Outdoor kitchens in Houston
Cook outside without running back and forth. We design and build outdoor kitchens with gas, water and power run properly, usually under a new patio cover so you can use them in July and in the rain.
Quick answer: An outdoor kitchen in Houston usually costs $8,000–$18,000 for a grill island and $25,000–$60,000 for a full kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and bar seating. Most take 2–4 weeks to build. Masonry or steel-framed bases, stone or porcelain counters and a roof overhead are what make one last in Houston humidity.
What’s included
- Layout planned around how you cook and entertain
- Gas line by a licensed plumber, with permit
- GFCI-protected outdoor circuits and lighting
- Water supply and drain for a sink, where possible
- Masonry or steel-framed base, stone or porcelain counters
- Vent hood under a covered roof
Outdoor kitchens projects we build
Grill islands
A built-in grill with counter space on both sides and storage below. The quickest upgrade and a good start if you plan to expand later.
Full outdoor kitchens
Grill, side burner, sink, outdoor-rated refrigerator and prep space laid out like an indoor kitchen, so you don’t need to walk inside.
Outdoor bars and seating
A raised bar top with stools keeps guests near the cook. Add an ice maker or kegerator and a TV on the patio cover wall.
Pizza ovens and smokers
Wood-fired or gas pizza ovens and built-in smoker stations need clearance from the roof, a non-combustible base and the right venting.
Materials that survive Houston
| Part | Best choices | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Concrete block with stone or stucco, or steel framing | Wood framing, which rots and attracts termites |
| Countertop | Granite, porcelain slab, sealed concrete | Quartz in direct sun, which can fade or discolor |
| Cabinet doors | 304 stainless steel or marine-grade polymer | Low-grade stainless that rusts in humidity |
| Appliances | Units rated for outdoor use | Indoor refrigerators, which fail in the heat |
Put a roof over it
Houston summers and sudden storms make a cover the difference between an outdoor kitchen you use weekly and one you use twice a year. A patio cover also protects the appliances, lets you add a vent hood and lighting, and lets us plan gas, power and drainage once for both projects.
Outdoor kitchens cost in Houston
Typical ranges for full-service work in Greater Houston, reviewed every year.
| Project | What it usually includes | Typical Houston range |
|---|---|---|
| Grill island | Built-in grill, counters, storage, gas line | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Full outdoor kitchen | Grill, sink, refrigerator, bar seating, lighting | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Kitchen with patio cover | Full kitchen plus a matching attached cover | $50,000–$110,000 |
Ranges are for full-service work in Greater Houston, including design, permits, licensed trades and cleanup. They are based on 2025–2026 Houston data from Remodeling’s Cost vs Value report, Angi and Block Renovation, plus our own pricing. Your written estimate is itemized for your home.
Permits
Outdoor kitchens need permits for the work behind them: a plumbing permit for the gas line and any sink, and an electrical permit for outdoor circuits. In Texas, gas lines must be installed by a licensed plumber. If the kitchen sits under a new patio cover, the cover needs its own building permit. We pull them together.
Questions about outdoor kitchens
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Houston?
A built-in grill island usually runs $8,000–$18,000. A full outdoor kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and bar seating is typically $25,000–$60,000, and pairing it with a new patio cover brings most projects to $50,000–$110,000.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in Houston?
Yes for the gas, plumbing and electrical work, and for any new patio cover over it. A licensed plumber has to run the gas line in Texas.
Should an outdoor kitchen be covered?
In Houston, yes if you can. A roof keeps rain and summer sun off you and the appliances, and lets you add a vent hood, fans and lighting.
What countertop is best for an outdoor kitchen in Houston?
Granite and porcelain slab hold up best to sun, heat and humidity. Many quartz products aren’t rated for direct sun and can discolor outdoors.
Can I add a sink to my outdoor kitchen?
Usually. We run a water line and connect the drain to your plumbing where the layout allows. If a drain connection isn’t practical, a cooler or bar station without a sink still works well.
Where we work
Related services
Patio covers
Attached gable, hip and insulated patio covers.
Learn morePatios & pavers
Concrete, stamped concrete and paver patios.
Learn morePergolas
Cedar, aluminum and louvered-roof pergolas.
Learn moreHelpful guides
Do you need a permit for a patio cover in Houston?
Patio cover, pergola, porch and deck permits in Houston and Harris County: when you need one, what the city reviews in a floodplain, HOA approval and timelines.
Read the guideHow much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Houston?
What an outdoor kitchen costs in Houston: grill islands, full outdoor kitchens and covered builds, plus the gas, electrical and materials that drive the price.
Read the guideReady to talk about your outdoor kitchen project?
Free in-home estimate with a written scope, price and schedule.
Or call (346) 456-5310