TL;DR: Outdoor kitchens Salt Lake City: $15k–$75k (grill, sink, fridge, cover). Fire pits $2.5k–$8k. ROI 50–70%, adds 10–20% home value. 9-month use.
Outdoor kitchens, covered patios, and fire pits transform Utah yards into second living rooms. Salt Lake City homeowners invest $30,000–$150,000 to create functional spaces that extend the outdoor season from March through November—and sometimes into winter with heaters. These aren’t luxury extras—they solve real problems: unused yards, indoor cooking heat in summer, lack of entertaining space, and missing out on Utah’s 222 sunny days per year.
This guide covers the six essential components of outdoor living spaces (kitchens, fire features, covers, seating, lighting, heating), design considerations for Salt Lake City’s climate, complete cost breakdowns, and ROI data. Simms Landscape has designed and built hundreds of outdoor kitchens and fire pit patios across Salt Lake County—we know what works in Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles and how to maximize your investment.
Why outdoor kitchens & living spaces are worth the investment
These spaces aren’t about showing off, they solve problems and improve daily life in Utah.
Problem #1: Wasted outdoor season
Utah has 238 sunny days per year and nine months of usable outdoor weather (March–November). But most homeowners eat indoors, grill on wobbly portable BBQs, and watch their patios sit empty. Outdoor kitchens with proper seating and lighting turn patios into daily-use spaces—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and entertaining.
Problem #2: Indoor cooking heat in summer
June–August hits 90–100°F in Salt Lake City. Running your indoor oven or stove heats the house, forcing AC to work harder. That costs $200–$500 extra per summer. Cooking outside eliminates indoor heat and reduces energy bills.
Problem #3: No space to entertain
Indoor dining tables seat 6–8. Outdoor spaces can comfortably handle 12–20 people with a mix of dining, lounge seating, and standing areas around fire pits. Homeowners with outdoor living spaces entertain two to three times more often than those without.
Problem #4: Kids glued to screens
Functional outdoor spaces like fire pits for s’mores, pizza ovens for homemade pizzas, lounge areas for games, pull families outside. Kids spend two to three more hours outdoors daily when spaces are designed for use, not just looks.
The solution: Complete outdoor living spaces
Integrated systems—kitchen + fire feature + cover + seating + lighting—create rooms that rival indoor spaces. Use them April–November guaranteed, sometimes year-round with heaters. Increase home value 10–20% and sell 15–30 days faster in Salt Lake County.
Component #1: The outdoor kitchen (grills, counters, appliances)
Built-in cooking stations range from basic grill islands ($8,000–$15,000) to full chef kitchens with pizza ovens and wine fridges ($40,000–$100,000+). Most Salt Lake City homeowners invest $15,000–$40,000 for mid-range outdoor kitchens that cover 80% of cooking needs.
Essential elements (every outdoor kitchen needs these)
Built-in grill (gas or charcoal)
The centerpiece. Gas grills ($800–$5,000) offer convenience—instant ignition, temperature control, no charcoal mess. Charcoal grills ($500–$2,000) provide traditional smoky flavor but require more management. High-end brands (Lynx, Twin Eagles, Fire Magic) cost $3,000–$8,000+ and last 15–20 years. Budget brands (Blaze, Sunstone) cost $800–$2,000 and last 8–12 years.
Size matters: 4-burner grills (36–42 in) handle 8–12 people; 6-burner grills (48–54 in) handle 12–20+. Include a side burner for sauces or vegetables.
Counter space (granite, concrete, or tile)
Need 4–6 feet of prep area near grill. Granite counters ($60–$100/sq ft) handle heat and clean easily. Concrete ($50–$80/sq ft) allows custom shapes. Porcelain tile ($40–$70/sq ft) is budget-friendly but needs grout care. Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles crack cheap materials—use 3 cm granite or reinforced concrete and seal annually.
Storage cabinets (weather-resistant)
Stainless steel ($1,500–$5,000) or marine-grade polymer ($1,000–$3,000). Include drawers for utensils and propane storage.
Sink with running water
Single-basin stainless sink ($200–$600) works for most setups. Requires water line ($500–$2,000). Drain and shut off each November.
Refrigerator or beverage center
Outdoor-rated fridges ($1,200–$4,000) handle Utah temperature swings. Needs 120 V dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician.
Luxury upgrades (nice but not essential)
- Pizza oven: Wood-fired $3,000–$12,000; gas $2,000–$6,000.
- Smoker/Kamado grill: $1,500–$8,000 for BBQ and baking versatility.
- Teppanyaki griddle: $1,500–$4,000, 240 V line required.
- Wine fridge, kegerator, warming drawers: $800–$4,000 each for luxury entertainment setups.
ROI: Outdoor kitchens return 50–70% of cost at resale. Mid-range ($20k–$40k) delivers best value.
Component #2: Fire pits & fireplaces (warmth & ambiance)
Fire features extend the outdoor season into spring and fall (March–May, September–November). They create warmth and become social hubs.
- Gas fire pit: $2,500–$8,000. Clean, wind-resistant, instant on/off.
- Wood-burning pit: $2,000–$5,000. Traditional feel, smoke, more upkeep.
- Fire table: $1,500–$4,000. Compact for small patios.
- Outdoor fireplace: $5,000–$25,000 depending on fuel and materials.
Utah evenings often drop 20–30°F from day highs—fire pits make patios usable longer.
