Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Kenmare, ND

You can call a second kitchen many different names—butler’s pantry, scullery, prep kitchen, working kitchen, dirty kitchen, or even just second kitchen. In modern times, however, second kitchens are almost always called prep kitchens or small kitchens. However, the purpose of a second kitchen remains the same—prepare food and clean items “behind closed doors.”

There are several ways to save money and keep costs down when building an outdoor kitchen. Building on an existing patio can reduce the cost of a new foundation, especially if it's close to the house. You can also save on utility line installation by opting out of a sink and using a built-in propane or charcoal grill. If you have the skills, tackling parts of the project yourself—like building or finishing cabinets, installing fixtures, and constructing seating—can lead to significant savings. Reusing appliances you already have is another great way to cut costs. Finally, consider starting small with just the essential components and adding more features over time as your budget allows.

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.

Whenever you’re on the hunt for furniture, either indoor or outdoor, start your search at local second hand shops. While they might not always have exactly what you need, even just one deeply discounted chair or table will cut down a lot on your overall expenses. From there, check newsgroups to find free or inexpensive used items. For deals on new items, try discount home and garden retailers.