A built in brick BBQ is one of the best uses of a back corner, and a full outdoor kitchen turns it into a proper entertaining space. The cost spans a wide range, because so does the brief. Here is how it breaks down.
A simple BBQ versus a full kitchen
The size of the build is the biggest driver of cost.
- A basic brick BBQ. A simple structure for a charcoal or kettle setup, with a slab and a few courses of brick. The lower end of the range.
- A built in gas BBQ surround. Brickwork built around a drop in unit, with bench space either side. More brick, more finish, more cost.
- A full outdoor kitchen. Bench, sink, storage, cladding and sometimes a pizza oven. This is a substantial build closer to a small renovation.
What drives the price
Beyond size, the detail and the services are where the cost lands.
- The slab and footing. A BBQ needs a solid base, and that slab is part of the job, not an afterthought.
- Brick and finish. Face brick laid neatly, or a rendered or stone clad finish, all change the price.
- Services. Running gas, water or power out to the BBQ means a licensed plumber or electrician, which adds cost.
- Benchtops and extras. Stone bench, doors, a sink or a pizza oven each lift the figure.
Things worth planning early
A few decisions made up front save money and grief later.
- Position. Smoke, prevailing wind and how close it sits to the house all matter, especially in a tight Melbourne backyard.
- Drainage and shelter. An outdoor kitchen takes Melbourne weather year round, so it needs to drain and ideally sit under cover.
- Future use. It is cheaper to run the gas and power once, now, than to dig it all up later.
Get the base and the services right and the rest is finish. Rush the base and the whole thing suffers.
Send us a photo of the spot and your suburb, with a rough idea of whether you want a simple BBQ or a full kitchen, and we will work out a real figure with you.