How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost on Long Island?
An outdoor kitchen is one of the most rewarding investments a Long Island homeowner can make. It transforms your backyard from a simple lawn into a true extension of your living space — a place where you can cook, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors without constantly running back inside. Whether you picture a sleek built-in grill station overlooking the Great South Bay or a fully equipped cooking pavilion in your Huntington backyard, the possibilities are as wide as your imagination and budget allow.
But before you start picking out countertop materials and appliance packages, you need a clear understanding of what an outdoor kitchen actually costs on Long Island. Pricing varies dramatically depending on size, materials, features, and site conditions. In this 2026 guide, we will break down realistic cost ranges, walk you through the key decisions that affect your budget, and help you plan a project that delivers lasting value for your home and your lifestyle.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Tiers for Long Island in 2026
Outdoor kitchen costs on Long Island generally fall into three tiers. These ranges include design, materials, construction, appliances, plumbing, gas lines, and electrical work — essentially everything needed for a turnkey installation. Your final cost will depend on the specific features, finishes, and site conditions unique to your property.
Basic Outdoor Kitchen: $15,000 – $25,000
A basic outdoor kitchen provides a solid foundation for outdoor cooking without overextending your budget. At this tier, you can expect a built-in grill with a modest countertop, a small amount of cabinet storage beneath the counter, and a simple but attractive base structure. The footprint is typically a straight-line or L-shaped layout spanning 8 to 12 linear feet. Materials at this level often include concrete block construction with a stucco or stone veneer finish, and a durable countertop such as granite or polished concrete. This tier is ideal for homeowners who want a permanent step up from a freestanding grill without committing to a full kitchen buildout.
Mid-Range Outdoor Kitchen: $25,000 – $50,000
The mid-range tier is where most Long Island outdoor kitchen projects land, and it is where the experience starts to feel like a true outdoor kitchen rather than just an upgraded grill area. At this level, you gain a larger footprint — often an L-shaped or U-shaped layout of 12 to 20 linear feet — along with higher-end appliances and more refined materials. A typical mid-range kitchen includes a premium built-in gas grill, natural stone or high-quality manufactured stone countertops, an outdoor-rated sink with running water, an undercounter refrigerator, ample cabinet storage, and dedicated space for food preparation. The base structure may be built with concrete block and finished in natural stone veneer or premium pavers, giving the kitchen a custom, integrated look that complements your home and landscape.
High-End Outdoor Kitchen: $50,000 – $100,000+
At the high end, an outdoor kitchen becomes a full outdoor living destination. These projects feature expansive layouts with multiple cooking zones, top-of-the-line appliances, premium natural stone throughout, and architectural elements that make the space feel like a professional kitchen that happens to be outside. Expect to see features like commercial-grade grills, built-in pizza ovens, smokers, warming drawers, ice makers, kegerators, beverage centers, and full outdoor bar setups with seating for eight or more guests. The structure itself may include a pergola or full roof with ceiling fans, integrated lighting, built-in sound systems, and even outdoor televisions. High-end projects often incorporate fire pits or fireplaces adjacent to the kitchen, creating a multi-zone outdoor living area. For homeowners in premium Long Island communities like Great Neck, Garden City, and Cold Spring Harbor, these comprehensive installations are increasingly popular as buyers in those markets expect resort-level outdoor amenities.
Choosing Materials for Your Long Island Outdoor Kitchen
Material selection has a major impact on both the cost and the longevity of your outdoor kitchen. On Long Island, where your kitchen will face salt air, freeze-thaw cycles, summer humidity, and nor’easters, choosing weather-resistant materials is not optional — it is essential. Here are the most common options and how they perform in our climate.
Natural Stone
Natural stone — including bluestone, granite, and fieldstone — is the premium choice for outdoor kitchen construction on Long Island. It offers unmatched beauty, exceptional durability, and a timeless aesthetic that only improves with age. Granite countertops resist heat, staining, and weathering, making them ideal for a cooking surface exposed to the elements. Natural stone veneer on the base structure creates a rich, textured look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The tradeoff is cost: natural stone materials and the skilled labor required to install them push the budget higher than other options, but the result is a kitchen that will look stunning and perform flawlessly for decades.
Pavers & Manufactured Stone Veneer
Pavers and manufactured stone veneer offer an excellent balance of aesthetics, durability, and value. Leading brands like Cambridge, Unilock, and Techo-Bloc produce veneer products that closely replicate the look of natural stone at a lower price point. These materials are engineered for outdoor use and hold up well in Long Island’s climate. Many homeowners pair a manufactured stone veneer base with natural granite countertops, getting a high-end look without the full natural stone price tag. Paver surfaces surrounding the kitchen also create a cohesive hardscape design that ties the cooking area into your patio.
