Call us at any time (904) 377-5084
Call us at any time (904) 377-5084
Outdoor Living & Kitchens in Jacksonville
Outdoor Living & Kitchens in Jacksonville: What You Can Build at Any Budget
An outdoor kitchen or living space turns a pool into a true backyard destination — and in Jacksonville's year-round climate, it gets used constantly. The good news: you can build one at almost any budget.
A DIY-friendly setup can be done for around $5,000 (we did exactly this — cabinets built on-site, a built-in grill, sink, mini-fridge, and TV, with some of our own labor). A mid-range, professionally built outdoor kitchen typically runs $10,000–$25,000, and an all-out custom outdoor living space — full kitchen, pergola or pool house, premium seating and finishes — runs $25,000 and up. Below, we break down what you get at each of three levels so you can find the right fit.
The three levels of outdoor living
Level 1 — Around $5,000–$10,000 (smart & DIY-friendly)
You don't need a huge budget to get a genuinely usable outdoor kitchen. This is the route we took with our own backyard, and it works great for a lot of people.
Here's what we did for about $5,000 all in:
Custom cabinets built on-site on the patio — smaller than a full outdoor kitchen, but totally usable and sufficient for everyday cooking and entertaining.
A built-in grill, a sink, and a mini-fridge.
A TV for game days and evenings outside.
Some DIY elbow grease — we painted the cabinets and installed the sink ourselves, which kept costs way down.
The result is a functional, good-looking outdoor kitchen for a fraction of what a fully custom build costs. If you're handy (or willing to learn), Level 1 delivers most of the day-to-day enjoyment of a much pricier setup. It's the honest, budget-smart way to start.
Level 2 — $10,000–$25,000 (professionally built, cost-conscious)
Want it done for you, without going all-out? This is the mid-range: you hire it out, but keep the scope and materials in check. Expect a solid, professionally built outdoor kitchen with:
Durable built-in cabinetry and countertops (stone, tile, or weatherproof materials)
A quality built-in grill and maybe added cooking elements (side burner, etc.)
Sink, fridge, storage, and finished surfaces
Often tied into your patio/decking and possibly a basic cover or shade structure
You're paying for professional construction, better materials, and a more finished look than a DIY build — without the premium price of a full custom outdoor living project.
Level 3 — $25,000 and up (all-out custom)
The full backyard-resort treatment. At this level you're building a complete outdoor living environment, which can include:
A full custom outdoor kitchen with premium appliances and finishes
A pergola, covered structure, or even a pool house / cabana
High-end seating and lounge areas, an outdoor bar
Fire features (fire pit or fireplace), premium lighting, and audio
Premium stone or hardscape tying it all together
This is a Luxury-tier addition — a designed, cohesive outdoor space that functions like an extension of your home. Cost scales with size and finishes, and an added structure (like a pool house) can push it well past the starting point.
See where outdoor living fits in our pool budget tiers.
Outdoor living cost at a glance
| Level | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — DIY-friendly Best value |
~$5,000–$10,000 | On-site cabinets, built-in grill, sink, fridge, TV; some DIY labor |
| Level 2 — Professionally built | ~$10,000–$25,000 | Pro-built kitchen, better materials, finished look, cost-conscious scope |
| Level 3 — All-out custom | ~$25,000+ | Full custom kitchen, pergola/pool house, premium seating & features |
A functional outdoor kitchen can be built for around $5,000 with some DIY effort. Costs scale with materials, scope, and any added structure like a pergola or pool house. Estimates only — confirm with your builder.
The gap is significant: an attached or integrated spa can cost several times more than a quality freestanding unit, because it involves custom construction, plumbing, and finishing as part of the pool build.
What goes into an outdoor kitchen
Whatever your budget, these are the common building blocks — mix and match to fit:
Cooking: built-in grill (the centerpiece), optional side burner, smoker, or pizza oven
Prep & cleanup: countertops, a sink, storage cabinets
Cold storage: a mini-fridge or full outdoor-rated fridge; ice maker at higher budgets
Cabinetry & counters: weatherproof cabinets and durable surfaces (stone, tile, concrete)
Comfort & entertainment: a TV, seating, bar stools, shade or a cover, lighting, and a fan
Structure (higher budgets): pergola, covered lanai, or a pool house/cabana
The key in Florida: use weather- and salt-resistant materials so everything holds up to the humidity, sun, and (if you have a saltwater pool) salt in the air.
Tips to build outdoor living affordably
Some honest, money-saving advice:
Start small and expand later. A functional grill-sink-fridge setup now; add features over time.
DIY the parts you can — painting, simple assembly, or finishing work can cut thousands (as we found).
Prioritize the grill and prep space — that's what actually gets used daily. Splurge there, save elsewhere.
Use durable, weatherproof materials from the start — cheaping out on materials that fail in Florida's climate costs more later.
Tie it into the pool project if you're building both — sometimes it's more efficient to do the hardscape and utilities together.
Outdoor Living and Kitchens FAQ
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Jacksonville?
It ranges widely by scope. A DIY-friendly setup with on-site cabinets, a built-in grill, sink, and fridge can be done for around $5,000. A professionally built mid-range outdoor kitchen typically runs $10,000–$25,000, and an all-out custom outdoor living space with a
Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
Yes. With some DIY effort — building cabinets on-site, painting, and installing a sink yourself — you can get a genuinely usable outdoor kitchen (grill, sink, fridge, TV, cabinets) for around $5,000. Prioritizing the grill and prep space and using durable materials keeps costs down.
What should an outdoor kitchen include?
At minimum, a built-in grill, prep counter space, a sink, and cold storage (a fridge). Popular additions include a TV, seating, shade or a cover, lighting, and — at higher budgets — a pergola, bar, fire features, or a pool house. Use weather- and salt-resistant materials for Florida's climate.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it in Florida?
In Jacksonville's year-round climate, outdoor kitchens and living spaces get heavy use, making them popular and enjoyable additions. Because you can build one at almost any budget — from a ~$5,000 DIY setup to a full custom space — most homeowners can find a version that fits.
What's the difference between a pergola and a pool house?
A pergola is an open, often slatted overhead structure that adds shade and definition to an outdoor space. A pool house (or cabana) is an enclosed or semi-enclosed building near the pool, used for changing, storage, entertaining, or as a full outdoor room. A pool house is a bigger, higher-cost addition, typically part of a Level 3 custom project.