessary things, a place where “time has frozen”, etc.

Dina Aleksandrova

5. A small kitchen in a small country house
Where: Moscow region
Project designer: Natasha Sorokina
Kitchen: IKEA; fittings MDM; Washing Blanco
Photo: Dina Aleksandrova
What do we like: Plate by the window - a rather unexpected planning option

Yuri Grishko

6. Bright small kitchen in the country
where: Project: Irina Osipova
Photo: Yury Grishko
What do we like: Scarlet shelf, hugging window

Pavel Zheleznov

7. Little kitchen on three sides
Where: Moscow region
Designer project: Pavel Zheleznov with a showcase for plates as an accent wall

ARTUP BUREAU

0244 ARTUP BUREAU
What we like: A shingle wall (usually facade material) as an accent wall

Oliya Latypova Design and Decor

9. Black kitchen in the country
Where: Project designer Olga Latypova, Oliya Latypova Design and Decor
What we like: Copper apron casts amber and multiplies the amount of light

Alexandra Telyukh

10. White kitchen and wood
Where: Moscow Region
Designer of the project: Alexander Teyukh
What do we like: Tile carpet on the floor

I. D.Interior Design


Project designers: I.D.interior design
Kitchen : IKEA; sideboard from the Magic Pine factory
What we like: Sideboard intricate color and hanging chair

Studio Svetlana Ilyina

12. Cozy kitchen in dacha
Where: Moscow Region
Designers of the project: Studio Svetlana Ilyina
What do we like:

School

5 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 at the dacha
Where: House on the water in the Tver region
Project architect: standard project DublDom architect Ivan Ovchinnikov, Bio Architects

15. Kitchen with fireplaces
Where: Moscow region
Designer of the project: Irina Derbeneva, ID Design
What do we like: Emerald

Maxim Maximov

000 MAXIMOV in blue color
Location: Ushkovo, Leningrad region
Project designers: Yulia Kikot and Oksana Volenko, VSpace studio
Photo: Maxim Maximov
What we like: Tiled table

Ekaterina Durava / DKART design studio

17. Kitchen near the window
Where: Moscow region
Project designer: Ekaterina Durava / DKART design studio What we like: studio 9024 Cabinets as curtains and a shelf that additionally shade bright light

Aleksey Danilkin

18. Kitchen with peninsula
Where: Moscow region0243
Project designer: Alexey Danilkin
What we like: Tiled (so-called bricked) worktop in the kitchen

Uliana Grishina | Photography

19. Modern kitchen design in the country
Where: Moscow region
Project designers: Marina and Anton Fruktov, Design3 | Design in a cube
Photo: Ulyana Grishina
0244 Incredible tiles on the kitchen backsplash

Tatyana Trofimova I Design of wooden houses

studio Elizabeth Interiors
What we like: Country aesthetics

Nataliya Kupriyanova

230245 Where: Chekhovsky district
Project authors: Owners of the dacha
Photo: Natalia Kupriyanova
Kitchen: A pancake type stove consumes a lot of energy, but it will eventually be replaced with a desktop induction stove

Ksenia Bobrikova. Xenia Design Studio

24. Summer kitchen in the gazebo
Where: Moscow region
Project designer: Ksenia Bobrikova. Xenia Design Studio
What do we like: Kitchen, folded from brick-in tone of the furnace

K3199825

25. Little kitchen-living room in the country
Where: Country Project houses Tatyana Zolotar-Makarenko
What we like: How we saved on facades - we made them textile

Julia Zheleznyakova

26. Veranda with a place for barbecue
Where: Moscow Region
Designer project: Yulia Zheleznyakova
What do we like: Called Kitchen with washing and plate in an unexpected place

9000. .Design

27. Small kitchen-bar
Where: Moscow region
Project designers: TB.Design
What we like: Combination of the usual kitchen with a suite and a "tasting" area

Tatyana Ilyina (Sorokina)

28.

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