There’s something about stepping out into the garden, tongs in one hand, a cold drink in the other, and firing up the grill while friends gather round. But the real game-changer isn’t just the BBQ anymore, it’s the setup. Enter the modular outdoor kitchen – a clever, clean and cost-effective way to bring the indoors out, without the mess or months of traditional builds.
We’ve built plenty across UK patios, terraces and even narrow side gardens. Clients often come to us wanting something stylish, but easy to live with, something that won’t rust out in two winters or blow their renovation budget. This is where modular kits make all the difference.
What exactly is a modular outdoor kitchen?
In short, it’s a set of pre-built cabinets, made to fit together like flat-pack furniture, only built for wind, rain and BBQ sauce. Instead of building everything from scratch using blockwork or bricks, modular units arrive ready to go. Each carcass handles a different function – think a grill base, a sink unit, fridge cube, drawer stack or even a pizza oven plinth. You arrange them in a line, L-shape or island, bolt them in place, pop on a stone or composite worktop, and you’re off.
It’s a bit like fitting a kitchen indoors, but the materials are tougher. The best systems use marine-grade stainless steel, aluminium frames or high-pressure laminate doors that don’t warp when the temperature drops. And with smart placement, even small gardens can benefit. We’ve seen stunning 3-metre runs that serve six with ease and still leave space for seating and planters.
Planning it right the first time
With a modular outdoor kitchen, the devil’s in the layout. We always recommend marking it out with masking tape or dry-laying the boxes on a Friday night. Think about how far you want to be from your indoor kitchen. Running water, gas and electrics across the garden can bump up the budget, so planning service points in advance saves time and money.
Here’s a typical install timeline we follow for clients:
- Friday: layout test, check door swings, mark gas and waste drops
- Saturday: fit services, bolt units, shim until level, fit tops
- Sunday: connect fridge, fire up the grill, pour a pint
You can build most kits in a single weekend with two pairs of hands. Services should always be signed off by Gas Safe and Part P certified trades, but the bulk of the work is joinery, sealing and a bit of common sense.
Cost-wise, expect to pay between £3,000 and £10,000 depending on the finish. IKEA’s GRILLSKÄR is a low-cost way in, great for city patios and renters. Napoleon’s Oasis range offers premium stainless units made to fit their grills exactly. Mid-range setups using composite tops and coated steel frames usually land around £7–8k including delivery and two days’ labour.
What’s really smart? You can take it with you. Modular means unbolt and pack it in the van if you move. That said, most sellers leave them for the new buyer – it adds kerb appeal and gives your garden that magazine-spread vibe.
Making it last in UK weather
The UK’s no stranger to sideways rain and soggy Novembers. If you want your modular outdoor kitchen to look sharp year after year, go for materials that laugh in the face of moisture. We always advise composite stone tops or 30 mm Dekton for their frost resistance, stainless carcasses for longevity, and silicone seams that can be topped up once a season.
A quick maintenance plan: hose it down monthly, re-silicone joints quarterly, and give the burners a once-over before summer kicks off. Make sure your supplier offers spares – hinges, handles, drawer runners – because matching parts five years down the line is a pain if they’ve gone bust or switched lines.
We’ve also found that fitting a simple pergola or roof extension can double the usable months. Add festoon lighting, a little electric heater, and you’re sorted for alfresco evenings right into autumn.
So, is it worth it?
Absolutely. Not only does a modular outdoor kitchen give you a space that feels properly built-in without months of disruption, it adds genuine value. Estate agents reckon well-designed garden spaces can bump house prices by 10–12%, especially when kitchens, patios and planting feel cohesive.
From our side of the trowel, it’s one of the most satisfying builds to complete. You go from slab to showpiece in a weekend, it looks brilliant, and the client’s usually cooking sausages before we’ve even packed the van.
Thinking of starting your own outdoor project? Drop us a message. We’re happy to sketch layouts, recommend suppliers, and talk through what fits your space. Whether it’s gas BBQ or wood-fired oven, we’ve got your back.
