15 Cheap Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
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Ready to cook outside without spending a fortune? These 15 cheap outdoor kitchen ideas will help you create a backyard cooking space that looks amazing but costs way less than you’d think. Let’s explore how to build your dream outdoor kitchen on a budget.
Repurposed Brick BBQ Station
You can build a sturdy BBQ station using bricks from old projects or bought cheaply from salvage yards.
Stack them in a U-shape, add a metal grill insert on top, and you’ve got a custom cooking space.
No mortar needed if you’re careful with your layout—just arrange the bricks tightly for stability.
Concrete Block Cooking Counter
Concrete blocks cost about $2 each and make great supports for outdoor counters.
Stack them in interesting patterns, add a sealed wood or concrete board top, and you’ve created a cooking station.
The blocks’ holes can store wood, cooking tools, or even hold plants for a touch of green.
Wooden Pallet Kitchen Island
Free wooden pallets can become the base for your outdoor kitchen island.
Clean them thoroughly, sand rough edges, and stack two or three for height.
Add casters for mobility and a solid top like plywood covered with tile.
The spaces between slats work great for hanging tools.
Repurposed Potting Bench Conversion
That old potting bench can become your new cooking station.
Clean it up, add a fresh coat of outdoor paint, and make a cutout for a portable grill.
The shelves below work perfectly for storing cooking supplies, while hooks along the back keep utensils handy.
Rolling Cart Grill Station
A basic rolling cart from a second-hand store can become your prep station.
Position it next to your grill, hang utensils from S-hooks on the sides, and use the shelves for plates and seasonings.
The wheels make it easy to move when not in use.
Cinder Block and Wood Plank Bar
Create a seating area using cinder blocks as supports and thick wooden planks as the bar top.
Two rows of blocks with planks on top make perfect seating height.
Seal the wood with outdoor polyurethane to weather the elements.
Add colorful bar stools for a fun touch.
Thrift Store Cabinet Makeover
Hunt for old cabinets at thrift stores and transform them for outdoor use.
Add a coat of weather-resistant paint, seal any wood surfaces, and replace hardware with rust-resistant options.
The built-in storage keeps everything organized, while the top provides valuable prep space.
Corrugated Metal Bar Backdrop
Use inexpensive corrugated metal sheets to create a backdrop for your outdoor bar area.
Mount them to wooden posts, add a simple wooden counter in front, and string lights above for ambiance.
The metal reflects light beautifully at night and adds industrial charm.
Tarp or Sail Shade Covering
Protect your kitchen from sun and light rain with inexpensive sail shades or tarps.
String them between trees, posts, or your house using strong rope and carabiners.
Choose colors that complement your outdoor space while providing much-needed shade for comfortable cooking.
DIY Outdoor Refrigerator Box
Build a simple wooden box sized to hold a cooler, with insulation between the walls.
Add a hinged lid, drainage hole, and wheels if needed.
Paint to match your other elements.
Fill with ice for a budget-friendly way to keep drinks and food cold during cookouts.
Grill Surround From Old Doors
Frame your grill area with old doors from salvage yards.
Stand them vertically, secure them to stakes in the ground, and arrange them to create a dedicated cooking zone.
Sand and seal them for weather protection, or embrace the weathered look for rustic charm.
Milk Crate Storage Shelves
Plastic milk crates make perfect modular storage.
Stack and secure them together, then paint in weather-resistant colors.
They’ll hold dishes, tools, and supplies while adding a pop of color.
Attach them to a wall or leave freestanding depending on your space.
Solar Light Installation
Light your outdoor kitchen cheaply with solar options.
String lights overhead provide ambient lighting, while stake lights mark the perimeter.
Solar-powered options cost nothing to run and install without electrical work.
Most sets cost under $30 but transform evening cooking.
Beverage Station From Old Dresser
Transform an old dresser into a beverage station by removing the top drawer and inserting a metal tub for ice.
Seal all wood with marine-grade finish for weather protection.
The remaining drawers hold glasses, napkins, and bar tools.
Add casters for easy movement.
Hanging Herb Garden
Grow fresh herbs right by your cooking area using hanging pots on a simple wooden rack.
Plant basil, rosemary, thyme, and other cooking favorites for fresh flavors at your fingertips.
The vertical design saves space while adding greenery and practicality to your outdoor kitchen.
