What goes in an outdoor kitchen
- Built-in barbecue — natural gas or LPG, sometimes with a side burner.
- Outdoor-rated cabinetry for utensils and cleaning gear.
- Benchtop that handles sun, heat and rain.
- Sink with hot and cold water, where plumbing allows.
- Bar fridge or drinks fridge.
- Rangehood under covered roofs, where required for ventilation.
- Lighting for evening use.
- Power — weatherproof outlets.
Servery windows
Connecting the indoor kitchen to the deck through a servery window is one of the most effective upgrades for Shire homes. It needs a structural opening in the wall, which is designed and approved where required.
Coastal conditions
Cronulla, Kurnell, Burraneer and waterfront suburbs are exposed to salt air. Material choice matters: marine-grade stainless, powder-coated finishes and stone or porcelain benchtops.
Services
Gas, water and power must be installed by licensed trades and suited to outdoor use.
With the kitchen renovation
Planning indoor and outdoor kitchens together aligns the servery, services and finishes. See kitchen design.
Costs
See the 2026 cost bands.
Call 02 4306 7538 or send your kitchen details through.
More for your kitchen
Questions people ask before they commit
What materials suit outdoor kitchens?
Marine-grade or outdoor-rated stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, compact laminate and some outdoor-rated boards for cabinetry; porcelain, natural stone or stainless for benchtops. Coastal suburbs need materials that resist salt air.
Do outdoor kitchens need approval?
A barbecue bench under an existing covered area is often straightforward, but new roofs, decks, pergolas or structural work can need approval, and gas, plumbing and electrical must be installed by licensed trades to outdoor standards.
What is a servery window?
A window — often gas-strut, bi-fold or sliding — between the indoor kitchen and the deck, with a bench on both sides, so food and drinks can be passed through and people can talk across it.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
As a 2026 guide, a compact built-in barbecue bench commonly starts around $8,000 to $15,000, with larger outdoor kitchens including sinks, fridges and premium benchtops $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Roof and deck structures are extra.