Inexpensive Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Cook up the outdoor kitchen of your dreams with our easy, low-cost DIY projects.

By: Maria Conti

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Build Your Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget

Outdoor kitchens are sought-after features for homeowners and prospective buyers alike. These alfresco cooking areas usually consist of a grill, refrigerator and counter space, and they can range in price depending on the finishes and appliances included. Yes, some outdoor kitchens can cost thousands but not to fret, friend. We have 12 outdoor kitchen projects you can do at home without draining your bank account in the process. Read on to get the 411 on each and create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Turn a Stainless-Steel Cart Into an Outdoor Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands offer unmatched food prep and storage space. Bring the same conveniences to your outdoor kitchen by transforming a simple steel utility cart into an outdoor kitchen island. Make our DIY outdoor island your muse; paint your cart a head-turning hue and add ample storage with woven baskets and tiered cabinet organizers on the cart’s bottom shelf.

Get the How-To: How to Turn a Stainless Steel Cart Into an Outdoor Kitchen Island

Or, Make a DIY Grill Station

Gear up your outdoor kitchen for summer barbecues and autumn bonfires with a grill station on wheels. Follow our step-by-step instructions in the link below to transform a simple utility cart into a pro-worthy prep space complete with a butcher block countertop, out-of-sight seasoning storage, easy-access utensil hooks and a magnetic tea towel bar.

Get the How-To: How to Turn a Utility Cart Into a Patio Grill Station

Pour Your Own Countertops

Installing outdoor kitchen countertops will lend the space a finished, put-together look that blends seamlessly with your indoor cucina. But, here’s the catch: Traditional countertop materials like granite, quartz and stone will cost you quite the pretty penny. Our solution? Skip the slate and soapstone and pour concrete countertops instead. Concrete is durable against the elements and looks lovely with most design styles. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your concrete counters in the link below.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Concrete Countertop

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Create a Wood Crate Storage Table

Add storage and style to your outdoor kitchen with a set of storage-equipped crate end tables. Make these budget-friendly tables by turning a wooden crate on its side so that the short end is flush with the ground. From there, install a floating shelf inside the crate to create two designated storage cubbies for condiments, spices, cutlery and more. Finish your end table with a plywood tabletop and stain everything to match for a polished end result.

Get More Ideas: Make a Mobile Outdoor Coffee Table From Wooden Crates

Build a Drop Down Window Bar

No outdoor kitchen is truly complete without a little libation station. Use our in-depth guide in the link below to make a DIY drop-down bar (with an integrated ice bucket, no less!) for your alfresco kitchen area. Pro tip: Install your drop-down bar at the base of your kitchen window, as this placement enables you to easily pass ingredients, beverages and tools left inside in a pinch.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Space-Saving Folding Outdoor Bar

Or, Make a Floating Shelf Bar

Another wallet-friendly bar idea we love? The floating shelf bar. Floating shelves are wallet-friendly, come in endless design styles and are easily installed in one afternoon. Select a standard floating shelf with a depth of 12 to 16 inches and install it at the base of your exterior kitchen window. Nestle a pair of comfy all-weather stools below, and voila! You have yourself a beautiful, budget-conscience outdoor kitchen bar.

Get the How-To: DIY Floating Shelves

Keep Fresh Herbs Within Reach

Fresh herbs make everything taste better. Elevate all homecooked meals to come and add some lush beauty to your outdoor kitchen in one fell swoop with a vertical or horizontal container herb garden. Install your garden nearby your grill station for quick-and-easy seasonings but be sure you have enough distance to maintain the integrity of your herbs.

Make a DIY Outdoor Fridge Bar

Shield your outdoor fridge from the elements and create valuable entertaining space while you’re at it with our cost-effective outdoor minibar. Not only does this addition anchor your outdoor kitchen design, but it also offers ample room to prep or serve food at your alfresco dinner parties. Follow the link below to get the materials list and follow our in-depth tutorial to make your fridge bar at home.

Get the How-To: How to Build an Outdoor Minibar

Brighten Up With Bistro Lights

Beautiful light fixtures make all the difference in design, and your outdoor kitchen is no exception, friend. Illuminate your alfresco kitchen with a slew of budget-friendly bistro lights overhead. Another idea? Install wall-mounted sconces behind your cooking area to provide yourself with a chic spotlight for grilling after dark.

Get the How-To: How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Build Your Own Fold-Down Dining Table

Why buy an expensive outdoor dining table when you can craft your own for a fraction of the price? Create a designated location to prep, serve and enjoy alfresco meals on your back deck or patio with our DIY fold-down bar and cabinet project. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to create this storage-savvy foldaway table for your outdoor kitchen.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Fold-Down Outdoor Bar

Just Add Tile

Put your tiling skills to the test next weekend to give your existing outdoor kitchen cabinets or grill station a fresh new look. Go bold with glossy black tiles a la this outdoor cucina or keep it simple with crisp-white subway tile instead. Pro tip: Use your home’s architectural style and color palette as your guide to selecting the best tile for your outdoor kitchen project.

Get the How-To: How to Install a Tile Backsplash

Define the Space With A DIY Lattice Wall

You don’t need a slew of integrated appliances, all-weather cabinets and fancy countertops to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. All you need is your trusty grill and a lovely lattice garden panel to define your alfresco cookery. Flank your grill with potted plants (bonus points for fresh herbs!) to bring symmetry to the space for a polished appeal. Pro tip: Store your outdoor trashcan out of sight behind the lattice wall. Guests will be none the wiser, and you will be able to toss dinner scraps with ease.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Privacy Wall With Fence Panels