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On average, installing a DIY outdoor kitchen costs between $4,550 and $19,000, which is about $1,500 to $6,000 less than having one professionally installed. Many variables factor into the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen, such as the type of material, accessibility to the job site, and the potential costs of hiring a professional electrician or plumber, as well as any necessary permits.

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

The least expensive way to build an outdoor kitchen is to start small and use an existing patio space as close to the house as possible. If you have access to appliances that you can reuse or have the carpentry skills for DIY outdoor kitchen cabinets, that will save the most cash. Otherwise, start with a few basics and work towards your dream kitchen by adding a little each year.

Weatherproofing and winterizing your outdoor kitchen is extremely important, especially if you experience intense weather events. Make sure to choose weather-resistant furniture and waterproof containers to store ingredients. Also, go with a high-quality grill that’s built to last and protect your cabinets with sealant or varnish. Finally, invest in a covering of some kind for when it rains or snows.