How Much Does A Custom Outdoor (Alfresco) Kitchen Cost?

Outdoor Kitchen Central Coast

How Much Does A Custom Outdoor (Alfresco) Kitchen Cost?

If you're wondering how much an outdoor kitchen will cost in Australia, this article is for you!

We provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the various factors that influence the cost of a bespoke or custom-made outdoor kitchen. From materials and appliances to design complexity and installation, we cover all the essential aspects to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Whether you’re planning a simple setup or a luxurious outdoor cooking space, this article will provide valuable insights to help you budget and plan your dream outdoor kitchen effectively.

A custom outdoor or alfresco kitchen can be a valuable home addition, enhancing its functionality and entertainment potential. The cost range can vary significantly, depending on a multitude of factors:

  1. Size and Layout: The overall dimensions of your outdoor kitchen area greatly influence the cost. A larger kitchen with an extensive counter area, cooking zones, and ample seating will naturally be more expensive than a compact setup.

  2. Materials: The choice of materials plays a significant role in the final price. Cabinets are often constructed from marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material has been employed in marine applications for decades because it is lightweight, hygienic, and UV-stabilised. These polymer cabinets are durable and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. Stone benchtops can also add to the overall cost.

  3. Appliances and Features: The selection of cooking appliances (BBQ, grills, pizza ovens, smokers) and features like sinks, refrigerators, or wine coolers can add to the budget. High-end grills with infrared burners, premium finishes, and advanced temperature controls are pricier than basic models. Specialised appliances like outdoor kegerators, dishwashers, and ice makers are also considerations.

  4. Utility Connections: Extending gas lines, electrical wiring, and water supply to the outdoor kitchen area can be costly, particularly if the kitchen is located far from the main house or requires significant groundwork.

  5. Additional Elements: Features like fire pits, pergolas, lighting systems, decking, paving, ceiling fans, TV and sound systems, and landscaping can enhance the ambience but will increase costs.

  6. Labour and Design: Engaging an architect or designer will add to upfront expenses but can save on costly mistakes during construction. Skilled labour is necessary to properly install appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems, all of which require compliance with local building codes.

  7. Permits: Depending on your location, obtaining permits for gas, electrical, and plumbing work can also increase the overall cost.

  8. Maintenance Considerations: Finally, ongoing maintenance costs for cleaning, repairs, and protecting outdoor appliances against the elements should also be factored into the long-term budget.

So, how much does an outdoor kitchen cost?

Taking all those factors into consideration, we've found that on average, outdoor Kitchens cost:

  • Budget Outdoor Kitchen: A small alfresco or outdoor kitchen costs around $10,000 to $15,000, and it could include custom cabinetry, a cooker/BBQ/grill, and a sink.

  • Mid-Range Outdoor Kitchen: A more substantial outdoor kitchen with new appliances like bar fridges, cabinets, plumbing, and integrations such as audio, electrical, lighting, heating/cooling, and a cooker/BBQ/grill could cost around $25,000.

  • High-End Outdoor Kitchen:  A high-end outdoor kitchen with top-of-the-line materials, all of the above, plus features like pizza ovens, fire pits, ice machines, dishwashers, climate control, outdoor seating, pergolas and privacy screens and integrated entertainment systems can easily cost $35,000 and upwards

NOTE: These are rough estimates, and actual costs can vary based on your specific needs and choices.

This outdoor kitchen in Wyoming on the Central Coast, was custom-made out moisture repelling materials specified for covered outdoor use. The external laminate is Polytec "Cinder" matt compact with shark nose finger-pull door operation.

Recommended Reading

Envision Kitchens prides itself on being the Central Coast and Newcastle's Kitchen Renovation Specialists.

If you want some personalised advice on how much an outdoor kitchen costs for your site? We love designing and building new kitchens, custom outdoor kitchens, and renovating kitchens with new, innovative products to turn your kitchen dream into reality. We give each customer a personalised, custom Kitchen Renovation tailored to their needs and tastes! Envision Kitchens takes the time to get to know our customers personally, so we can recommend the best products to help them achieve their dream kitchen.

Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about the cost of installing a new outdoor kitchen.