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Low budget outdoor kitchen


15 Amazing DIY Outdoor Kitchen Plans You Can Build On A Budget

My dream has always been to have an outdoor kitchen.

I love entertaining outdoors during the warmer months and an outdoor kitchen would just be perfect for summer parties and even intimate dinners with just the family.

Of course, having a professional contractor come out and build an outdoor kitchen can get very pricey.

So, I did what I always do and started looking for some great DIY ideas for my outdoor kitchen.

I found 15 amazing DIY outdoor kitchen plans that you can build yourself in just a few days and all of these are much cheaper than paying a professional to do it for you.

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1. DIY Outdoor Deck Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen can be built right into your deck and it has everything that you need to entertain outdoors. You can of course, pick and choose what you include and the type of finish that you want – stainless steel, etc. This one is pretty quick and easy to build and if you don’t have a deck to build it on, you can build a small patio section pretty easily.

Plans: placeofmytaste

2. DIY Stone Covered Grill Island

If you have a space for it, this DIY grill island is the perfect outdoor kitchen. You can have this one built in a weekend, if you have a few friends that will help with the heavy work. It can be covered in stone when it’s finished, which gives it a wonderful appearance or you could cover it in brick or another material. This is a pretty simple one to build and is sure to save you a bundle over having one professionally built. There really are some great DIY stone and pebble projects for you to add beauty to your life.

Plans: thisoldhouse

3. Outdoor Kitchen Bar With Pergola

I love this outdoor kitchen! It has a gorgeous pergola overhead and although it may take you a week or so to build it, it’s not at all a difficult project. The pergola really gives it a relaxing Caribbean look, don’t you think? You could even put this one on the end of your deck or build is as a freestanding kitchen.

Plans: instructables

4. DIY Outdoor Kitchen With Concrete Countertops

This stainless steel outdoor kitchen has concrete countertops, which are perfect for the outdoors. With concrete, you don’t have to worry about the weather causing your countertops to buckle or crack. This one is pretty easy to build – you start with steel studs and then build it up from there. You can even add a lovely tempered glass inlay to your concrete countertops on this one.

Plans: instructables

5. DIY Outdoor Kitchenette

You can turn a plain patio or deck into a great little kitchenette in just a couple of weekends. This one takes a bit more time but you have so much more space in it than a traditional outdoor kitchen. It has so many cabinets! There is even a bar on one side that provides seating and gives you the perfect place to enjoy those summer evenings outside while you are dining.

Plans: remodelaholic

6. DIY Concrete And Corrugated Steel Outdoor Kitchen

This little outdoor kitchen was made with materials that were reclaimed from an old barn. If you have the boards and steel, you can construct your own outdoor kitchen without spending anything and then just add an off the shelf grill and maybe a small dorm fridge. This one is super easy to build and it’s one that you can have finished in just a weekend or two. Add this one to your list of creative DIY concrete projects!

Plans: oldworldgardenfarms

7. Upcycled Wood And Brick Outdoor Kitchen

You can build the perfect outdoor kitchen cabinets to surround your grill with some leftover wooden posts and a few old bricks or stones. I love the rustic look of this one and you can have it completed in just a weekend. Once it’s done, you just slide your grill into place and you have a lovely outdoor kitchen for just a fraction of the cost of having a professional build it for you.

Plans: manmadediy

8. DIY Poured Concrete Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

With just a few bags of concrete, you can construct your own little outdoor kitchen. This project only takes a couple of days – including drying time for the concrete. Once you have the countertops completed, you just add your grill and other outdoor kitchen appliances. The concrete is perfect for outdoors because it won’t rust, crack or otherwise succumb to the weather.

Plans: homedepot

9. Super Easy 10 Step DIY Outdoor Kitchen

You can build your own outdoor kitchen in just 10 steps! And, the steps are all pretty simple. This one has a wooden base, that you make from plywood and you can easily adjust the plans to make it larger or smaller to meet your space and cooking needs. Add a rinsing sink and a mini fridge and you have everything you need for outdoor entertaining.

