Building an outdoor kitchen all on your own sounds like the frugal way to get the desired structure without paying professionals. We understand that paying outdoor kitchen contractors when you try to find cost-effective solutions may not sound like the smartest of ideas. At the same time, we can tell you this: Sometimes, hiring a professional outdoor kitchen builder comes cheaper than doing the job yourself.
Just think of the endless hours you need to put into learning how to build an outdoor kitchen. Think of the money you will spend on equipment and materials and the time you will devote to see what fits with what. The list of possible considerations is long and the risk of making mistakes is still there.
Don’t forget that outdoor kitchens are regular kitchens, just located outside. And that’s one more factor to consider due to their constant exposure to the elements. To make a long story short, let us just say that the best way to save money on such a project and still be sure of the stability and excellence of the structure is to let pros take over and cut down on other things you can do without. Let us provide a few ideas on how to build outdoor kitchens on a budget.
Plan the outdoor kitchen to meet your needs
While outdoor kitchen contractors provide ideas, designs, and solutions and that’s a good thing, it’s vital that you don’t get carried away. This can happen easily. Once you talk about the main structure where the cooking appliance and the sink will be, you may want to extend the structure to an island. Or, add an outdoor bar. It’s best to plan a design based on what you need and what’s best for your backyard in regard to its size, and stick with this plan. Anything more will take you out of budget.
Choose cost-effective materials
Although the costs of building materials change and differ based on quality and location, some materials are inherited expensive. The most cost-effective materials for outdoor kitchen building are stone veneer and concrete. Stone veneer may look like real stone minus the high price. Concrete is versatile and affordable.
Get outdoor appliances you really need
Do you know how many outdoor appliances are found on the market? Once again, it’s easy to get carried away and spend large amounts of money on appliances alone. As is often the case, when it comes to home improvements, large sums go on things that may be directly related to a certain project but some could be avoided too. If you need a fridge, get a fridge. But if you build the outdoor kitchen right next to the inner kitchen, why make the expense? As for the cooking appliances, get exactly what you need and not appliances that will cost you a small fortune and will only be used once or twice.
Build an outdoor kitchen close to the house
You save money on many things if you build an outdoor kitchen close to your home. This becomes possible when there’s enough space. It makes perfect sense when the interior kitchen is found at this level. It will save you even more money if there’s a patio or deck and so, you won’t have to worry – and pay – for an outdoor kitchen floor.
Save by using existing furniture
Make use of some old furniture that could be used outside, like an old dining table that’s rotting in the shed. Old tables and chairs can be painted, stained, or distressed and get a chance for a second life. This is a win-win, you both save money and make use of old furniture.
Be creative with outdoor kitchen storage solutions
Your outdoor kitchen will cost less if the design is simple without providing storage solutions. A couple of open shelves will do. Even without shelves, you can find the storage space you need in old cabinets that can be painted and sealed and thus, serve outdoors.
Get affordable outdoor lighting fixtures
No need to spend a small fortune on outdoor lighting fixtures. Today, you can find affordable solutions and fixtures you can hang here and there, allowing them to lit the cooking area and the dining section.
Creating an outdoor kitchen on a budget is possible. And it doesn’t mean sacrificing function or style. It just takes some smart planning, resourcefulness, and creativity. Go for it!
