Outdoor kitchens in Austin

An outdoor kitchen is often planned with the pool, so the gas line, power and drainage go in once. The builder lays out the space, and licensed trades handle the gas, plumbing and electrical work.

Who does the gas, water and power

Texas law counts gas piping as plumbing. Anyone who offers plumbing must have a responsible master plumber, so a licensed plumber runs the gas line to a grill and the water to a sink.

Outlets, lights and appliance circuits are electrical work, which in Texas needs a licensed electrician. Both go under city trade permits.

What it costs

Fixr puts outdoor kitchens at $6,000 to $30,000, with a national average of $16,000. A small pre-made island with a grill can be about $1,400. A custom kitchen with a pergola and pizza oven can be $65,000 or more. Fixr says running electrical lines averages about $500.

Plan for the heat

Camp Mabry averaged 29 days a year at 100°F or hotter from 1991 to 2020. Many owners put a pergola or cover over the cooking area. See our page on pergolas and shade.

Check before you build

• HOA approval: in Texas HOAs with more than 40 lots, a denied plan can be appealed to the board, with a hearing within 30 days of your request.
• Trees: inside Austin, a permit is needed to remove or impact a tree 19 inches or more across.
• Floodplain: check the City's FloodPro map before building near a creek.