Premium stainless steel grill fitted into a rugged, multi-tonal stone island for professional outdoor cooking.

Outdoor Kitchen Cost & Guide: BBQ Island Ideas for Long Island

You love the outdoors, and one of your favorite things is grilling for friends and family. There is a special magic when everyone hangs out in the kitchen—and moving that experience to a backyard BBQ island or full culinary station takes your lifestyle to the next level. At Affordable Patio, we offer various outdoor kitchen styles tailored to how your family lives and entertains.

Choosing an outdoor kitchen involves many moving parts: design layouts, stone textures, high-end appliances, and durable countertops. While Cambridge Pavingstones offers pre-made kits, many Suffolk and Nassau County homeowners prefer a custom build that fits their specific space.

The Engineering Behind Long Island’s High-End Kitchens

  • Frost-Thaw Structural Reinforcement: Long Island’s intense freeze-thaw cycles can cause heavy stone structures to shift or crack if the foundation is insufficient.
  • Precision Utility Management: Integrated kitchens require complex gas, water, and electrical lines that must be safely buried beneath the hardscape.
  • Manufacturer-Spec Material Selection: Standard stones often fail under the weight of luxury granite countertops and heavy professional grills.

Our Step-by-Step Outdoor Kitchen Process

Creating your dream kitchen is an “Absolute Journey.” To ensure a seamless installation, we follow a proven 6-step process:

Step 1: Define Your Design and Lifestyle Needs Determine which style best fits your goals, such as adding extra counter space if you love to cook or a raised bar section for entertaining guests. You should also consider your “must-have” appliances early on to ensure the layout accommodates everything you need.

Step 2: Choose the Ideal Location Find a spot on your property that fits your design while ensuring there is enough room for people to walk around comfortably. Think about the distance from your indoor kitchen; you may want it close by to avoid long trips back and forth while prepping meals.

Step 3: Select Your Stone and Materials Pick the materials that will define the look of your kitchen, such as Cambridge wall stone or cultured stone. This is the stage where you coordinate the textures and colors to ensure the kitchen becomes a standout feature that ties your entire backyard together.

Step 4: Research and Purchase Appliances Decide on your equipment, such as a BBQ, cabinets, a sink, or an outdoor refrigerator. We require all appliances to be on-site before we begin construction, and we recommend sourcing them from bbqguys.com or visiting Astro Masonry in Deer Park for local service.

Step 5: Coordinate Licensed Trades You will need to hire an electrician and a plumber to handle the necessary wiring for outlets or water lines for the sink. To make this easier, we install 4-inch PVC sleeves within the structure, allowing these trades to run their piping and wires directly into the center of the kitchen.

Step 6: Template and Install Countertops Once the main structure is framed or built, you will hire a countertop specialist to visit and create a template of the unit. They will then fabricate and install your custom countertops to complete the project.

Check out more about outdoor kitchen cost and ideas.

Skilled craftsmen meticulously lay heavy stone blocks to create a durable, custom outdoor kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost? 

A typical outdoor kitchen cost ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, though luxury custom builds can exceed $50,000. The price fluctuates based on size, stone selection, and appliance quality. Investing in durable, weather-resistant materials ensures your kitchen withstands the elements while significantly increasing your property’s overall value and long-term enjoyment.

How much for an outdoor BBQ island? 

A standard BBQ island generally costs between $5,000 and $12,000. These compact units focus on a high-quality grill, essential storage, and counter space. The final outdoor kitchen cost depends on whether you choose a pre-made kit or a custom masonry design, as well as the specific high-end finishes you select.

What’s involved with an outdoor kitchen? 

Building an outdoor kitchen cost involves designing a functional layout, selecting weather-rated materials like Cambridge stone, and coordinating utilities. The process requires professional framing, utility rough-ins for gas or electricity, and precise countertop templating. Proper planning ensures seamless integration with your existing patio while providing a durable space for cooking and entertaining.

Can I add an outdoor kitchen to my existing patio? 

It depends on the original construction of your current space. If your current patio wasn’t built to handle the weight of masonry, we may need to excavate and reinforce the specific “footprint” where the kitchen will sit. This ensures your new investment doesn’t cause your old patio to fail, protecting the structural integrity of your entire backyard layout.

Check out our Build & Price online service, to get an estimate: https://affordablepatio.com.

A large-scale stone patio featuring wide steps and an integrated grill station under construction.

Ready to Start Your Culinary Journey?

Now that the project is ready to be completed, it’s time to start making lasting memories with your family. Because an outdoor kitchen cost reflects a significant investment in your property, we encourage you to take your time and plan for how you will enjoy the value and functionality it adds to your home for years to come. If you have questions or are ready for an estimate, feel free to reach out to us. Call (631) 275-3142 or visit https://affordablepatio.com.

Scroll to Top