Plans: ronhazelton

10. Simple DIY Outdoor Grilling Island

If all you really need is a small outdoor kitchen, this little grilling island is for you. This one just has cabinets that surround your grill and you can easily build it in a weekend or less. The cabinets still give you plenty of storage space for your outdoor cooking essentials and they help to dress up your grilling area just a big.

Plans: diynetwork

11. Repurposed Cabinet Outdoor Kitchen

If you are really looking to build your outdoor kitchen on a budget, you can check with thrift stores or salvage yards to see if you can come up with some old kitchen cabinets. Then you just have to redo those and make them fit into your outdoor cooking space. Add some bricks or stones to dress them up a bit. This is a really cheap and easy way to create an outdoor kitchen, and you can have it easily completed in a weekend.

Plans: bhg

12. DIY Portable Outdoor Kitchen

If you don’t really have the space or the need for a full fledged outdoor kitchen, this little DIY portable outdoor kitchen is perfect. You can make this one in just a few hours and it has everything that you need for grilling season. Plus, it’s portable so you can easily move it in and out of the garage or gardening shed to save it from the weather and to keep it neatly put away during the colder months.

Plans: instructables

13. DIY Rustic Farmhouse Outdoor Kitchen

You have to love the rustic farmhouse look of this DIY outdoor kitchen. If the outside of your home is done in the farmhouse style, then this one is a must. You can build it in a weekend and it’s pretty simple. It includes a sink, bar and of course, a grill and fridge and it has a lovely pallet look that is sure to match your DIY outdoor farmhouse décor.

Plans:

14. DIY Tiled Outdoor Kitchen

Tile is a great choice for covering the wood on your outdoor kitchen. It is very versatile and you can find it pretty cheap if you shop in the clearance section of your local home improvement store. This DIY outdoor kitchen has stainless steel and tile and it couldn’t be easier to build. You just frame it in and then add your tile as a cover.

Plans: thisgreyhouse

15. DIY Outdoor Kitchen With Food Fired Pizza Oven

This DIY outdoor kitchen has a wood fired pizza oven! What could possibly be better than making your own pizza…outside? This one is actually pretty simple to build and the pizza oven fits in perfectly with the rest of your outdoor cooking essentials. If you have ever wanted your own pizza oven, this is definitely the outdoor kitchen plan for you.

Plans: popularmechanics

Conclusion

Whether you have a deck that you want to turn into the ultimate grilling area or you are starting completely from scratch, you will find the perfect outdoor kitchen for your summer grilling needs.

All of these are relatively simple to build and many of them can be done in just a weekend or less.

There is even a great little portable outdoor kitchen that you can build in a couple of hours!

And, you can customize these plans by adding whatever you want such as a gas grill, a rinsing sink and even a mini fridge.

Once you have your outdoor kitchen built, be sure to take a look at these 40 delicious grilling recipes that are sure to make you the most popular hostess on the block.

Some of these are going to cost a bit more than others and some will take more time to build.

However, all of them are cheaper to DIY than to buy and you can do some of them with reclaimed wood and other items, which makes them really cheap to build.

If you have ever wanted your own outdoor kitchen, now is the time to make your dream come true.

And, be sure to add some of these 35 DIY backyard games to make your summer even more fun this year.

4 Low Budget Outdoor Kitchen Ideas You Can DIY

4 Low Budget Outdoor Kitchen Ideas You Can DIY
  1. Angi
  2. Solution Center
  3. Remodeling

Photo: AzmanL / E+ / Getty Images

Highlights

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An outdoor kitchen is on everybody’s wish list. Whether it’s a low-budget DIY outdoor kitchen or a luxury kitchen with every amenity, the good news is you can incorporate a cooking station into almost any backyard plan.  

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen significantly increases the enjoyment of your backyard, patio, or deck. Here’s a look at the top benefits of adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. 

4 Low-Budget DIY Outdoor Kitchen Layouts

The layout you choose for your outdoor kitchen will naturally depend on your budget, space considerations, and how badly you need that wine fridge. Even the simplest outdoor kitchen ideas include activity zones that align with the four things we do in every kitchen: prep, cook, clean, and serve.  

To get started, measure your outdoor space, be mindful of cost, and take a look at these four inspired layout ideas. 