Component #3: Covered structures (pergolas, roofs, shade)
Utah’s intense sun demands shade. Covered structures extend patio use hours and seasons.
- Pergola: $5,000–$15,000. Partial shade and airflow.
- Louvered roof: $12,000–$25,000. Adjustable slats for sun/rain control.
- Solid roof: $15,000–$40,000. Full protection and lighting/heater mounts.
- Retractable awning: $3,000–$8,000. Budget shade option.
Component #4: Seating & dining areas
- Built-in stone benches: $2,000–$6,000.
- Outdoor dining set (8–10 seats): $1,500–$5,000.
- Lounge seating set: $3,000–$10,000.
- Bar stools at kitchen counter: $1,000–$3,000.
Plan 400–600 sq ft for 8–12 people comfortably and clear 4 ft walkways for serving traffic.
Component #5: Lighting & ambiance
- Under-counter task lights: $500–$1,500.
- String/bistro lights: $400–$1,200 for festive glow.
- Path/step lights: $800–$2,500 for safety.
- Uplights on trees/plants: $1,000–$3,000 for drama.
Complete low-voltage LED system: $2,000–$8,000. Add dimmers for cooking vs. relaxing.
Component #6: Heating & cooling for year-round use
- Propane patio heaters: $200–$800 each, movable, 200–300 sq ft coverage.
- Natural gas heaters: $800–$2,500, permanent and low-maintenance.
- Infrared heaters: $1,500–$4,000, wind-proof radiant warmth.
- Ceiling fans: $300–$1,000 installed per unit.
- Misting system: $1,500–$4,000 for 10–20°F cooling.
Design considerations for Salt Lake City climate
- Utilities: Gas, water, and electrical runs each require licensed trades and permits ($800–$3,000 per utility).
- Drainage: 1–2% patio slope away from house to prevent pooling.
- Wind protection: Glass or stone windbreaks ($1,500–$10,000) essential in foothills.
- Materials: Granite, reinforced concrete, and 304-grade stainless withstand freeze–thaw; avoid cheap pavers or laminate cabinetry.
Cost overview
- Budget outdoor kitchen: $8,000–$15,000
- Mid-range outdoor kitchen: $15,000–$40,000 (best ROI)
- Luxury outdoor kitchen: $40,000–$100,000+
- Fire pit: $2,500–$8,000
- Outdoor fireplace: $5,000–$25,000
- Pergola or roof cover: $5,000–$40,000
- Full outdoor living space: $30,000–$150,000+
ROI & resale value
ROI: Outdoor kitchens return 50–70% of cost. Complete spaces (kitchen + fire + cover + seating) raise home value 10–20% and reduce time on market by 15–30 days.
Lifestyle gains: Use yard 9 months/year, reduce indoor heat load, entertain 2–3× more, and get kids outdoors.
How Simms Landscape designs & builds outdoor living spaces
Step 1: On-site consultation & design
We visit your property, assess utilities and wind, review budget, and produce CAD designs and estimates. $500 design fee credited toward projects $20k+.
Step 2: Permitting & utility coordination
We handle gas, water, and electrical permits, coordinate licensed trades, and manage city inspections. Typical processing: 2–4 weeks.
Step 3: Construction & installation
Excavation, base prep, hardscaping, utilities, finish work, lighting, and cleanup. Duration: 3–6 weeks average depending on scope.
Step 4: Final walkthrough & training
We demonstrate all systems, explain winterization, provide warranties, and supply a maintenance checklist.
Warranty & service
- 2-year workmanship warranty on installation and hardscaping.
- Manufacturer warranties on appliances (1–5 years typical).
- Optional seasonal maintenance (winterize/start-up) $300–$800 / year.
Service area
Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Murray, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman. Specialists in foothills and water-wise designs.
Why choose Simms
- 30 years building outdoor spaces in Utah
- Licensed, insured, full-service contractor
- All permits handled
- Utah-specific materials & winterization
- Transparent estimates—no surprises
Call (801) 285-9343 or request an estimate. Free consultations for projects over $20,000.
Back to the landscape design guide for more Utah outdoor project ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Salt Lake City?
$8,000–$100,000+. Most homeowners spend $20,000–$50,000 for a full outdoor kitchen with fire pit and cover. Simms provides detailed estimates with appliance options.
Do outdoor kitchens add value to homes in Utah?
Yes. They return 50–70% of cost and raise home value 10–20%. Homes sell 15–30 days faster with finished outdoor spaces.
Can I use an outdoor kitchen year-round in Salt Lake City?
Yes—with heaters, windbreaks, and a solid roof you can use the space 10–11 months each year. Simms designs 3-season kitchens standard; 4-season optional.
What’s better: gas or wood-burning fire pit?
Gas: clean, quick, ideal for windy or restricted areas. Wood: traditional experience, more upkeep. Simms installs both types based on lifestyle and location.
Do I need permits for an outdoor kitchen in Salt Lake City?
Yes—gas, electrical, and large structural work require permits. Simms handles applications and inspections so you don’t deal with the city.
How do I maintain an outdoor kitchen in Utah winters?
Drain water lines, cover appliances, seal counters, and inspect gas lines each November. Spring startup in April. Annual maintenance costs $200–$800; Simms offers service options to keep your outdoor kitchen in top shape for years to come.
Ready to build your outdoor living space?
Call Simms Landscape at (801) 285-9343 or request an estimate. Clear scopes. Clean jobs. 30+ years serving Salt Lake County.