Are you planning an Outdoor Kitchen in Seattle? If you’ve ever hosted a summer barbecue and found yourself running back and forth from the kitchen, missing half the party, you’re not alone. But what if your outdoor space was designed and set up to alleviate all of that for you?

The Benefits of Adding an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Home

Outdoor kitchens have been around for quite some time, but to say they are growing in popularity would be an understatement. In fact, outdoor kitchens are one of the fastest-growing home upgrades across the country, including Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. And it’s no wonder…as well as being a key component in adding long-term home value, an outdoor cooking and entertaining area has become the focal point for gathering with friends and family, and for enjoying all year long. Something we are all finding increasingly valuable these days.

How Will Your Outdoor Kitchen Last In The Seattle Weather?

Like anything that is going to be outdoors, we want to ensure that it will withstand the elements and stay looking pristine so that we can be able to enjoy it for years to come, preferably with minimal maintenance. In the Pacific Northwest where we tend to get rain for days on end, wind gusts, and salt spray in the coastal areas, it is important to invest in high-performance materials.

There are numerous outdoor kitchen materials on the market. Some of the top choices are stainless steel, aluminum, HDPE (polyethylene), and masonry (all of which I will do a break-down in another article).

When it comes to outdoor kitchen cabinetry, my go-to is Danver. Here are some reasons:

• Top quality 304 stainless steel, 316 available
• Eco-friendly, 100% recyclable stainless steel
• Made in USA
• Weather-resistant seals
• 100% usable storage
• Fits all appliance models
• 20+ years in business
• Lifetime warranty on cabinets
• Virtually maintenance-free

How Will You Be Using Your Outdoor Kitchen Area?

This is one of the more important questions when designing an outdoor kitchen, and will determine the function and flow of the entire space. When designing an outdoor kitchen, I like to think of the space in terms of areas. Is your main goal to do some simple grilling, or do you plan to use it also for prep and clean-up?

Do you plan to do a lot of cooking for large groups of people? Think about the appropriate appliances, and how much working room you will need for counter space, movement and door swing. If you plan to be socializing while cooking, think about adding a bar counter with barstools facing the chef. Maybe you need a lot of storage space… Danver cabinets have 100% usable interior space for storage and appliances, which makes it especially useful for maximizing your space. They also offer trash cabinets (one of my top requests), sink and bar cabinets, and cabinets to house just about any appliance, including egg grills, bartender stations, pizza ovens, ice-makers, and refrigerators. I have even had clients put in dishwashers.

Here are some considerations you will want to think about while planning your outdoor kitchen:

• How much space do you have? Think about the configuration you want. Popular choices are straight, L-shaped, and U-shaped.
• What appliances do you plan to use?
• Proximity to house and doorways…make sure accessibility is adequate and realistic. 
• Water, gas and electrical accessibility if needed.
• Safety concerns…will kids be running around? Keep refrigerators and trash bins on the end of a run for easy accessibility. 
• Will the space be covered, or open to the elements? If covered, you may need to install a hood. If exposed to the elements, make sure to choose the optimal materials for your environment (see my article on outdoor kitchen materials). 

Design considerations

The outdoor kitchens of today could often be mistaken for an interior kitchen, and less likely to resemble the chippy masonry monstrosities with stainless cubbies strewn in here and there. 

The European style cabinetry that Danver specializes in is sophisticated and timeless, and they offer numerous designs, as well as finish options, not unlike the paint on your car.

A few things to take into consideration when deciding on the style of your outdoor kitchen:

• What is the style of your house? Do you have a Traditional home, and prefer a shaker style or bead board door? Or are you looking for a sleek, contemporary design with minimalistic features? 
• Landscape and surroundings…is it manicured? Maybe you want a clean, modern aesthetic. Or do you have more of a natural landscape and you want your outdoor kitchen area to integrate seamlessly with your natural setting?

• Do you prefer a wood-grain finish, or one of the numerous powder-coated colors? Stainless handles, brushed bronze, or integrated pulls? 

One of the fun aspects of designing your outdoor kitchen is that you are able to customize it most any way you like. One of my favorite projects was an outdoor kitchen with Indigo blue cabinetry, a blue-veined quartzite, complete with a Hestan grill in Prince Blue…it was a stunner!

How Much Should I Budget?

A well-designed quality outdoor kitchen can have a very appealing return on investment, in the range of 55% up to 200%, and a large number of real estate agents say that outdoor kitchens are a top feature in increasing a home’s value. Not to mention the memories created and the enjoyment factor that a well-designed outdoor kitchen brings is invaluable.

While there are a number of variables that will affect the overall cost of designing and installing an outdoor kitchen, in my experience they typically range from $10,000.00 for a basic set-up, all the way up to $70,000.00 and up. Other sources quote $16,000.00 as the national average, while high-performance cabinetry can run $1,600-$2,500.00/ linear ft. (VERIFY!) Cost will depend on size and configuration of the kitchen; type and quality of materials used; type, quality and how many appliances; site-prep; and installation. 

A high-performance outdoor kitchen will be more of an investment on the front end, but will save you time, money, and hassle years down the road. Invest in quality materials such as marine grade stainless steel cabinetry, granite or sintered stone countertops, and high-quality appliances from reputable brands, and you will be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen virtually hassle-free for years to come. And as the work-horse and center of attention of so many outdoor spaces, it merits the investment.

Aside from the cabinetry, appliances, and countertop you will want to factor in expenses such as:

• Site prep
• Electrical & plumbing
• Permits if needed
• Installation

Bringing It All Together: Your Path to a Functional Outdoor Kitchen

Designing an outdoor kitchen is about more than selecting materials and appliances—it’s about creating a space that transforms how you live and entertain. Whether you’re planning simple weekend cookouts or envisioning a full outdoor entertainment hub, the key is balancing durability, functionality, and aesthetics within a realistic budget.

Start by asking yourself the fundamental questions: How will I actually use this space? What’s my climate like year-round? What’s my realistic budget, including those hidden costs? Then build from there, prioritizing the elements that matter most to your lifestyle.

Remember to choose materials that can weather your local conditions—powder-coated stainless steel for ultimate durability, or cast aluminum for a lighter-weight alternative. Design for flow so multiple people can use the space comfortably. Select a style that complements your home and makes you smile every time you step outside.

This isn’t a decision you need to rush. Take time to measure carefully, research your options thoroughly, and work with professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the lifestyle you’re trying to create. A well-planned outdoor kitchen is an investment that pays dividends not just in home value, but in quality of life.