1. Straight Line Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Portable appliances are an excellent choice for a low-budget DIY outdoor kitchen. In this outdoor kitchen design, nothing is locked down and no construction is required. 

You’ll just need a grill, folding side table for meal prep and serving, and an ice bucket to keep drinks and food cold. Add a mini-fridge and a kitchen cart if your budget allows. 

Trying to keep your budget in check? This layout works with a variety of grills, so you can hit a price point you’re comfortable with. Visit restaurant supply stores to find great deals on carts, tables, and buckets. Ask about gently used secondhand merchandise, too.

2. Basic L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Layout

This simple outdoor kitchen idea works even if your grill is modest and your budget is limited. This layout can accommodate a portable grill with a portable prep sink, a small refrigerator (electrical outlet required), and a larger work surface (look for a used, stainless steel workbench like you’d see in a commercial kitchen).  

Add extras only if your budget allows, like an umbrella on a movable stand for shade and comfort.

3. Outdoor Kitchen Layout With Bar

This outdoor kitchen bar plan kicks things up a notch with a dedicated bar area for serving up drinks and food. There are a variety of ways to configure it, but the island layout is especially efficient. 

One side is for cooking; one is for hanging out (consider a raised counter to nearly double your surface space), and place the sink on the corner. While you can DIY some of the setup, it is best to hire a plumber and electrician in your area for safe installation. 

This layout is readily available in a prefabricated, modular outdoor kitchen kit; just choose your cooker, appliances, sink, storage, and countertop materials. One of the best ways to keep this layout budget-friendly is to do your homework and shop for bargains in the appliance category. 

An ice maker is nice, for example, but ask yourself if you can make do with a small fridge instead.

4. Galley-Style Outdoor Kitchen Layout

This galley-style plan makes the most of your space and money. Two fully equipped parallel islands allow for a smooth traffic pattern.

This layout is ideal for a permanent custom kitchen, with lots of counter space, a grill with side smoker and side burners, a warming oven, and multiple refrigerators. You’ll need pros to install water, electricity, and gas lines. 

However, this smart layout doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Shop for less-expensive appliances and durable but budget-friendly countertops, such as tile, limestone, and bluestone. 

Big Budget Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Let’s say you’re in a new home with a budget that allows for bells and whistles. Or you’ve finally decided to upgrade your outdoor kitchen in a big way. 

It’s time to get cooking and add value to your home by designing a luxury kitchen that’s hardworking, the envy of all your neighbors, and beautiful, too. 

Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Layout

This kitchen layout rivals any you’ll find in a luxury resort. This layout is essentially U-shaped, but on a large scale, with an island (and prep sink) in the center, and a dining table beyond. 

You’ll want to define the space in some way, either overhead (with a pergola) or along the perimeter (recessed lighting works well).

Needless to say, you can include every appliance in this layout: an expansive grill with smoker, several burners, a griddle, oven, warming tray, multiple fridges, and that pizza oven. Add a TV and sound system, and you may never want to go indoors again.

Outdoor Kitchen Budget Breakdown 

Outdoor kitchens range in cost from $1,000 to over $30,000. Luxury or high-end projects can cost as much as $200,000. However, you don’t need to (and probably won’t) spend nearly that much. 

Keep in mind that, at minimum, an outdoor kitchen should include a patio, grill, prep and storage space, and an area to eat or entertain. If you have money left over, you might also want to spring for a fridge, sink, roof, or other covering.

Outdoor kitchen layouts are all flexible, whether you choose a low-budget DIY outdoor kitchen or one with all the bells and whistles.

$1,000 or Less 

Here’s what you can expect when you’re on a small budget. This outdoor kitchen project is so easy, you should be able to DIY. 

$1,000–$5,500

Photo: Eirasophie / E+ / Getty Images

With this level of outdoor kitchen, you’ll get a few more features—still without the headache of applying for permits. 

$5,500–$15,000

For kitchens starting at this price point, you’ll need a building permit ($400 to $2,200, most likely on the lower end). However, the full features and stylish appearance of this level of kitchen justifies the effort and expense.

$15,000–$30,000

This is a big-ticket item with lots of moving parts, so you might want to skip the DIY at this budget level. Hire a local outdoor kitchen company instead to create your dream outdoor space. 

