$120,000–$160,000 · 9 weeks
Stone Oak outdoor kitchen, San Antonio
Stone Oak, San Antonio · finished 2024 · led by Caleb Wendt
Hardscaping · from $25,000–$90,000
Fire pits and outdoor kitchens in San Antonio and the Hill Country
An outdoor kitchen is a kitchen that lives in the weather. It needs a gas line sized for the grill and burners, GFCI outlets for a fridge, a counter that won't crack in a freeze or bake in August, and a layout where the cook faces the guests instead of a fence. A fire pit needs the right distance from the house, trees and seating, and a burner or firebox sized for the space.
We design and build both as part of the patio, so gas, power and water lines run under the stone before it's set. Our masons build the kitchen frame in concrete block, face it in Texas limestone, and set granite or concrete counters. Fire pits are built in limestone with a steel liner for wood or a rated burner for gas.
Who it's for
Who this is for
People who cook outside more than a few times a year. Families who host. Anyone who wants to use the yard after dark between October and April, when Hill Country evenings are the best of the year.
Materials and options
Kitchen and fire pit options
| Element | Options | Notes | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen frame | Concrete block, steel stud | Block is our default; never wood | Included in kitchen price |
| Facing | Texas limestone, stucco, stacked stone | Limestone matches most Hill Country homes | $40–$75 per face sq ft |
| Counters | Leathered granite, concrete | Avoid marble and quartz outdoors | $95–$160 per sq ft |
| Appliances | Grill, side burner, fridge, sink | Stainless, rated for outdoor use | Priced by model |
| Fire pit | Wood with steel liner, gas burner | Gas needs a line and a permit | $4,500–$12,000 |
What it costs
What fire pits and outdoor kitchens costs
$25,000–$90,000
for most outdoor kitchens; fire pits $4,500–$12,000
A straight 8-to-10-foot kitchen with a grill, storage and a granite counter usually runs $25,000 to $40,000 installed. L-shaped kitchens with a sink, fridge, side burner and bar seating run $45,000 to $90,000, depending on appliances. Gas lines, electrical and plumbing are included in the price, not tacked on.
Fire pits run $4,500 for a simple wood-burning limestone ring to $12,000 for a gas fire pit with a custom surround and seat walls.
Timeline
How long it takes
Most outdoor kitchens take three to six weeks on site; fire pits about a week.
- Design and appliance selection2–3 weeks
- Permits for gas and electrical1–3 weeks
- Utilities and footing3–5 days
- Block, stone and counters2–4 weeks
- Appliances, inspection, walkthrough2–4 days
Under cover or out in the open?
A kitchen out in full sun gets used at night and on mild days. A kitchen under a patio cover gets used all year, and the appliances last longer. If a cover is in the plan, we build the kitchen under it with vented hood clearance. If not, we orient the cook's side so the afternoon sun is at their back.
Case study
Stone Oak outdoor kitchen, San Antonio
A cracked concrete slab replaced with a covered outdoor kitchen, a gas fire pit and a new LED lighting system that replaced a failed halogen setup.
Read the case study“We had 40 people for the crawfish boil in March and nobody went inside. Caleb came back two weeks later to re-aim two lights we didn't love, without us asking.”
Questions
Fire pits and outdoor kitchens questions
Do outdoor kitchens need a permit?
If there's a new gas line, electrical circuit or plumbing, yes, in almost every city we work in. We pull the permits, schedule inspections and include the fees in the price.
Wood or gas fire pit?
Wood gives real fire and smell, but smoke drifts and burn bans are common in dry summers. Gas lights with a switch, is allowed during most burn bans and needs less cleanup. Many of our clients pick gas for that reason.
What counter holds up best outdoors?
Leathered or flamed granite. It handles heat, freezes and UV without fading. Quartz can discolor in direct sun and marble stains, so we don't use either outside.
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
At least 10 feet from the house and any structure, and clear of overhanging branches. Many cities and HOAs set their own minimums, which we confirm during design.
Where we build this most
Free · 45 minutes · no obligation
Start with a free site walk
Forty-five minutes on your property with a designer. You'll leave with honest numbers and a clear next step. A fixed-price proposal with a 3D render follows within two weeks.