Build an Outdoor Kitchen: Easy Timeline Tips For Beginners
The building process length is one of the most common questions when you decide to build an outdoor kitchen. A long construction time can be frustrating when you’ve got plans, so I’ll help you out!
How long does it take to build an outdoor kitchen? Firstly, building an outdoor kitchen can take between one day to three weeks depending on the structure (such as modular or built from scratch). It also depends on finishes and location.
Perimeter outdoor kitchens (aka located close to the house) are usually faster to build than satellites (which are self-sufficient structures in the land).
Construction time vary a lot – between one to fifteen days (usually three weeks of working days). So what affects the timeline of the process? Is there any way to build an outdoor kitchen quickly? Keep on reading and you’ll get a good estimate on how long your outdoor kitchen will take.
How Long Does it Take to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
If you need to finish an outdoor kitchen project on time (or you don’t have to keep to a budget), there are multiple factors that affect both: timeline and costs. Interestingly enough, size might not be the main issue here!
The most common factors that positively affect the amount of time spent when you build an outdoor kitchen are:
- position
- technology
- buying everything needed ahead of time
- getting permits (if needed) ahead of time
- utilities in place
- simple layout
How Placing Your Outdoor Kitchen Affects Your Timeframe
There are basically two types of outdoor kitchen placement: perimeter and satellite.
Perimeter Outdoor Kitchens
Perimeter outdoor kitchens are placed next to the house so they can share a wall, overhang or patio cover. They are usually built in a place where the flooring is done and utilities are close by. Since the indoor kitchen is close, there can be some cuts to outdoor kitchen design (like fridge or sink).
This means you can save a ton on finishing the ground, utilities and appliances.
Satellite Outdoor Kitchens
Satellite outdoor kitchens are placed in the landscape and self-sufficient. This means everything you’ll use in an outdoor kitchen should be added to the plan.
Usually, utilities aren’t in place, so you’ll need a permit to start any work. Everything has to be done from the ground up: this means not only lots of money, but a lot more time as well.
Perimeter kitchens can be done in way less time than satellites. Perimeter kitchen construction can be sometimes done in a day (for very simple layouts). To compare, the construction of satellite kitchens rarely takes less than two weeks.
Does Technology Affect Your Outdoor Kitchen Construction Time?
Well, yes! If you choose a modular kitchen, you’re going to have it in your backyard way sooner than one built from a scratch. There are plenty of ways to save time thanks to prefabricated products for outdoor kitchens.
Not only are these outdoor kitchens fully modular, but they have ready-to-use frames, drawers systems, and so on. Some outdoor kitchen brands also offer 100% HDPE materials to ensure your kitchen lasts for decades.
If your outdoor kitchen is the project of your dreams, proper tools will make a drastic change in its timeline. This detail means you’ll have to ask around, do a little research, and figure what will make your job easier and faster.
Working on your own outdoor kitchen is a special project. As adults, we don’t have a lot of free time, so building an outdoor kitchen can be difficult. Some parts are also going to be really heavy (such as high-quality stone countertops), so it’s nearly impossible to build one solo.
Contractors usually work fast, as they have years of experience and often specialize in specific types of projects. It’s worth asking a contractor if you can see their work somewhere prior to making an agreement. Viewing a finished outdoor kitchen with your own eyes and talking to owners are two factors that help you make an informed decision.
A few questions you can ask before they build an outdoor kitchen are:
- Did the budget or timeline change during work?
- What can I do to prepare for an outdoor kitchen?
- How long will my outdoor kitchen last?
How to Plan an Outdoor Kitchen to Reduce Construction Time?
Every type of planning will result in shorter construction. You’ll have fewer questions and hurdles once it’s time to get down and dirty working.
Your first order of business is to start designing your outdoor space. You can do it on paper or download a 3D app that lets you put together a home. Some outdoor kitchen brands have a 3D tool that lets you experiment before hiring them.
Once you have a visual aid and some helpful notes, it’s time to narrow down your budget. Even if you’re going to work with a contractor, having your own plan might help temper your expectations.
It’s worth figuring out what type of appliances you need or the kind of outdoor kitchen finishes you want. A contractor might help, but the internet is full of inspiration, so don’t be afraid to browse Google before choosing.
What Should You Buy Before You Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
The answer to this question depends on who’s going to take care of the construction job. If it’s a company, take a look at their service agreement.
If you don’t have a list handy, reach out via e-mail to get an answer so you can build your shopping list. You can also check with your contractor and see if they’ll take care of all the materials, finishes, and more.
Even if the contractor is going to take care of everything, I recommend buying some stuff prior to building – think chairs or bar stools. Since important details like countertop heights depend on them, this is one step you don’t want to overlook.
(Read my guide on outdoor kitchen countertop height and depth so you get this step right the first time!)
If you planned your kitchen by yourself, go through each step of construction. You need to ask yourself questions like:
- What furniture do you need?
- What building tools do you need to build an outdoor kitchen?
- Do you have enough screws and nails?
- Do you have the appliances you need?
- Do you have to wait for materials or appliances to be delivered?
- Can you get some building help to speed things along?
Some materials have to be ordered in advance. For example, stone in proper color and texture might not be available to buy right away.
Do You Need a Permit For an Outdoor Kitchen?
It’s always worth asking your local City Building Inspections Department and HOA if you need permits for an outdoor kitchen. Some cities will even regulate a few feet of patio extension.
There are usually two things to take into consideration here:
- Zoning requirements (so is your outdoor kitchen placed in a legal distance from property lines)
- Utilities work (changes in gas, plumbing or electrical)
It’s not only about putting new lines. Sometimes lines on your property may be done not up-to-code, which is considered illegal zoning and may result in a demolition order.
What Utilities Do You Need For an Outdoor Kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are often connected to electrical, plumbing, gas and water (cold, or cold and hot). When you learn how to build an outdoor kitchen, you have to get comfortable with to appliances, lighting, ventilation, heating, and so on.
Take a look at everything you already planned. Take into account whether or not you’ll add something in the future. Construction is an excellent opportunity to think ahead – you may just want that stainless steel grill or extra dining table in a year!
If you don’t have any utilities in place, this job has to be planned prior to construction. Utility contractors should be able to give you some sort of timeline straight away, so you can plan this work before you build an outdoor kitchen.
A Simple Layout is Easier, Less Work, and Less Expensive
Learning How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen Is Complex, Yet Rewarding
If you have few layouts for your outdoor kitchen and you’re wondering which one to pick, going with the simpler one will make a huge difference in your timeline.
Some parts can be omitted if the indoor kitchen is close enough, especially with perimeter outdoor kitchens. However, don’t feel limited by your surroundings! There are many ways you can get creative with your space and narrow down the cooking space you’ve always wanted.
Need more help putting together your very own outdoor kitchen? The following guides and tutorials will make sure you don’t miss a single detail:
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