Here are some features to consider:

$30,000 or More

Photo: hikesterson / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

You’re ready to spare no expense for your outdoor kitchen. Unless you have a specific vision, you might want to hire a local kitchen designer to help you create your dream space.

In addition to many of the features and amenities above, here’s a look at fun and chic extras you can add:

Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure outdoor refrigerators are not exposed to direct sunlight. Bring electrical appliances inside during harsh winters. Coat stainless steel appliances with a protectant to guard against rust and help maintain your outdoor kitchen’s value. 

Most important, do not use flammable materials, like wood, in your grill island and avoid placing your grill right next to vinyl siding.

Make sure that all electrical fixtures, including lighting, are rated for humid and damp conditions.

Check newsgroups to find free or inexpensive used items. For deals on new items, try discount home and garden retailers.

Schedule this work for the winter. That way, your backyard won’t be under construction during prime grilling season. Plus, contractors tend to be less busy on outdoor projects then, so you might get a better deal and the installation might take less time.

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Recommended Articles

27 best DIY summer kitchen projects

You can endlessly describe the advantages and benefits of a summer kitchen, its necessity for homeowners, but this is redundant. If the article is open, most likely it has been decided: there will be a kitchen. But what kind and content, where to put on the site, what to build from, this will be discussed.

Contents

Building site

The first task before choosing a project is to determine the location of the planned object. Whether it will stand alone or attached to the house, whether it is planned to connect them with a common canopy or terrace - these nuances are essential in the design. Proximity to home should be taken into account when selecting the optimal location.

We are talking about cost savings in connection with communications. It is also important that it should be located as far as possible from sources with irritating smells, for example, a toilet, a dog aviary, a compost heap, sheds for birds or animals.

In this case, the more frequent wind direction must be taken into account. And even before you start digging the foundation, at least mentally imagine whether the constructed structure will fit into the general landscape of the entire territory, which will serve as its general background.

The functionality of the summer kitchen

If the summer kitchen is planned to be used not only for cooking, but also for other purposes - a dining room, a guest room, a family vacation spot, then all these facts should be taken into account.

Very often there are cases when part of the kitchen is supposed to be used as a workshop, a closet for household equipment, a dryer for garden products and even a study, and this is a significant factor affecting the size of the kitchen area.

Construction on a summer cottage, which usually occupies no more than 6 acres, is more rational to carry out vertically. This refers to the design with a cellar (the purpose is known) and an attic, which can be used according to one of the above options.

Important: preliminary design will save a significant part of the budget and avoid possible long-term construction, since it is difficult to calculate construction costs during construction “by eye”.

Building types

Possible options for summer kitchens can be described as open, closed and combined.

Pay special attention: the edges of the roof in buildings of the 2nd and 3rd types must be carried out beyond the perimeter of the kitchen area up to 50 cm in order to avoid oblique rain in bad weather.

It is also very important if the building will stand in the sun, the presence of a ceiling or a lining under the roof. Otherwise, in hot weather, even an open kitchen will resemble a brazier. Bedding material on a cardboard basis - roofing material and roofing felt, based on foil or glass material, respectively, foil insulation and glass roofing material, hydroisol has an asbestos paper base. Sold in rolls.

Kitchen with a terrace or shed

The combination of a kitchen with a terrace or shed successfully solves the problem of small spaces, the dining area is moved outside the cooking area and is quite spacious.

The construction of the roof is not burdensome and can be completed quickly with the availability of building materials. The floor may be absent, it is enough to carefully level the surface. However, note that in windy weather and with heavy traffic it will be dusty, so it is better to cover the entire area with paving slabs or natural stone.

Budget option - just cement. It is undesirable to lay asphalt, as it is toxic. The polycarbonate roof will perfectly protect from natural precipitation and direct sunlight, and will make your stay outdoors comfortable.

Polycarbonate is easy to work with, it is light, cuts well, bends, and at the same time is quite durable. A monolithic sheet is preferable, since a honeycomb one has less strength. If you still stop at the latter, then purchase it with a thickness of 6 mm or more.

