A complete 2026 breakdown of what Middle Tennessee homeowners actually pay for covered patios, screened porches, outdoor kitchens, and full outdoor living spaces.
Average outdoor living project cost in Nashville, TN: $45,000–$90,000.
Most Middle Tennessee homeowners spend $45,000–$90,000 for a well-designed outdoor living space including a covered structure, outdoor kitchen, and hardscape. Basic covered patios start around $20,000. Full outdoor living suites with screened porches, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and premium hardscape reach $120,000–$200,000+.
Outdoor living is a broad category. Here's how the most common project types break down in the Middle Tennessee market.
| Project Type | Typical Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Patio / Pergola | $20,000–$45,000 | Concrete or paver patio, attached or freestanding pergola or covered structure, basic lighting. No kitchen. Good starting point for extending living space outdoors. |
| Screened Porch | $35,000–$80,000 | Fully enclosed screened structure with a roof, ceiling fan, lighting, and flooring (concrete, tile, or composite decking). Usable in all but the coldest months in Middle Tennessee's climate. |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $25,000–$75,000 | Built-in grill, counter space, undercounter refrigeration, sink with plumbing, and gas line. Higher end includes pizza oven, power burner, outdoor-rated cabinetry, and premium countertops (concrete, granite, or porcelain). |
| Full Outdoor Living Suite | $90,000–$200,000+ | Covered pavilion or screened porch, full outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace or fire pit, premium hardscape throughout, integrated lighting, heating elements. A complete four-season outdoor room. |
An open pergola is significantly less expensive than a fully roofed pavilion. A roofed structure requires permits, engineered framing, and ties into the home's existing roofline — all of which add cost over a freestanding shade structure.
Concrete is the most cost-effective base. Exposed aggregate and stamped concrete add $8–$14/sqft vs. basic broom-finish. Natural stone and premium pavers run $18–$35/sqft installed. Larger hardscape footprints multiply these costs significantly.
Appliance quality varies dramatically. A quality mid-tier built-in grill runs $1,500–$3,500. A premium grill from Lynx, Kalamazoo, or Twin Eagles starts at $4,000 and goes to $10,000+. Multiple appliances compound the cost difference.
Running a gas line and water line to an outdoor kitchen adds $3,500–$8,000 depending on distance from the home's utilities. Both require permits and licensed trade contractors.
A gas fire pit runs $4,000–$9,000 installed. A built-in masonry or prefab outdoor fireplace runs $8,000–$25,000 depending on size and material. Both add significant year-round usability to the space.
Basic overhead lighting and a couple of outlets add $2,500–$5,000. A full landscape and architectural lighting scheme with dimmers, integrated audio, and multiple circuits can add $10,000–$25,000 to the project.
Middle Tennessee's climate is well-suited for outdoor living. With roughly 200 days per year where outdoor temperatures are comfortable, a well-designed outdoor space gets used — not just photographed. Screened porches are particularly popular in this market because they extend usability into the bug-heavy spring and fall months.
From a resale perspective, covered outdoor living spaces and outdoor kitchens have become expected amenities in upper-tier Williamson County homes. A home without a finished outdoor space can feel incomplete compared to neighborhood competition at the $700K+ price point.
National data suggests outdoor living projects recoup 60–80% of their cost at resale, but in Middle Tennessee's active market, well-designed spaces often recoup more — particularly screened porches, which have become a defining feature buyers look for in this region.
Permit requirements vary by project type:
Permit fees for outdoor living projects in Williamson County typically run $200–$800. Brick & Beam manages all permitting and coordinates with utility contractors for gas and plumbing work.
Outdoor living costs are highly site-specific. Your lot's grade, existing hardscape, proximity to utilities, and the size of the space all affect the final number. A contractor who quotes an outdoor living project without visiting your property is guessing.
A good design consultation for an outdoor living project should include: a site assessment, a concept design showing the layout and scope, material recommendations, and a detailed line-item estimate. From there, you can adjust scope to match your budget.
Brick & Beam Homes serves Thompson's Station, Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Nolensville, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Columbia, and surrounding Williamson and Davidson County communities.