Ever dreamed of cooking under the open sky, flipping burgers while your friends laugh around a fire pit—but then balked at the cost of building an outdoor kitchen? Yep, I’ve been there too. Outdoor kitchen setups can get crazy expensive fast. Stainless steel everything, custom countertops, plumbing… before you know it, you’re looking at a five-figure project.
The best part is, you don’t have to spend loads and loads of money for a Pinterest-worthy outdoor Kitchen. With just a little bit of twigs and your DIY creativity, we can have a beautiful Outdoor Kitchen that will not be hard on your pocket.
Let me show you how.
1. Start with What You Already Have
Before you buy anything, do a walk-through of your backyard and garage.
- Got a sturdy table you’re not using? Boom—prep station.
- Old shelves collecting dust? Clean them up and use them for storage.
- Extra bricks or pavers? They can be the base for a grill station or countertop.
One thing I always do: Make a “use what you have” pile before heading to the store. You’d be surprised how many hidden treasures are just sitting around your home, waiting to be repurposed.
2. Use Cinder Blocks and Wood for Your Base
This is the holy grail of cheap outdoor kitchen ideas.
Cinder blocks are super affordable, weather-resistant, and sturdy. Stack them to build:
- A grill surround
- Countertop support
- Open shelves
Top them with concrete pavers or sealed wood for a rustic, modern finish. You don’t even need mortar—dry stacking works for most setups!
Tip: Paint or stain the wood to match your patio vibe. I once used a driftwood-gray stain, and people still ask if I had it custom built.
3. Invest in a Budget-Friendly Grill
You don’t need the fanciest gas grill to cook outdoors.
- A decent charcoal grill can cost under $100 and delivers amazing flavor.
- Tabletop propane grills are great for small spaces.
- Used or refurbished grills (check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist) often go for half the price and still have tons of life left.
Quick idea: Create a built-in look by nesting the grill between cinder block countertops or placing it inside a wooden frame with wheels.
4. Use Butcher Block or Concrete for Cheap Countertops
Skip granite. It’s gorgeous, sure, but your wallet will hate you.
Here are budget-friendly (and DIY-able) alternatives:
- Butcher block sealed for outdoor use
- Concrete slabs you pour yourself (there are kits!)
- Plywood with tile or peel-and-stick vinyl
One summer, I sealed a piece of plywood with marine-grade polyurethane, and it held up through storms and sunshine. Bonus: it looked like something out of a farmhouse magazine.
5. Skip Plumbing—Use a Portable Sink
Adding water lines outdoors? Expensive. Instead, go for a portable sink:
- Repurpose an old table and install a metal or plastic basin
- Use a camping water jug with a spout for running water
- Place a bucket underneath to catch gray water
This trick is simple and surprisingly functional, especially for rinsing veggies or washing your hands while grilling.
6. Add Storage with Metal Racks or Crates
You will need a place to stash your tongs, plates, or spices. But custom cabinets? No, thank you.
Use:
- Stacked wooden crates
- Metal baker’s racks (often $20–$30 at discount stores)
- Hanging wall organizers for utensils
I once nailed a pegboard onto an old fence post and hung all my BBQ tools from it. Super cheap—and oddly satisfying to look at.
7. Use String Lights and Planters for Instant Style
Now for the fun part: making it look like a high-end outdoor kitchen.
Add some ambiance with:
- Solar string lights
- DIY lanterns that can be made of anything that you can recycle like mason jars or glass bottles.
- Handmade planter with herbs like basil, rosemary, or mint, and many other plants that will be helpful for your cooking too (bonus: fresh flavor while you cook!)
These little personal touches does not cost much but goes a long way and helps you in creating that homely outdoor kitchen.
8. Use an Old Door or Pallet as a Bar or Serving Table
Don’t toss that old door or pallet—upcycle it!
Here’s how:
- Add legs to a solid old door and turn it into a bar
- Stack two pallets and top with a slab of wood for a drink station
- Add wheels underneath for portability
A friend of mine even painted her pallet bar with chalkboard paint to write the drink menu. It was adorable—and cost next to nothing.
9. Protect Your Setup with a Budget Covering
Worried about rain? Don’t spend thousands on a pergola just yet.
Here are thrifty ways to cover your kitchen:
- Pop-up canopy
- Tarp and poles (DIY shade sail)
- Umbrella anchored into a cinder block base
If you’re a little handier, you can build a lean-to style roof with reclaimed wood and metal sheets.
10. Create Zones for Cooking, Serving, and Chilling
Even on a small budget, you can make your outdoor kitchen feel intentional by creating zones:
- Cooking area: Grill + counter space
- Prep zone: Table or butcher block
- Serving station: A bar cart, tray table, or shelf
- Chill spot: Folding chairs, a small table, or a fire pit
Layout makes all the difference. You don’t need a massive space—just a smart setup.
FAQs :Cheap Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Q: How much will a DIY outdoor kitchen cost?
To be honest, it depends on your level of resourcefulness. You can do it for less than $500 if you utilize simple tools and recyclable materials, and sometimes even less if you already have a table or grill.
Q: Is it possible to build an outdoor kitchen without professional help?
Absolutely! A lot of these concepts are weekend endeavors. Just a little perseverance and imagination will do; no pricey equipment or expertise is required.
Q: Will my outdoor kitchen last longer?
If you seal wood surfaces, cover your grill, and store items during harsh winters, your setup can last for years. Use weatherproof materials whenever you can.
Long summer evenings with friends, delicious food, and outdoor cooking don’t have to cost thousands of dollars. All you need for these inexpensive outdoor kitchen ideas is a little work, a weekend or two, and a passion for getting your hands dirty—in the best way possible.
You can make evening dinners a little more enjoyable, host a potluck, or grill in your backyard.
I’d love to know how any of these suggestions work out for you! Post a picture of your new setup, tag me on social media, or leave a comment. Cheers to chic venues and affordable prices!🍔✨