Stucco & Concrete Block
A concrete block structure finished with stucco is the most budget-friendly approach to outdoor kitchen construction. Stucco provides a clean, smooth finish that works well with contemporary and Mediterranean-style homes. It can be tinted to match your home’s exterior or complement your landscape palette. While stucco requires periodic maintenance — including resealing and patching hairline cracks that can develop over time from freeze-thaw cycles — it remains a solid and popular choice for homeowners building in the basic to mid-range tier.
Essential Features Every Outdoor Kitchen Needs
Regardless of your budget tier, certain features form the backbone of any functional outdoor kitchen. These are the elements that make the space genuinely usable rather than just decorative.
- Built-in grill: The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. A quality built-in gas grill ranges from $1,500 for a solid entry-level model to $5,000 or more for a premium brand like Lynx, DCS, or Alfresco. Choose stainless steel construction with at least three burners and a minimum of 500 square inches of cooking surface.
- Countertop space: You need enough room to prep food, set down plates, and stage dishes while cooking. Plan for at least 4 to 6 linear feet of usable counter space on either side of the grill. Granite, quartz, and concrete are the most popular countertop materials for outdoor use on Long Island.
- Outdoor-rated sink: A sink with running water changes the entire cooking experience. It allows you to wash produce, clean utensils, and rinse your hands without walking inside. Plumbing an outdoor sink requires a water supply line and a drain connection, which adds to the cost but is well worth the convenience.
- Undercounter refrigerator: An outdoor-rated refrigerator keeps ingredients, beverages, and condiments cold and within arm’s reach. Look for UL-rated outdoor models designed to operate in ambient temperatures and resist moisture. Budget $800 to $2,500 depending on size and brand.
- Storage cabinets and drawers: Stainless steel cabinets and drawers keep grilling tools, spices, serving ware, and cleaning supplies organized and protected from the weather. Adequate storage prevents clutter and makes the kitchen genuinely functional for everyday use.
Popular Upgrades & Add-Ons
Once the essentials are in place, optional upgrades allow you to customize the kitchen to match exactly how you like to cook and entertain. These features can be included in the initial build or added later as your budget allows.
- Pizza oven: Wood-fired and gas-fired pizza ovens have become one of the most requested outdoor kitchen features on Long Island. A built-in pizza oven typically adds $3,000 to $8,000 to the project depending on whether it is a prefabricated insert or a custom-built masonry oven. The experience of making fresh pizza outdoors for family and guests is hard to beat.
- Fire pit or fireplace: An adjacent fire pit or outdoor fireplace extends the usability of your outdoor kitchen into the cooler months and creates a natural gathering point after dinner. Fire features range from $3,000 for a simple built-in fire pit to $15,000 or more for a full masonry fireplace with a chimney.
- Bar seating: A raised bar counter with seating for four to eight guests turns your outdoor kitchen into a social hub. Guests can sit, chat, and enjoy drinks while the cook works just a few feet away. Bar seating adds $2,000 to $6,000 depending on length and material.
- Pergola or roof structure: A pergola, pavilion, or solid roof over the kitchen provides shade in summer and protection from light rain. It also allows you to install ceiling fans, lighting, and even infrared heaters for cooler evenings. Roof structures range from $5,000 for a basic pergola to $25,000 or more for a fully roofed pavilion with electrical.
- Outdoor lighting: Integrated LED lighting under counters, inside cabinets, and throughout the cooking area extends usability into the evening and adds ambiance. Low-voltage landscape lighting around the perimeter of the kitchen ties the space into your broader yard design.
Long Island Permits & Code Requirements
Building an outdoor kitchen on Long Island is not as simple as placing appliances in your backyard. Both Nassau and Suffolk County municipalities have building codes and zoning regulations that govern outdoor structures, and the specific requirements vary by town and village. Understanding the permitting landscape before you start will save you headaches, delays, and potential fines.
In most Long Island towns, an outdoor kitchen that includes gas lines, plumbing, or electrical work will require a building permit. The gas line connecting your grill and other appliances must be installed by a licensed plumber and inspected by the local building department. Electrical work — including outlets, lighting, and appliance circuits — must meet code and be inspected as well. If your outdoor kitchen includes a roof structure or pergola, that structure may require its own separate building permit and must comply with setback requirements, which dictate how far from property lines the structure must sit.
Permit fees on Long Island typically range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the scope of work and the municipality. Some towns also require a site plan showing the kitchen’s location relative to property lines, the house, the septic system (if applicable), and any easements. Homeowners in flood zones or coastal areas may face additional requirements from FEMA and the local floodplain administrator.
At Brothers Paving & Masonry, we handle the entire permitting process for every outdoor kitchen we build. Our team knows the specific requirements for towns across Nassau and Suffolk County, from Garden City and Great Neck to Smithtown and Huntington. We coordinate with plumbers, electricians, and the building department so you do not have to chase paperwork or schedule inspections yourself.
Seasonal Usage & Northeast Climate Considerations
One of the most common questions Long Island homeowners ask about outdoor kitchens is whether they can use them year-round. The honest answer is that with the right design choices, you can extend your outdoor cooking season well beyond the traditional summer months — but Long Island’s winters do present real challenges that need to be planned for.
