Want to build an outdoor kitchen island

conhan

10 years ago

We want to design and DIY outdoor kitchen island with grill and burner. Trying to figure out the cost.

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PRO

Heynssens + Grassman, Inc.

10 years ago

Conhan, here are some images of several that we've designed and built.

Clean and Contemporary Landscape · More Info

Clean and Contemporary Landscape · More Info

Luxury Lakeside Living · More Info

Luxury Lakeside Living · More Info

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Comments (6)

PRO
Landscape Design West, LLC
10 years ago
Cost will depend on how large you make your outdoor kitchen and what features and finishes that you would like. If you already haven't done so, begin by selecting an area that you would like to develop for this. Typically, you would locate this in an area that has good access to your indoor kitchen. Also look at where your utilities like gas and electricity are located. If you have choices of location for this project, the closer to your utilities location, the less expensive trenching will be. Remember access to the indoor kitchen and balance your priorities here. In developing an idea of cost you may want to create an idea of how you intend to use this area:
1. How often will you use your outdoor kitchen? Are you in a zone that offers year around opportunities, or just seasonal ones? Shade and protection are a consideration.
2. Will you be having company over to come outside and hang outside while you grill? And will you stay outside to eat afterwards as well? If so think about creating enough space to sit and/or eat. This could be built into the countertop and you could use counter stools or you could have a separate table with seating if there is enough room and this suits your style. These considerations will give you an idea how much space you will need to comfortably circulate through and around the area.
3. You will need counter space just to work in. Will you prep food inside and bring food out on plates, or will you prepare food outside? The less expensive and more common way is to prep the food inside where you have a sink to wash, more counter space, refrigerator, and stove top as needed. If you prep inside you may not need some or all if these outside. You will need space to either side of the grill to put plates and grilling utensils. Consider if the person(s) grilling are right or left handed to consider where you need the most counter space.
4. At a bare minimum you would typically have a grill and cabinets doors for fire access. Kitchen Appliances are very nice to have but you will need to make the structure larger to accommodate them and this will increase your budget needed for the project. Sinks have extra associated costs as well for drainage.
5. At this point you could create a quick drawing of what you would like the unit to look like with the features you want. I recommend you get some catalogues of grills, doors, cabinets, drawers, refrigerators etc. and associated costs.
6. The catalogues have pricing and sizing for each feature, so you can adjust your drawing and refine your wish list based on what your costs are adding up to and if it is in line with what you want to spend on this project.
7. Create a list of costs for pricing on building materials for how much space you will need. I recommend masonry construction, typically CMU block that is then finished with a facade of stucco and paint or split faced rock, tile etc. The top should be poured concrete, to support the weight of the grill, which would look great stained or you could tile the top. If you use granite, 2"-3" will be strong enough and you will not need concrete underneath. Easy cleanup is a high priority for many people. Again check to see what your budget looks like and what your sense if style is when looking at finishes.
9. Utilities need to be brought o the outdoor kitchen. Gas and electricity for grill ignition and lighting. Water as well if you build in a sink, and then in the case of a sink, a drainage pipe away and/or sump. Check local code for all of the above. Professional help will be needed for most utility runs.
8. At this point you will want to refine your drawing to reflect your style and budget wishes.
I wish you good luck on your project. Post photos!
Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA, APLD
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I can appreciate how very proud you are of your work and so you should be and I'm sorry this isn't what you want to hear, but whilst I can appreciate it would be wonderful for a bit of "theatre" when entertaining guests and how captivated they may be by the lighting display (although I'm not sure it would cut any ice with anyone I know), I'm at a bit of a loss to see how the kitchen would function every day as a working kitchen. I'm not a great fan of style over substance and I simply don't understand the odd, disjointed set up. For me the function of a kitchen is far more important than any amount of feature lighting or statement pieces. It seems the bit with the island, is all for show and the "back kitchen" is rather austere (and if you don't mind me saying) somewhat unappealing and quite grim to work in. Not least because the Cinderella kitchen appears to be poorly laid out with little thought given to function. All that said, if it were done for a client, I'm sure they were delighted with it.
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PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
10 years ago
We now offer a full line of grills and appliances, as well as cabinetry and other accessories. I'd be happy to discuss your project if you want to email me.

As far as cost, are you looking at just the appliance costs or the whole build? Grills can run anywhere from around $2k to $15k depending on size and features, with most folks spending under $5k. The quality of the stainless steel plays a big part in the longevity of your grill. Side burners are often anywhere between $500-1000.

Your countertop price, you can find that out by visiting any marble and granite showroom. The process to measure, fabricate, and install an outdoor counter is no different from an indoor one. I tell my clients to figure between $65-125/sq ft depending on how fancy their tastes are.

How are you constructing the actual island itself? Masonry block is the most common, although I've seen quite a few done with steel studs, concrete board, and a veneer stone or tile. The quickest and easiest option if you want to avoid a large masonry or carpentry project is to go with a full stainless steel base cabinet. Working with these is just like working with an interior wood cabinet. You remove it from the pallet, attach the feet, bolt it to the cabinet next to it, and attach any side, back, or fill panels. What I love about these is not just that they're a turnkey solution, but they keep everything clean and dry inside. We're in the process of installing a set for a commercial outdoor kitchen at a busy winery, so we know that these will stand up to use. Including countertops, I ballpark these at about $800-1000 per linear foot.

I hope that helps!
utuk
8 years ago
I live in Houston and planning to build a simple outdoor kitchen. Like you said I want to avoid heavy masonry block. Where can I find stainless steel base cabinets? builder provided all the connections for water, gas and drainage. Can you help me?
PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
8 years ago
feel free to click on my profile for contact info, be happy to help
utuk
8 years ago
can contact me at utuk2421@gmail.com. Thanks

Want to build an outdoor kitchen island

Heynssens + Grassman, Inc.

Comments (6)

Landscape Design West, LLC

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