If you want an outdoor kitchen that’s mostly pre-built and requires some light assembly upon delivery… you’re likely wondering if RTA Outdoor Living or a modular outdoor kitchen brand is better for you. Both options are pre-constructed and require DIY friendly installation when they arrive.
But before you decide on an option, you need to know… what’s the price difference? Is one option way more expensive than the other? And if so, why?
At RTA Outdoor Living, we get a ton of questions from homeowners about the price difference between our concrete outdoor kitchens and other modular outdoor kitchen products on the market. In this article, we’ll be answering that very question so you understand the cost difference between RTA concrete outdoor kitchens and modular outdoor kitchens. You’ll also learn why there is a price difference between RTA and other modular options, so you can make a decision about whether or not that cost difference is worth it to you.
What is the Price Difference Between RTA Outdoor Kitchens and Modular Outdoor Kitchens?
When we refer to modular outdoor kitchens, we are speaking about stainless steel or aluminum outdoor kitchen cabinetry that can be ordered online or purchased at a local big box store. Most of the time, you can order a pre-designed island… but most modular outdoor kitchen companies will also allow you to mix-and-match different modules to create your own design. Brands like Newage and Mont Alpi are examples of this.
For the sake of simplicity, we’ll compare the price range of linear outdoor kitchen designs in particular.
- Pre-designed concrete linear outdoor kitchens from RTA range in price from $6,723.00 to $13,445.00 depending on island length and appliance inclusions. For a custom concrete linear RTA outdoor kitchen, most homeowners pay around $13,000.
- Modular linear outdoor kitchens can cost anywhere from $4,000 on the low end, to $10,000. Some modular brands have linear layouts that hit the $13,000-$14,000 price point, but this is less common.
Generally speaking, RTA outdoor kitchens will cost more than a modular outdoor kitchen.
Want to Know Exactly what an RTA Outdoor Kitchen will Cost?
Read this article for full context on RTA pricing.
Why do RTA Outdoor Kitchens Cost More than Modular Outdoor Kitchens?
On average, RTA outdoor kitchens cost more than modular outdoor kitchens due to made-to-order production, use of higher quality materials, and customization costs.
RTA Outdoor Kitchens Are Made-to-Order, Have Smaller Scale Production
Whether you order a custom or pre-designed RTA outdoor kitchen, every kitchen is produced on a made to order basis. This smaller scale production model requires a higher attention to detail, and takes more time. Modular outdoor kitchen brands can produce far more units at a far larger scale than RTA, which allows them to offer products at a lower price point.
RTA Outdoor Living Uses Higher Quality (And More Expensive) Materials
RTA Outdoor Living uses high-performance concrete for their outdoor kitchens, which is far more expensive than common modular outdoor kitchen materials. Most modular outdoor kitchens will be constructed with some form of stainless steel or aluminum, which is more cost-effective than RTA’s high-performance concrete.
However, this concrete is higher quality and more durable in the outdoor environment. RTA’s high-performance concrete was specifically developed for the New England climate, which is one of the harshest in the country. This material is designed to withstand snow, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, and high humidity without issue. Lower-cost modular outdoor kitchens can struggle in these environments.
Customization Adds Cost
Although RTA Outdoor Living doesn’t specifically charge extra for custom outdoor kitchens… the intensive nature of our customization process does make the end product more expensive than an off-the-shelf modular option. When creating a custom RTA outdoor kitchen, you’ll work with a dedicated Design Expert, Blueprint Liaison, and a Project Success Manager. You’ll have multiple 1-on-1 calls with each team member, translating into several hours of specialized customization support. Not to mention, your outdoor kitchen will need to be created from scratch at our manufacturing facility in Cambridge City, Indiana.
All of these dedicated team members need to be compensated for their time through this process, which leads to an increased cost on the RTA side. Modular outdoor kitchens don’t offer a high degree of customization, and most customers place an order without ever speaking to someone. With less overhead and one-on-one contact with the homeowner, modular outdoor kitchen companies can offer their products at a lower cost.
Is RTA Outdoor Living or a Modular Outdoor Kitchen Better for You?
Now that you’ve come to the end of the article… you should know what the price difference between RTA outdoor kitchens and modular outdoor kitchens are, and why this price difference exists. Since RTA outdoor kitchens tend to be more expensive, you may not be sure which option is better for you.
RTA Outdoor Living is better for you if:
- You like to support companies that offer smaller-scale, made-to-order products
- You need an outdoor kitchen that’s more resilient in a harsh climate (you experience a lot of snow, ice, cold temperatures, wind, rain, humidity, etc.)
- You want to personalize your outdoor kitchen beyond the pre-designed layouts you see online
- You want a high-touch service experience and personal guidance throughout all stages of the project
- You have a more flexible budget
Modular outdoor kitchens are better for you if:
- You don’t need the extra durability of high-performance concrete
- You prefer pre-designed or mix-and-match layout options
- You like a self-serve purchase process (buy online or in-store without much contact)
- You’re working with a tighter budget
Before you make a concrete decision either way… you may want more confidence about what an RTA outdoor kitchen might cost. If so, this article about RTA outdoor kitchen cost will give you even more insight into pricing and the factors that affect RTA pricing.
