At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’ve seen outdoor living spaces grow in popularity year after year—especially right here in Birmingham, AL, where the climate allows for nearly year-round use. Among the most desired features in modern backyards is the outdoor kitchen. Homeowners are no longer content with just a grill and a patio; they want full-functioning culinary spaces that feel like a true extension of the home. In this post, we’ll explore the most common questions we receive about modern outdoor kitchen designs to help you plan the perfect backyard upgrade.
What is the average cost to build an outdoor kitchen?
The cost of building an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on the size, materials, appliances, and complexity of the design. On average, most homeowners in the Birmingham area can expect to spend between $10,000 and $25,000 for a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen. A more basic setup with a built-in grill, counter space, and modest storage might fall near the lower end of that range. More elaborate kitchens with high-end appliances, stone countertops, custom cabinetry, and covered structures can easily exceed $30,000. While this might seem like a significant investment, it’s important to consider that outdoor kitchens not only enhance your lifestyle but also increase your home’s resale appeal.
What are the best features for an outdoor kitchen?
The best outdoor kitchens balance beauty with utility. We always recommend starting with the essentials: a built-in grill, prep space, and storage. From there, you can customize your outdoor kitchen with features that suit your lifestyle. Popular modern features include side burners, a sink with running water, a refrigerator or beverage cooler, a pizza oven, and even a smoker or rotisserie. Don’t overlook convenience-driven additions like weatherproof cabinetry, warming drawers, or built-in trash bins. For comfort and ambiance, many homeowners also opt to include overhead structures for shade, outdoor lighting, ceiling fans, and entertainment features like TVs and Bluetooth speakers. At Reliable, we help clients think through the practical flow of their space to ensure a comfortable and efficient cooking experience outdoors.
What material is best for an outdoor kitchen?
Material selection plays a critical role in the performance and durability of your outdoor kitchen, especially in Alabama’s variable climate. For countertops, granite is a popular choice due to its natural beauty and resistance to heat and weather. Concrete is another versatile and cost-effective option that can be customized in color and finish. For the base structure, stainless steel is a go-to for modern outdoor kitchens because of its durability and rust resistance. However, we also frequently work with masonry, such as brick or natural stone, which offers a timeless aesthetic and pairs well with Southern-style homes. Cabinetry should be rated for exterior use—powder-coated aluminum and marine-grade polymer are both excellent for withstanding humidity, rain, and sun exposure.
What is another name for an outdoor kitchen?
While “outdoor kitchen” is the most commonly used term, these spaces may also be referred to as “summer kitchens,” “backyard kitchens,” or “patio kitchens.” Historically, a summer kitchen referred to a secondary kitchen—often separate from the main home—used during warmer months to keep the house cooler. Today, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with modern outdoor kitchen designs. No matter what you call it, the concept remains the same: a functional cooking area designed for open-air entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. At Reliable, we help homeowners incorporate these kitchens into their landscape seamlessly, so they feel like a natural extension of the home.
Do I need a permit to install an outdoor kitchen?
In most cases, yes—especially if your outdoor kitchen includes gas lines, electrical wiring, or plumbing. Local building codes in Birmingham (and surrounding Jefferson and Shelby counties) typically require permits for these utilities to ensure safety and code compliance. If you’re adding a roofed structure like a pavilion or pergola, or making structural changes to your deck or patio, those may also require approval. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we handle the permitting process for you, ensuring that everything is inspected and approved by local authorities before construction begins. This not only saves you time but ensures your investment is protected and your kitchen is built to code.
Do outdoor kitchens add value to a home?
Yes, outdoor kitchens can significantly increase your home’s resale value—especially when they are designed thoughtfully and built with quality materials. According to real estate professionals and remodeling cost vs. value reports, homes with outdoor living spaces often command higher sale prices and attract more buyers. A well-executed outdoor kitchen enhances your home’s appeal, particularly in warm climates like ours in Alabama where people love to entertain outside. It’s also seen as a luxury upgrade, comparable to spa-like bathrooms or gourmet indoor kitchens. Beyond monetary value, outdoor kitchens add personal enjoyment and help you make the most of your backyard, turning it into a destination for family meals, parties, and relaxation.
Modern outdoor kitchen designs are about more than just function—they’re about creating an experience. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’ve had the pleasure of bringing dozens of these dream spaces to life across the Birmingham area, tailoring each one to fit the unique needs of our clients. Whether you want a cozy weekend grilling station or a fully equipped open-air culinary oasis, our team is here to help with design, materials, permits, and construction.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
Visit us at reliablerem.com, and like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