Summer kitchen in the arbor

One of the original and quite popular finds is the construction of a spacious arbor of a closed type and equipping it with kitchen equipment.

Such structures have their advantages:

It should only be taken into account that any device with an open flame, according to fire safety regulations, should be located at least 2 m from wooden, plastic and other materials subject to rapid ignition.

Barbecue and barbecue in the summer kitchen

Meat cooked on an open fire is almost an obligatory element of any outdoor feast. Barbecue, pork or lamb ribs, kebab, Moldavian bone and many other dishes are cooked on the grill, grill or barbecue.

Almost every owner of a private house has an elementary barbecue. They can be made of iron, cast iron, brick or stone, portable or stationary. It all depends on the capabilities of the owner. In the summer kitchen, for the fulfillment of any culinary ideas, it is more convenient to set up a barbecue with a barbecue, grill and even a smokehouse.

This furnace complex, subject to certain safety measures, can be built even in wooden rooms. It is better to entrust the laying of the furnace and its components to specialists, but you can pour the base yourself:

Be sure to lay a floor of fireproof materials such as stone, paving stones or floor tiles around the stove after it is finished. If the floors are wooden or made of other combustible materials, it is necessary to line the area with metal or other fire-resistant sheets. Up to 3 m in front, one is enough on the sides.

The ceiling or roof above the furnace structure must also be protected from fire by covering it with non-combustible materials or treating it with flame retardants. Careful observance of simple conditions will reduce the risk factor and help to avoid accidental ignition.

Building a summer kitchen on your own

The laying of the foundation, depending on the chosen project, has already been discussed above. The construction of brick walls is carried out in the traditional way. Brick or half thickness, thicker walls are not needed.

If the building is made of wood, then you need to start with a frame. We install racks at the corners of the foundation, fasten them with beams from above. Between the corners, in large openings, additional racks are added.

All posts and strapping bars must be the same size 200X200mm or 250X250mm. When the box is assembled, rafters are placed on the strapping beams.

If the roof is going to be flat, they are not needed. For a gable or single-slope version, a crate is made of 50X50 mm bars under the roof. When everything is ready, we process the entire skeleton of the roof with antiseptic impregnation or a primer. The store has a wide selection of these products. You can use folk remedies for antifungal protection. So, used motor oils, linseed or sunflower oil are used to treat wooden surfaces. Having finished with impregnation, we switch to the roof.

The choice of roofing material is quite wide: slate, tiles, corrugated board, polycarbonate, ondulin and depends on aesthetic and financial prerequisites.

Building a roof is a top priority in case of bad weather. When it is ready, we are engaged in walls. Leaving openings for windows and doors, we sheathe the rest of the area with boards.

Then insert the window frames and hang the doors. Outside, we decorate the finished walls with a colored profiled sheet with or without insulation - this is a budget option.

A more expensive method is fiber cement paneling, which contains cellulose. It makes the material durable and moisture resistant. They also use vinyl facade panels, their second name is “brick siding”. They, like the previous ones, are easy to cut, just mounted.

If a frame is required for the two previously mentioned, then polyurethane facade panels (PPU) are glued immediately to walls made of any material, provided that they are even. Their advantage is that they not only decorate the surface of the walls, but also insulate. Hence their second name - thermal panels.

When cladding walls, it is possible to use metal siding, but its installation is a very laborious process and therefore takes more time.

Take note: when choosing wall material, try to match the design of the kitchen with the house, if they are near or the surrounding landscape.

The possible dissonance of the building with the outside world can influence the psychological state of a person for a long time, creating a subconscious feeling of discomfort and dissatisfaction.

When the kitchen is ready and the shed is in place, let's think about the furniture. If you want to feel free and relaxed, subordinate the entire inner space to this principle.

A light and casual interior can be provided by furniture made of plastic and wood. Do not even think about soft sofas and massive armchairs, they do not belong here. A good solution would be wicker furniture made of wicker or rattan.

