Patio | Pavers | Built-in Grill | Outdoor Kitchen
There are a few factors to think about first...
- How big of a grill do you want?
- Do you want to be able to bring it in in the winter?
- Do you want a larger countertop space to be able to prepare and serve the food?
- What kind of countertop do you have in mind? Granite, bluestone, concrete or something else?
The Appliance
The grill itself is a huge factor in what gets built. There are basically two styles: drop-in grills and roll-in grills (or a grill that has a base and cart). A drop-in grill is more or less a permanent fixture. And because most people are not going to be bringing it in for the winter it needs to be of a quality that will withstand the outdoors and won't rust. Prices for an average-sized, good-quality stainless steel grill that won't rust and corrode can range from $2,500 to over $10,000. Most models can be used with propane or natural gas. There are also some models out there that will also use a combination of fuels like gas and charcoal or include a smoker tray.
Roll-in grills can also be used in outdoor kitchens. A quality stainless steel grill on wheels will usually cost anywhere from $1,500 and up.
The Stonework
The next factor to consider is how the stonework surrounds the grill. Some of our simplest built-in grills are a basic U-shaped stone cabinet that a roll-in grill can slide into. Our more complicated built-in grills usually have a bar attached to them as well, so the stonework in that case is more extensive. There is a wide range of pricing on the stonework - due to the fact that each grill is slightly different and the layout for each outdoor kitchen is usually custom designed. A simple grill surround for a roll-in grill usually ranges from $7,200 to $9,500, while the stonework for a drop-in grill can range from $8,000 to $24,000, depending on the chosen features and materials.
The Countertop
Lastly, consider the different types of countertop materials. Just like in the kitchen of your home, the materials for outside are just as varied. We like to keep our material choices from being too overwhelming so we typically work with granite. Some of our basic grill designs have used a manufactured cap stone as the countertop, but that is not common, due to the limited widths available. Granite prices can range from $95 to over $300 per square foot.
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Editors Note:
This article was originally published on 10/18/11 and was updated on 10/8/14 to reflect pricing changes. It was updated again on 9/11/23 based on some changes to our best practice recommendations and more relevant pricing.