10 Cheap & Simple Outdoor Kitchen Ideas: Budget-Friendly Outdoor Kitchen Inspiration from My Real ProjectsLydia HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Repurpose Old Furniture2. Concrete Countertop on Simple Base3. Modular DIY Cabinets4. Pallet Bar Conversion5. Rolling Kitchen Cart6. Compact Grill Station7. Weatherproof Open Shelving8. Lightweight Pergola Cover9. Countertop with Built-in Cooler10. Salvaged Sink with Hose ConnectionFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me if we could fit an entire outdoor kitchen into the corner of her tiny balcony — with a pizza oven, grill, and wine cooler. I laughed… until we actually made it work. That project taught me something: small spaces force you to think creatively, and simple doesn’t have to mean boring. Today, I’ll share 10 cheap and simple outdoor kitchen ideas I’ve used over the years that bring big style without blowing the budget. If you’re dreaming about yours, even a room planner can help you visualize your options before you spend a dollar.1. Repurpose Old FurnitureThat thrifted dresser from grandma’s garage? With a weatherproof top, it becomes a rustic outdoor prep station. It’s budget-friendly, quick, and has loads of character — just watch out for wood that can’t handle humidity.save pin2. Concrete Countertop on Simple BaseI’ve done this trick with two sawhorses and a precast concrete slab — sturdy, minimal, and perfect for outdoor vibes. Concrete ages well and pairs beautifully with plants.save pin3. Modular DIY CabinetsInstead of custom builds, go with modular outdoor cabinets you can assemble like LEGO. This keeps costs down and lets you reconfigure when you move. Plus, using a free floor plan creator helps plan your exact dimensions before making a trip to the hardware store.save pin4. Pallet Bar ConversionFree pallets are gold for DIYers. Sand them, stack them, and add wheels for a movable bar or serving table. The challenge? Ensuring it’s smooth enough so nobody gets splinters mid-party.save pin5. Rolling Kitchen CartLightweight and versatile, a rolling cart gives you storage, prep, and serving space. Just wheel it inside when it rains.save pin6. Compact Grill StationBuild a simple counter around a small charcoal grill. It saves space and focuses your budget on the grill itself — the hero of the outdoor kitchen.save pin7. Weatherproof Open ShelvingMetal piping and treated wood boards make for budget open shelves that look industrial chic. They keep essentials within reach and avoid the cost of cabinetry.save pin8. Lightweight Pergola CoverA pergola kit with a fabric canopy gives shade and defines your kitchen area without building a full roof. It also makes evening lighting easier to install. I always plan it alongside my kitchen layout planner sketches to get proportions right.save pin9. Countertop with Built-in CoolerSometimes I just cut a hole in a sturdy counter and drop in a galvanized tub — instant built-in cooler for drinks.save pin10. Salvaged Sink with Hose ConnectionAn old sink can be turned into an outdoor washing station with a hose attachment. Perfect for rinsing veggies or washing hands, just be mindful about proper drainage.save pinFAQ1. What’s the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen?Repurposing materials like pallets, old furniture, or offcuts is often the cheapest. Use existing utilities to save plumbing and electrical costs.2. Can I use indoor furniture outside?Yes, but you must seal, paint, or otherwise weatherproof it. Untreated indoor pieces will deteriorate quickly outdoors.3. How do I make my outdoor kitchen weatherproof?Choose materials like stainless steel, treated timber, concrete, or stone. Use covers when not in use, especially in rainy or snowy climates.4. Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?It depends on your local regulations and whether you’re connecting gas or water lines. Always check with your municipality first.5. What’s the best flooring for an inexpensive outdoor kitchen?Gravel, brick pavers, or concrete are durable, affordable, and suitable for outdoor conditions.6. How can I light my outdoor kitchen cheaply?String lights, solar lanterns, and inexpensive LED fixtures add cozy lighting without complex wiring.7. How do I protect appliances outside?Use covers, place them under shelter, and clean regularly. For electrical items, ensure outdoor-rated plugs are used. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, outdoor appliances should be certified for exterior use.8. How small can an outdoor kitchen be?Even a 4-foot counter with a grill and small prep area can function well for casual cooking. The key is efficient layout and multipurpose surfaces.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE