Have you ever dreamed of flipping pancakes or sizzling fajitas under the open sky—but then remembered your tiny backyard (and your not-so-tiny budget)? Yep, same here. When I first started planning an outdoor kitchen for our modest patio, I thought I needed a huge space and a five-figure budget. Spoiler: I didn’t. And neither do you.
If you’re working with limited space and limited funds, don’t worry—you’re actually in the perfect position to get creative. I’ve rounded up 15 cheap outdoor kitchen ideas for small spaces that are practical, charming, and guaranteed to make you want to cook outside all season long.
Let’s dive in—and I promise, no fancy chef skills required.
1. Use a Rolling Kitchen Cart
One of my favorite space-saving tricks? A rolling kitchen cart. It’s basically a portable workstation that can hold your grill tools, condiments, and even a small cutting board.
🛠 Why it works: You can roll it out when needed and tuck it away when not. Plus, it’s way cheaper than a full built-in counter setup.
💡 Tip: Choose one with weather-resistant material and locking wheels so it stays steady while you cook.
2. Repurpose Old Furniture
Before you toss that rickety dresser or potting bench, consider giving it a second life outdoors. A little sanding, some weatherproof paint, and voilà—you’ve got a quirky, functional kitchen station.
📦 What worked for me: I turned an old IKEA shelf into a prep area with hooks for utensils and a spot for my mini grill.
3. Opt for a Compact Grill
You don’t need a massive barbecue that could feed a football team. Compact grill and equipment that take lesser space are perfect for small spaces
🔥 Look for: Portable grills in the market that take up less space and are of great in quality.
4. Build a Pallet Kitchen Wall
Pallets are DIY gold. Mount one vertically on a wall or fence, add shelves, hooks, and a little paint—and boom! You’ve got vertical storage and a rustic vibe all in one.
🌿 Bonus idea: Hang herb pots from the slats for fresh flavor within arm’s reach.
5. Fold-Down Countertops
Think of it as a Murphy bed for your kitchen prep zone. A down countertop attached to the wall or fence serves best for a small outdoor kitchen as it frees up space whenever you don’t need the counter. It’s a great help.
🔧 Pro tip: Use weather-treated wood for the countertop and sturdy hinges that are waterproof.
6. Utilize a Corner Layout
Corners are often wasted real estate in small outdoor areas. You can use a L-shaped layout to use the corner space effectively.
📏 Why it’s smart: it makes the space utilized, organized, and not cramped.
7. DIY a Concrete Block Base
Cinder blocks are budget-friendly and surprisingly stylish when done right. Stack them to create a base for countertops, a grill platform, or open shelving.
🧱 What I did: Painted the blocks black for a modern touch and topped them with wood planks for a chic-meets-industrial feel.
8. Hang a Pegboard
When space is tight, go vertical! A pegboard mounted on the wall helps you organize your spatulas and utensils without having any drawer space.
🎨 Make it pop: Paint it with fun colors or a distinct color to add a personal touch to your outdoor kitchen space.
9. Install Open Shelving
Cabinets can feel bulky, but open shelves? They’re airy, inexpensive, and let you display cute cookware or storage baskets.
🍽 Use treated wood or metal brackets to hold up against the elements.
10. Add a Bar Cart Station
Even if you’re not mixing cocktails every weekend, a bar cart is a small-space superhero. Use it to hold drinks, snacks, or even a tabletop grill.
🍹 Wheel it indoors when you’re done, and you’ve got an all-season setup.
11. Stick with a Simple Sink Setup
If plumbing is out of the question (and often, it is), don’t ditch the idea of a sink entirely. Try using a basin with a garden hose hookup or a foot pump system.
🚰 Hack: Place a bucket underneath to catch the graywater for safe disposal.
12. Hang String Lights or Lanterns
Okay, this isn’t technically part of your “kitchen,” but good lighting makes the space usable—and magical. A few solar lanterns or café lights can totally change the vibe.
✨ Affordable and impactful? Yes, please.
13. Use Stackable or Foldable Furniture
Multi-use furniture is your best friend when it comes to small spaces. Foldable chair, nested tables, stackable tools, just perfect for small spaces.
🪑 Bonus: Store them easily without any hassle.
14. Create Zones with Rugs or Pavers
Even small spaces benefit from “zones.” You can use outdoor rugs or a different tile to differentiate your outdoor kitchen area so that it looks neat and distinct.
🎯 It tricks the eye, and this makes the space look bigger.
15. Lean Into the Mini Vibe
Instead of trying to cram in a giant kitchen setup, embrace minimalism. A single burner, a small prep space, and smart storage can be just as satisfying—and way easier to maintain.
🍳 Sometimes less really is more.
FAQs: Cheap Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Small Spaces
Q: Can an outdoor kitchen be built on a small budget?
Yes, absolutely, with a little bit of creativity and DIY, you can build an outdoor kitchen without costing much out of your pocket.
Q: What’s the best grill for a small space?
Look for compact models like tabletop propane grills, electric grills, or even a small kamado. Bonus points if it’s lightweight and easy to move!
Q: How do I make my small outdoor kitchen feel cozy?
Lighting, personal touches, and smart layout go a long way. Add string lights, a colorful rug, hanging plants, or even DIY art to make the space feel welcoming.
Designing an outdoor kitchen does not mean that you have to cost a lot of money and you must have a big space for it. You can always have a small space for your outdoor kitchen and with little bit of creativity you can make it with your recycled items and DIY only.
So, don’t just wish to have an outdoor kitchen in your backyard, just have one with a little bit of effort and then feel proud of your creativity. I hope my article has helped you inspired you to build your outdoor kitchen, and I hope you will be great at doing this.
If you’ve got a favorite DIY outdoor kitchen hack, I’d love to hear it—drop it in the comments or share a photo!