Outdoor Kitchens

Overview

An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a second entertaining space — and on the Wasatch Front, where summer evenings are legendary, it gets used heavily. The range is wide: a basic built-in grill island with counter space starts around $8,000. A fully loaded setup with grill, side burner, sink, fridge, storage, and a pergola can run $25,000–$40,000+. The good news is you can phase it — start with the grill island and add components over time.

Utah's climate throws some real demands at outdoor kitchens. Freeze-thaw means plumbing needs to be winterizable (shut-off valves, blow-out ports). Intense UV degrades cheap materials fast — stainless steel components, sealed stone countertops, and pergola covers pay off. Gas hookups should run from the house main (propane is a fallback but refilling gets old). Good installers will also design in a shaded prep zone so you're not squinting into August sun while cooking.

Yardd connects you with installers who specialize in outdoor kitchens and know the local gas, electric, and drainage requirements.

Project types

Key decisions

• ·Phasing: start with grill island; add sink, fridge, and pergola over time to spread cost
• ·Grill type: built-in gas (most common), pellet (for smoking), or hybrid setups
• ·Countertops: sealed granite or porcelain handle UV best; avoid unsealed marble
• ·Structure: concrete block with stone veneer, or metal frame with panels — block is more durable
• ·Cover: a pergola or roof extends usability through rain and peak sun

Frequently asked questions