No Money? No Problem! Inexpensive DIY Outdoor Kitchen With Used Materials

Creating an outdoor kitchen can provide a wonderful space for cooking, dining and entertaining outdoors. However, new kitchens can be prohibitively expensive. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can construct a stylish and functional outdoor cooking area on a budget using salvaged, repurposed and upcycled materials.

You'll get step-by-step instructions, material suggestions and helpful tips to create a beautiful, low-cost outdoor living space.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider how you will use the space. This will help you plan an efficient and logical layout focused on your needs.

Consider the Workflow

Think about where you will place your grill and what kind of traffic flow makes sense around it. Be sure to leave plenty of open space in front of the grill for maneuvering and adequate counter space on either side.

Also consider where you will need prep space for chopping, ingredients and platters. Locate this counter space next to or across from the grill for easy transfer of food.

Incorporate Seating

Take measurements and map out where you will place tables, chairs, benches or other seating. Make sure there is enough room to easily move chairs out and sit down.

Consider how many people you want to seat and arrange your furniture appropriately. Incorporate a mix of seating heights and styles for visual interest.

Add Storage

Having enough storage is key for keeping grilling tools, cutlery, dishes, and other items organized yet handy. Incorporate cabinets, shelves, racks or other storage solutions into your layout.

Hide items away when not in use. Drawers and cabinets allow you to neatly organize supplies and avoid clutter.

Allow for Customization

Opt for modular components like interlocking blocks or standalone grill islands. These allow you to move elements around to customize or expand your layout over time.

Leave room in your initial design to add on additional counter space, cabinets, appliances or seating down the road.

Finding Used and Recycled Materials

Scouting salvaged materials for your DIY outdoor kitchen takes some legwork, but uncovers unique finds. Here are some ideas on where to look:

Check Online Classifieds

Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other classifieds for used building supplies, appliances and furniture. You can find major score free or very cheap. Always check condition before hauling items away.

Scout Construction Sites

Chat with construction crews to find out if they have leftover lumber, stone, metal or other supplies you can take. Watch for dumpsters filled with discarded but usable materials.

Visit Salvage Yards

Salvage yards are treasure troves for used countertops, cabinets, sinks and all types of building supplies. Get to know workers to find out when cool deliveries are coming in.

Check Secondhand Stores

Secondhand and antique stores often have cabinets, shelving units and furniture you can upcycle. You may also discover unexpected items like old metal shop cabinets or industrial wire spools.

DIY Materials

Don't overlook free construction leftovers like pallets, cinder blocks and concrete forms. Plastic jugs, tires and other found objects can also be creatively repurposed into a DIY outdoor kitchen.

Building the Grill Station

The grill is the heart of any outdoor cooking space. Building up this key area gives you expanded capabilities right off the bat.

Make It Modular

Look for a standalone modular grill cart or grill island kit. Many snap together or have interlocking components that allow you to rearrange pieces.

Start with a simple module with grill and counter space. Leave room to add on additional sections over time.

Use Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks make excellent strong, level surfaces perfect for grill stations and counters. Arrange blocks to create customized shelves, surfaces and supports.

Add wood slats across open blocks for tabletops and counters. Stain the wood for extra visual appeal.

Salvage a Grill

Scour classifieds like Craigslist for quality used grills offered at steep discounts. You can also upcycle items like an old metal drum or refrigerator into a unique BBQ grill.

Add Hooks and Shelves

Handy storage in your grill station keeps essentials like grilling tools and seasoning packets close. Install wall-mounted rails, pegs or shelves from scrap wood and metal brackets.

Creating Inexpensive Countertops

Countertops can be a big investment. Try these budget-friendly DIY options:

Wood Planks

Upcycle scrap lumber into a rustic counter. Sand and seal the wood, using varying plank widths for visual interest. Add trim along the front edge for a finished look.

Cinder Blocks and Wood

Alternate cinder blocks and wood boards to create counter space. Stain or paint the top boards to match your style. Anchor with construction adhesive.

Concrete Forms

Arrange concrete forms into the shape you want, securing forms together. Pour concrete to create a molded countertop. Paint the surface with outdoor enamel.

Repurposed Materials

Give old tabletops, doors or pallets new life as counters. Cut to fit, sand and finish with sealant. Add brackets beneath for support.

