Custom Outdoor Kitchens in Hamilton & Burlington

Turn your backyard into the room everyone wants to be in. Heartwood designs and builds custom outdoor kitchens for Ontario living, from BBQ islands to full cooking and entertaining spaces, all built in-house and engineered to handle our seasons.

more than just a backyard bbq

Make the Most of Every Ontario Summer

A backyard you actually live in, from the first warm day to the last.

From the first warm day to the last, an outdoor kitchen helps you get the most out of every Ontario summer: dinner outside on a Tuesday, the whole family over on the weekend, and a backyard that becomes the place everyone naturally ends up.

It’s one of the highest-return ways to add real, usable living space to your home, for a fraction of the cost of an indoor addition, and a feature Ontario buyers pay a premium for when it’s built to last.

Heartwood designs and builds it in-house, engineered for our climate, from the first 3D rendering to the final light.

what we build

What's Included in a Custom Outdoor Kitchen?

From a simple BBQ island to a fully equipped outdoor cooking and dining space.

BBQ Islands & Grills

Cabinetry designed for your space and built in-house by Kitchens by Heartwood, from shaker classics to sleek flat-panel, sized to use every inch.

Weatherproof Countertops

Premium countertop selection, including quartz, granite and porcelain, paired with the right edge profile and finish for the way you cook.

Cabinetry & Storage

Weatherproof NatureKast cabinetry, drawers and doors that keep tools, fuel and serveware protected and never warp, rust or fade outdoors.

Pergolas & Covers

Layered lighting, from pot lights and pendants to under-cabinet task lighting, planned so your kitchen looks and works its best at every hour.

Bar & Dining Seating

Built-in bar tops and seating where guests gather while you cook, designed into your island and patio layout.

Lighting & Electrical

Outdoor lighting, pot lights and power for your appliances, with the licensed electrical connections coordinated, so your kitchen works beautifully after dark.

our work

Recent Outdoor Kitchen Projects

See real transformations, before and after, with the materials and scope behind each build.

the 2026 season is here

Don't Lose Another Summer Outdoors

Summer’s here, and our build calendar fills fast. Start your design now and you can be entertaining outdoors by late summer and into the fall, while the best build slots are still open. The sooner we begin, the sooner your backyard is ready.

more than just a backyard bbq

Designed Around Your Backyard

One in-house design-build team, from concept to the final detail.

With years of experience and an in-house team of designers and Red Seal carpenters, we guide your project from concept to completion, with one accountable team from start to finish. We build with NatureKast weatherproof cabinetry, made specifically to thrive outdoors through every Ontario season.

No two backyards are the same, so every outdoor kitchen is designed around your space, your layout and how you like to cook and entertain. From the island, countertops and sink to storage, lighting and the structure around your grill, every detail is planned to fit and built to last.

outdoor kitchen costs

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Ontario?

No flat price. Every outdoor kitchen is quoted individually after a free design consultation.

Outdoor kitchens in Ontario typically range from about $15,000 to $80,000 or more as a general market reference, not Heartwood pricing. The cost depends on size, materials, appliances, structural work and whether you add gas, water and a roof. Here is roughly how that breaks down.

Simple BBQ Island

$8K–$20K

A built-in grill, surround and counter on a prepared base. The most affordable way to start cooking outdoors.

Full Outdoor Kitchen

$25K–$50K

Island, weatherproof counters, storage, gas and electrical, plus seating, sized for regular entertaining.

Luxury / Covered

$55K–$80K+

Premium stone, pergola or roof, premium finishes, water, bar seating and a fully engineered foundation.

General Ontario range

$15,000 to $80,000+

All figures are general Ontario market references, not Heartwood pricing. Gas, electrical and water connections, premium materials and roofed structures move the number. Your real cost comes from a free design consultation and an itemized quote.

Every backyard is different, so every outdoor kitchen is priced individually. Book a free design consultation and we'll walk your space, talk through your vision and budget, and prepare a clear, itemized quote, with no ballpark guesses.

why build one

Why Build an Outdoor Kitchen in Ontario?

A short season is exactly why your outdoor space should be worth using every day of it.

More Living Space

An outdoor kitchen adds a whole room to your home for a fraction of an indoor addition, perfect for hosting, family dinners and summer weekends.

Entertain With Ease

Cook, serve and socialize in one place. No more missing the party while you shuttle food between the indoor kitchen and the patio.

Adds Property Value

A well-built outdoor kitchen is a sought-after feature for Ontario buyers and a strong return on a backyard investment.

Built to Last Here

Designed for our freeze-thaw climate with weatherproof materials and a frost-protected base, so it performs season after season.

Outdoor Kitchen FAQ

Straight answers to what Ontario homeowners ask us most.

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Ontario?

Outdoor kitchens in Ontario typically range from about $15,000 to $80,000 or more, as a general market reference rather than Heartwood pricing. A simple BBQ island starts lower, while a large covered kitchen with premium stone, a pergola and full utilities runs higher. Every project is quoted individually after a free design consultation.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in Ontario?

Often yes. An outdoor kitchen needs a permit when it involves gas, plumbing, electrical, or a roofed structure attached to your home or deck. Heartwood coordinates the permits and the TSSA-licensed gas and licensed electrical connections, so your build is safe, inspected and fully code-compliant.

What are the best materials for outdoor kitchen countertops?

For Ontario's freeze-thaw climate, porcelain is the top choice: UV-stable, heat-resistant, freeze-proof and no sealing required. Sealed granite also performs well. Avoid porous stones like limestone and travertine, and standard indoor quartz, which absorb water or yellow in the sun. We help you choose a surface built to last outdoors.

Can you use an outdoor kitchen in Canada year-round?

Yes. Built with weatherproof materials and a frost-protected foundation, an outdoor kitchen survives Canadian winters and is ready every spring. Many owners use them well into the cooler months, especially with a pergola or roof and heaters. The key is designing for the climate from the start, which is exactly what we do.

Does an outdoor kitchen add value to my home?

Yes. A well-built outdoor kitchen is a high-demand feature for Ontario buyers and expands your usable living space for far less than an indoor addition. As with any renovation, quality construction and durable, weather-rated materials protect that value over time, which is why our builds are designed to last.

How long does it take to build an outdoor kitchen?

It depends on size, materials and approvals. Design and permits come first, then the build itself usually runs a few weeks once it begins. We give you a clear schedule with milestones up front, and because demand peaks in spring, booking early is the best way to be ready for patio season.

request a

Project Estimate

Book a free consultation and we will assess your space, talk through your vision and budget, and prepare a detailed, itemized estimate.