Text by: Sébastien Lacroix and Olivier Soucy
You want an outdoor kitchen, it's official, but you're wondering if it's a project for next year or if you can afford it now...
No problem; we can sort this out with you. To help you see things clearly, we decided to share with you a list of the various expenses to plan for the construction of your outdoor kitchen and the choices that can help you reduce your bill.
Obviously, whatever your budget, your outdoor kitchen advisor at BBQ Québec will be able to help you by offering you the best options for you and your wallet and guiding you through the process.
It's normal for you to wonder about the amount of money needed to see your magnificent outdoor project through to completion. Here's what we can tell you:
1. Costs to be expected
Several factors can affect the final price of your outdoor kitchen. Among these, the following are to be considered:
- The earthworks of your property (if it is not level, work is necessary);
- The number of modules and accessories selected (the more spacious and full of “features” [a tap, a beer keg, etc.] the outdoor kitchen is, the higher the price);
- The range of products chosen (some companies offer prefabricated modules, others, custom modules… some include delivery in their price, others do not, etc.);
- The desired materials (like everything, there are materials that naturally cost more than others);
- Skilled labor (if you want your outdoor kitchen to have water and electricity, for example, certified people must take care of this); and
- Delivery (this depends on the manufacturing company of the chosen modules).
When you meet with your advisor, they will present you with all the possible options so that you are spoiled for choice. In addition, your advisor is there for you at every stage, so if you need any information or references, you can rely on them.
2. The average price of an outdoor kitchen
It is difficult to give a price range when it comes to outdoor kitchens, because there are so many possible customization options… What we can tell you, however, is that the price is always relative depending on the size of the space your kitchen will occupy and the materials and attributes that compose it.
The term “outdoor kitchen” is pretty broad too. Adding a prep counter to your BBQ area is considered setting up an outdoor kitchen. So you don’t need to have a palatial outdoor kitchen plan to come see us.
"Sky's the limit", too. There are people for whom comfort is more important than the amount of money spent. They will not hesitate to include everything that interests them in their outdoor kitchen, which can quickly inflate the average estimated price for an outdoor kitchen and for which it is complex to make an overall estimate.
But, if we have to “talk numbers”, a budget of at least $5,000 is recommended for having an outdoor kitchen. Obviously, as we said, there is no maximum amount; it depends on what YOU want to have in your space. Just the cooking appliances can make a big difference in price…
In any case, your advisor can look at the possible options with you and make you some good proposals.
3. Options to reduce costs
Obviously, there are things you can do/choose to save on the total price of your outdoor kitchen. For example, you can:
- Opt for prefabricated modules (which are less expensive than custom modules);
- Have a smaller outdoor kitchen;
- Choose less expensive countertop materials;
- Reduce the amount of “add-ons” (instead of putting “trash drawers”, a “regular” trash can next to your BBQ may suffice in the meantime, for example);
- Assemble/Install the modules by yourself; and/or
- Bring the kitchen to life in stages (it's possible to install an island in the center of your outdoor kitchen space to start, then add countertops around your BBQ a few months later [if this is something you're interested in doing, it's important to mention it, though, because that way the countertops can be cut accordingly in advance]).
Do you have something else in mind? Feel free to let us know, we'll see if it's something that's feasible.
"Let's go!"
After all that, you may still have questions about the cost of your future outdoor kitchen. This is normal, and that is why it is important to make an appointment with a BBQ Québec advisor.
We know the products well and can offer you solutions tailored to your demands. As they say, "there's always a way to work it out", so we'll do everything we can to make sure you love your outdoor kitchen space.
Looking forward to carrying out your project with you!
Happy BBQ!