There’s something magic about stepping outside, tongs in hand, and cooking under the open sky. Whether it’s burgers with the kids or a slow Sunday roast, an outdoor kitchen turns your garden into a proper living space. But is it possible to build one that looks sharp, works like a dream, and doesn’t blow past ten grand?
Absolutely. You just need smart planning, a few savvy swaps, and a clear idea of where your money actually goes.
Here’s how we’d build an outdoor kitchen for under £10,000 in 2025 – step by step, with real prices, real products, and a proper finish.
Step 1: Get Your Foundations Right – Patio & Shelter
First things first, you need a solid base. A 10m² patio laid in porcelain slabs will set you back between £1,200–£1,500, depending on the finish and labour. It’s clean, durable, and keeps your new kitchen level and dry.
Want a bit of shade? A 3×3 m timber pergola kit costs around £500–£800 – pressure-treated and easy to stain or paint to match your style. You can assemble it yourself over a weekend with basic tools.
Running total so far: ~£2,000.
Step 2: The Kitchen Units – Modular Makes It Easy
Skip the custom masonry builds – modular metal units are a game-changer. IKEA’s Grillskär or the Whistler Fairford system offer powder-coated steel frames with space for a BBQ, sink, and fridge. Expect to spend £3,000–£3,400 for a solid 3-unit run.
Top it off with porcelain worktops – sleek, weatherproof, and about £900–£1,200 fully fitted.
Now you’ve got the skeleton of a real kitchen outdoors.
Cumulative total: ~£6,400.
Step 3: The Appliances – Practical and Weatherproof
Now it gets fun.
- A built-in hybrid gas/charcoal BBQ – something like the Outback Jupiter or Beefeater 1200E – will run £400–£550.
- A proper outdoor-rated fridge – sealed against the elements – costs around £1,700–£1,900. Look at models from Bull or Blastcool.
- A simple stainless sink & tap kit? Just £50–£150 from catering suppliers.
This isn’t a glorified grill cart. This is a fully kitted outdoor kitchen.
Running total: ~£8,850.
Step 4: The Services – Water, Power, Gas
Here’s where it’s worth getting the pros in.
- A cold water feed spurred off an outside tap: £80–£150
- Drainage to soak-away or gully: £70–£120
- Weatherproof electric socket and spur: £130–£260
- Optional mains gas connection (GasSafe): £350–£450
Don’t skip these. Having proper connections makes it feel like an extension of your home, not a camping setup.
With services and 10% contingency: final total ~£9,700–£9,900.
Cost-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)
If you’re trying to build closer to £8,000, here’s where you can trim:
- Skip the fridge – use a coolbox or indoor access
- DIY timber framework instead of modular metal units (saves up to £1,300)
- Use a portable BBQ rather than built-in
- Concrete worktop or tile surface instead of porcelain slabs
Even with those savings, you’ll still get a stylish and functional outdoor kitchen that boosts your home’s value and your family’s lifestyle.
Ready to Start?
At TopGarageConversions.co.uk, we believe the best home improvements don’t have to break the bank. Whether it’s transforming a cold garage into a guest suite or turning your garden into a cooking haven, we’re here to help you build it smart – and build it right.
Thinking about your own outdoor kitchen project? Give us a shout. We’ll help plan a build that fits your budget, space, and style.