Tile or Stone Veneer

Apply stone, brick or tile veneer over a plywood base. Use thinset mortar to attach veneer pieces. Grout and seal for a polished look.

Adding Used Cabinets and Storage

Incorporate secondhand cabinets and shelving to add storage capacity and keep items organized.

Secondhand Cabinets

Refresh dated cabinets with paint or stain. Fill holes, replace hinges and knobs to give a facelift. Adjust shelves as needed.

Wood Crates

Screw plywood sheets to the back of sturdy wooden crates to make enclosed cabinetry. Add hinges, pulls and shelves.

Salvaged Drawers

Use different sized drawers for specialized storage. Label the contents on each drawer front to keep organized.

Shelving Unit

Repurpose an old entertainment center, bookshelf or display case. Adjust the shelves to fit your needs.

Metal Storage Cabinets

Look for used metal shop cabinets or old school lockers. They are rust and weather-resistant, secure spots for storing grilling gear.

Upcycling Items for Sinks, Appliances

With creativity, you can transform all types of objects into functional outdoor kitchen fixtures.

Metal Drum Sink

Cut a hole in the top or side of a cleaned 55-gallon drum to make a basin. Add a drain hole and spigot for water flow. Set on a DIY base or cinder blocks.

Old Dresser

Cut the top of an old wooden dresser or buffet to create a sink. Keep the drawers and cabinet below for concealed storage.

Vintage Appliances

Keep an eye out for old, working ovens, ranges or appliances to incorporate. Vintage often costs less than new.

Rustic Basin

Use a large basin, bucket or metal tub as a prep sink. Affix to a stand made from planks or concrete blocks to elevate.

Cooler Conversion

Upcycle an old beverage cooler into a sink. Add a faucet, drill a drainage hole and line with sealant.

Creating Seating from Found Objects

Think beyond typical lawn chairs and make unique DIY seating from salvaged items.

Wooden Pallets

Arrange pallets into a bench shape. Anchor together and add cushions for comfortable seating. You can also make an easy pallet dining table.

Old Tires

Stack tires with wood rounds to make stools. Paint, stencil or decoupage the tires for creative flair.

Metal Barrels

Cut large metal barrels in half. Flip over and place on legs or cinder blocks. Top with a seat cushion, secured with adhesive.

Car Seats

Mount old car seats onto a recycled base made of wood, blocks or metal legs. Add thick, comfy cushions.

Tree Stump Stools

Sand and seal old tree stumps, then top with a cut wood round to make organic stools. Vary heights for multi-level seating.

Adding DIY Outdoor Lighting

Handmade lighting adds ambiance and functionality without blowing your budget.

String Lights

Make ambient lighting by stringing up outdoor bulb lights. Use wire, cord or twine to suspend over seating areas, paths and steps.

Solar Lanterns

Upcycle tin cans, jugs or jars into lanterns. Add solar-powered lights inside for bright, renewable illumination at night.

Mason Jar Lamps

Wire mason jars with handles and add battery-operated string lights. Use citronella oil in jars to provide mood lighting and repel insects.

Pathway Luminaries

Cut out shapes in PVC pipes. Insert LED string lights to create glowing garden luminaries. Light walkways, steps and other dark areas.

Reflectors and Accents

Incorporate found items like old mirrors, CDs, and reflective metal discs to reflect light. Hang or position carefully to create enchanting light effects.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Follow these handy pointers to stay on track, save money and build your DIY outdoor kitchen successfully:

• Shop secondhand stores regularly for deals on materials
• Start small with a simple grill and counter module
• Expand over time as budget allows; modular design makes changing layout easy
• Use durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor exposure
• Add shade elements like patio umbrellas or sail curtains
• Incorporate planter boxes, hanging plants for garden ambiance
• Keep design cohesive using similar colors and materials
• Make a mood board collage for style inspiration
• Document process with photos to create a DIY tutorial
• Have fun getting creative and making the space your own!

Creating your own affordable DIY outdoor kitchen is a rewarding way to extend your living space outdoors. With some strategic salvaging and repurposing, you can build a fully-functional cooking and dining area on a budget.

Focus on sourcing used building supplies and upcycling found objects creatively. Incorporate seating, storage and lighting solutions to craft a complete outdoor living space.

Follow this guide to design and construct your dream outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank. Get ready to fire up the grill and start entertaining outdoors!