During spring, summer, and fall, an outdoor kitchen on Long Island is a dream. From April through November, you can cook and entertain outdoors comfortably, especially if you have a roof structure or pergola to provide shade and rain protection. Adding a fire pit or fireplace nearby extends comfortable outdoor evenings well into October and November, when the air is crisp but not yet cold.
Winter use is more limited but not impossible. Many Long Island homeowners grill year-round, braving the cold for the flavor and experience of outdoor cooking. Infrared heaters mounted under a pergola or pavilion roof can make the space comfortable even on 40-degree evenings. A fire feature adjacent to the kitchen provides warmth and ambiance. That said, certain appliances and plumbing components must be winterized to prevent freeze damage. Water lines should be drained and shut off before the first hard freeze, and outdoor refrigerators should either be rated for cold-weather operation or brought indoors for the winter.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, material choices matter for climate resilience. Natural stone and high-quality manufactured stone handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or spalling. Stainless steel appliances and hardware resist corrosion from salt air, which is especially important for homes near the Long Island Sound or the Atlantic coast. Granite and concrete countertops stand up to temperature swings far better than tile or laminate, which can crack when water freezes in the grout lines or seams.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a significant investment, and the quality of your contractor will determine whether that investment pays off for decades or becomes a source of frustration. Outdoor kitchen construction requires a unique combination of skills: masonry and hardscape construction, plumbing coordination, electrical planning, appliance integration, and an eye for design. Not every contractor has experience across all of these disciplines, so vetting your builder carefully is essential.
When evaluating contractors for your Long Island outdoor kitchen project, look for these key indicators of quality and reliability.
- A portfolio of completed outdoor kitchen projects, not just general masonry or paving work. Ask to see photos of finished kitchens and, if possible, visit a completed project in person.
- Proper licensing and insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Verify these are current and sufficient for the scope of your project.
- Experience with local permits and building codes. A contractor who regularly works in your town will know the requirements and have established relationships with the building department.
- A detailed written proposal that specifies all materials, appliances, finishes, and scope of work. Vague proposals lead to misunderstandings and change orders that inflate your final cost.
- Positive references and reviews from past outdoor kitchen clients on Long Island. Online reviews on Google and other platforms provide unfiltered feedback about the contractor’s workmanship, communication, and reliability.
- A clear timeline with milestones, including permit submission, construction start, rough inspections, appliance installation, and final walkthrough.
At Brothers Paving & Masonry, outdoor kitchens are one of our specialties. We bring decades of masonry and hardscape experience to every project, and we coordinate all trades — including plumbing, electrical, and gas — so you have a single point of contact from design through completion. If you are planning an outdoor kitchen on Long Island, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your vision and provide a free, no-obligation estimate. You can reach us at (631) 374-9796 to schedule a consultation.
ROI & Home Value Impact
Long Island homeowners are rightfully interested in the return on investment an outdoor kitchen delivers. The good news is that outdoor kitchens consistently rank among the top outdoor improvements for home value. According to industry data, a well-designed outdoor kitchen can recoup 60 to 80 percent of its cost at resale, and in competitive Long Island markets where outdoor living space is a premium selling point, the return can be even higher.
Beyond the pure financial return, an outdoor kitchen adds lifestyle value that is difficult to quantify but very real. It changes how you use your property on a daily basis, turning your backyard into a space you actually spend time in rather than just look at through a window. For families who love to cook and entertain, the outdoor kitchen often becomes the most-used feature of the entire home during the warmer months.
From a real estate perspective, homes with outdoor kitchens sell faster and attract more buyer interest than comparable homes without them. This is especially true in Long Island’s suburban communities where buyers expect polished outdoor living spaces. A quality outdoor kitchen signals that the home has been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded, which creates a positive impression that extends to the buyer’s perception of the entire property.
Getting Started with Your Outdoor Kitchen Project
Planning an outdoor kitchen is an exciting process, and the best first step is a conversation with an experienced builder who can help you translate your ideas into a realistic plan and budget. Think about how you cook, how often you entertain, and what features would make the biggest difference in your outdoor experience. Consider the layout of your backyard, the proximity to your indoor kitchen, and how the new space will connect to your existing patio, deck, or landscape.
Brothers Paving & Masonry offers free on-site consultations for outdoor kitchen projects across Long Island — including Huntington, Smithtown, Great Neck, Garden City, and all surrounding communities in Nassau and Suffolk County. During your consultation, we will walk your property, discuss your goals, review material and layout options, and provide honest guidance on what is achievable within your budget. From there, we deliver a detailed proposal so you know exactly what to expect before a single block is laid.
Whether you are envisioning a compact grilling station or a full outdoor kitchen and entertainment area, we have the experience to bring it to life. Call us at (631) 374-9796 or request your free estimate online to take the first step toward the outdoor kitchen you have always wanted.