Texas is the barbecue capital of the US. After all, who doesn’t love an outdoor barbecue on a hot Texas day? Having an outdoor kitchen helps you to appreciate the gorgeous Texas weather with all your friends.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get an outdoor kitchen. In fact, you can build an outdoor kitchen on a budget with a few savvy tips and a bit of foresight.
Using these outdoor kitchen ideas, you can build your very own outdoor kitchen. Plus, our outdoor kitchen builders are always standing by to help you have the outdoor entertainment space of your dreams.
Understand Your Goals Before You Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Whether you’re planning on building your outdoor kitchen DIY or with the help of an outdoor kitchen company, the cost of the project will depend on your overall goals. Appliances, finish, and size of your ideal outdoor kitchen will all factor into its overall cost.
For those with smaller budgets, you could opt for a more portable solution. For example, extending the patio with a choice BBQ grill and mini-fridge is a great way to start. Plus, as time goes on, you can always add on to make things more permanent.
If you’ve got the space and the money, though, it may actually be cheaper to work with a builder. This way you get all the components you need in one go, instead of hiring out a myriad of different contractors.
How to Save on Each Component of Your Outdoor Kitchen
Every outdoor kitchen is different. However, there are a few common components you’ll see across most outdoor spaces.
Luckily, there are also ways to save on each component. This helps you get the best possible quality, no matter what budget you’re working with.
Common components and how to save on them include things like:
BBQ Grill
Of course, the most important part of every outdoor kitchen is the grill. There’s no better place to bring your barbecue dreams to life.
While you may be looking to cut costs, we don’t recommend cutting corners when it comes to your grill. Instead, look for the best option on your budget. Lower-quality grills will need to be replaced often, and the costs can add up.
Depending on which flavor you prefer, you can choose between gas grills and charcoal grills. You can save money by going with a pre-built option, instead of trying to get a custom grill. Propane also tends to be cheaper than natural gas.
Counters and Cabinets
Having a place to prep your cooking is another essential part of just about every outdoor kitchen. Cabinets are especially useful for keeping your pots, pans, and shelf-stable ingredients bug-free.
You can build cabinets and counters out of just about anything. The key is to look for durable, but attractive materials. You can also cut costs by purchasing reclaimed wood or recycled stone or brick.
In addition to being cheaper, these materials are also better for the environment. They can also look really good if you know what you’re doing.
Another great way to save money is to use a range of materials when building. For example, you could have stone countertops and aluminum cabinets to help you save money.
Extra Appliances
One of the best things about a barbecue? The ice-cold beers, of course! Keep your beers cold with a nice mini-fridge.
A fridge can also help keep you from having to make multiple trips inside for meat, snacks, and drinks.
Of course, you can cut costs by foregoing the fridge altogether. After all, they can require a bit of ongoing maintenance. An ice chest can serve the same purposes until you’re ready to upgrade.
Other appliances you may be interested in depending on your budget include an outdoor TV or stereo system.
Sinks and Services (Water, Gas and Electricity)
An outdoor sink can be especially efficient if your outdoor kitchen is pretty far from your indoor kitchen. They can be a bit expensive to install, but depending on the size of your backyard, it might be worth it.
Of course, to power your sink (and your grill), you’ll need to have utility services that extend to your outdoor kitchen.
It’s best to hire a professional to install any utility services unless you have extensive experience doing it yourself. Though it might cost a bit more, it’ll be worth it in the long run. It’ll also help keep you and your family safe.
Working with an outdoor kitchen builder can help you get a new kitchen and all the required services in one fell swoop, which could end up saving you money depending on the size of your project.
Should You Cover Your Outdoor Kitchen?
With all your fancy new kitchen features, you might be wondering if you should cover them or not. Covering your outdoor kitchen might be a good idea, especially with the sometimes unpredictable weather here in Texas.
Of course, adding any form of roof or covering will add to the overall costs of your outdoor kitchen. But, in the sunny heat of Texas, a covered kitchen could be an incredible place for your relaxing summer cookouts.
Get Your Outdoor Oasis
You don’t have to break the bank to get the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, even if you work with a builder. Whether you build an outdoor kitchen yourself or have a professional build it for you, there are plenty of ways cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Contact our team to get quality work at great prices and start enjoying your outdoor parties today.
(210) 383-8113 
hello@diamonddeckstx.com 