In any case, it must meet the following requirements:

Bright pillows and capes of various colors can be used to add color to monochrome furniture. They will give the recreation area a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Summer kitchen project from our subscriber:

So, it's up to you to build yourself or hire a team. It's nice, of course, to do everything yourself and cheaper. Hired workers will help to save time and effort. The description of options and possibilities can be endless. Whichever of them you stop at, most importantly, do not save on height. It creates space, a sense of freedom and independence, stimulates efficiency and at the same time promotes good rest.

And finally, if you have the desire and opportunity to build a summer kitchen - build it, you won't regret it.

dizlandshafta

Summer kitchen: 5 ideas for construction and design We share tips on how to equip a summer kitchen on a budget, what to consider when choosing a location, layout and interior

Photo: Johanna Dahlberg / Unsplash

A summer kitchen will help save living space in a small house, decorate the site and can become a favorite place for family gatherings.

Specify a place

For a summer kitchen, a veranda attached to the house or outbuilding or a separate gazebo is suitable. You can also make an open showcase kitchen by installing a sink and an electric or gas countertop stove on a solid table.

adv.rbc.ru

Photo: pinterest.com

If you are building a separate kitchen, try to think over the location in advance - you should not build a building near toilets and septic tanks. It is advisable to build a kitchen at a sufficient distance from the house so that the smoke from the stove or grill is not drawn into the living quarters.

It would be good if the view from the kitchen-gazebo opens up on beautiful parts of the garden, and the building itself should be sheltered from the sun under the trees.

Photo: pinterest.com

Choose the type of kitchen

A summer showcase made of boards or wooden pallets is a budget option for a kitchen that can be easily and quickly made by hand. In such a kitchen, a sink, a small stove or grill and drawers for dishes and products will fit. It is possible to cover a wooden surface with a steel countertop as it is stronger and will last longer.

Photo: pinterest.com

If there are electrical appliances in the open kitchen, you need to provide a canopy from the rain.

Photo: pinterest.com

Corrugated board is suitable for building a kitchen and a shed.

Photo: pinterest.com

To build an open gazebo, it is enough to fill it with gravel and concrete the site, install four supports and lay the roof.

Photo: pinterest.com

On the site, you can fold the stove or put a barbecue or grill, make a bar and additional work surfaces made of wood or stone.

Photo: pinterest.com

In such a kitchen it is convenient to delimit the space, dividing the areas for cooking and for relaxing.

Think over the layout

The same design solutions are suitable for planning a country kitchen as for a city apartment. In a square kitchen, you can use the principle of a working triangle, when the sink, stove and refrigerator are close to each other, forming an equilateral figure. In the country version, the vertices of the triangle can be a brazier, a sink and a work surface for cooking. And for a small elongated kitchen, a linear layout is suitable when the stove, sink and furniture line up in one row.

A small mobile kitchen can be assembled with an electric stove, a separate sink and a table suitable for cooking and serving. In case of bad weather, a portable sink, stove and light furniture can be conveniently hidden in a house or barn.

Consider where you will get your water. If it is not possible to bring communications, it is worth putting a barrel, buckets or a garden hose. Then at hand there will be a supply of water for cooking and washing dishes.

Photo: pinterest.com

If you are cooking on an open fire, it is desirable that the distance between the grill and the dining table is 2-3 m. Smoke will not be drawn into the recreation area and sparks and ashes will not fall.

Select furniture and accessories

A stationary set in an open kitchen must withstand changes in humidity and temperature. Wood furniture without upholstery, wrought iron outdoor furniture, wicker furniture and plastic tables and chairs will do.

Dishes and storage boxes can be placed on wooden or metal shelves.

Photo: pinterest.com

Another good solution is the roof rails, on which you can hang cutlery, kitchen utensils and put jars, ceramic pots and food storage baskets on the hanging shelves.

Photo: pinterest.com

Serving tables on wheels are also useful, especially if there are additional shelves under the table top.

Photo: pinterest.com

For a free-standing kitchen, it is worth getting your own set of dishes so that you do not have to carry everything you need from home every time. Instead of disposable tableware, it is better to choose inexpensive glass sets or pretty ceramics. You will also need towels, tablecloths and cutlery.

Photo: pinterest.com

An open kitchen can be decorated with greenery - place flower pots on the kitchen counter, arrange planters in the pergola, and grow climbing plants along the supporting pillars and roof.

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