Outdoor Living & Inground Pool Cost in Kansas City
Whether you are weighing the outdoor living cost for a full backyard or just the inground pool cost for a summer upgrade, we would rather give you honest numbers up front than make you guess.
Every Hinkle project is custom, so there is no one-size price tag. But after 15+ years of building outdoor living spaces across the Kansas City metro, we know what real projects cost. Whether you are weighing the outdoor living cost for a full backyard or just the inground pool cost for a summer upgrade, we would rather give you honest numbers up front than make you guess.
Below are real price ranges for the work we do, so you can plan with confidence before we ever pick up a shovel.
How to Read These Numbers
A few things to keep in mind as you look through the ranges:
- These are Kansas City numbers, based on real projects. Not national averages or teaser pricing.
- A backyard is the sum of its parts. Most projects combine several of the elements below, such as a pool, a patio, a pergola, and lighting, so your total reflects the full scope, not a single line item.
- The range is the honest answer. Where your project lands depends on size, materials, site conditions, and the features that matter most to you. We will narrow it to a firm number during the design process.
Our Clients Say It Best!
Can’t recommend Hinkle Outdoor Living enough! They did a beautiful job on our pool coping and pool surrounding area patio. Their crew were always on time, professional, hard working, fast, friendly and very meticulous which created a fabulous outcome for us. Rebecca from the office was a pleasure to work with in creating the plan and design with drawings for us. Nothing short of amazing from start to finish!
Tammie F.
We love our backyard “prairie paradise”. Hinkle Outdoor Living did an amazing job and we’re thrilled with how everything turned out. Up front, Rebecca worked her magic on the computer. She captured our thoughts and ideas on what our dream backyard would look like and created a visual rendition of the plan. Then Cody and his crew transformed that visual into a reality. Our backyard is now our escape – a space to entertain friends and family or just shut out the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. From the stone columns around the deck, to the pool and waterfall, to the pergola and firepit, our backyard is now a space that we can use year round. We highly recommend Hinkle Outdoor Living to anyone thinking about a backyard project.
Kim S.
Inground Pool Cost in Kansas City
A pool is the largest investment most homeowners make in their backyard, and the biggest driver of the total. Here is what to expect.
Fiberglass Pool Cost
Typical: $135,000 to $150,000 (starts around $100,000)
Our typical fiberglass package runs $135,000 to $150,000 and covers most installs where the yard is relatively flat and does not need major grading. A more basic build can start closer to $100,000. Extras like a fireplace, water feature, covered deck, or expanded patio add to the total. Fiberglass shells go in fast, with most installs taking just a few weeks once excavation begins.
Gunite Pool Cost
$150,000 to $250,000
A fully custom gunite pool typically lands between $150,000 and $250,000. Gunite runs about 20 to 25 percent more than fiberglass when both are finished with standard plaster, but it offers complete freedom in size, shape, and depth. On a sloped lot, the pool’s back wall can even double as the retaining structure. Where you land in the range depends largely on finish: standard plaster versus longer-lasting pebble technology.
Small & Plunge Pool Cost
Only 10 to 15 percent less than a standard pool
Smaller does not mean half-price. A compact pool usually costs only 10 to 15 percent less than a standard build, because the equipment, labor, and timeline stay the same, and only material costs shrink. In our experience, a standard-sized pool delivers the most value for what you spend.
Pool Maintenance Cost
$60 to $75 per week in season, plus $300 to $350 per seasonal open or close
Fiberglass is the least maintenance-intensive pool type. Professional weekly service runs $60 to $75 during the active season, with seasonal opening and closing at $300 to $350 each.
Retaining Wall & Site Work Cost
On a sloped or uneven lot, what happens below and behind the build is often the most overlooked cost, and one of the most important.
Slope Improvement for a Fiberglass Pool
Adds $20,000 to $40,000+
If your yard drops away faster than we can grade, slope work is required before the pool goes in. This is the single most commonly missed expense in pool projects, and it is not included in the base pool price.
Pool Retaining Wall Cost
A structural retaining wall lets us cut into a hill, hold the soil back, and create a level terrace for the pool and deck. The cost is driven by engineering, excavation, drainage, and reinforcement, not just the wall face you see.
- Smaller wall: $25,000 to $60,000. A more manageable grade change with less structural complexity.
- Mid-size engineered wall: $60,000 to $150,000. When the wall becomes a major part of the pool environment and needs more engineering, drainage, and excavation.
- Larger or complex system: $150,000 to $300,000+. When the wall essentially creates the entire usable backyard around the pool.
Pergola & Covered Patio Cost
Wood, Vinyl, or Metal Pergola Cost
$7,500 to $15,000
A classic pergola in a popular size, from 12 by 16 to 16 by 16 feet. Going larger than 16 feet raises the cost, since the design needs additional posts and engineered beams for stability.
Aluminum Pergola Cost
$30,000 to $50,000
A premium, low-maintenance aluminum system, roughly 19 by 19 feet, that closes up against rain and supports add-ons like lighting and heaters. It functions more like a true outdoor room than a simple shade structure, which is reflected in the price.
Covered Patio Cost
$40,000 to $100,000
A more economical covered patio runs $40,000 to $80,000, and a high-end finish runs $50,000 to $100,000. The biggest price swing comes from the roof system and how it ties into your home, plus comfort features like lighting, ceiling finishes, and heaters.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Built-In Outdoor Kitchen Cost
$20,000 to $35,000
A realistic starting point for a built-in kitchen, including the structure and grill installed. The grill is the single biggest cost driver, so we like to lock that choice in early. Finishes move the number too: stone veneer is the popular standard, while stucco and natural stone sit higher. For countertops, we usually steer clients toward granite for the balance of durability, looks, and value outdoors.
Fire Feature Cost
A fire feature anchors an outdoor space and extends your season into the cooler months. Pricing depends on whether you choose a firepit or a full fireplace, and whether it is built modular or finished in stone veneer.
Firepit Cost
- Modular wood-burning firepit: $3,500 to $4,500. A clean, durable option that installs efficiently.
- Stone veneer wood-burning firepit: $4,500 to $5,500. A more custom, finished look with stone veneer detailing.
Fireplace Cost
- Modular wood-burning fireplace: $11,500 to $13,500. A striking vertical focal point built for efficiency.
- Stone veneer fireplace: $16,000 to $17,500. A fully finished, high-end centerpiece with stone veneer detailing.
Adding Gas to Any Fire Feature
Adds $4,250 to $7,500
Converting any firepit or fireplace to gas costs about $4,250 to $7,500. This includes permitting, installation, and lava rock or glass backfill. Some clients also add a logset, which places the cost toward the higher end of the range.
Outdoor Lighting Cost
Hardscape Lighting Package
$5,000 to $10,000
A complete package with hardscape lights to accent patios and paths, path lights for safe footing after dark, and uplighting to highlight trees. It transforms your home’s curb appeal at night. More advanced, personalized lighting designs run higher.
Landscaping Cost
Planning Rule of Thumb
Budget around 10 percent of your home’s value
A common guideline for landscaping investment. Professional landscaping also improves appearance, reduces maintenance stress, and increases property value. Hardscape features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls are typically the most significant elements.
What Drives Your Price
Two backyards with the same wish list can land at very different numbers. The biggest factors:
- Scope: the footprint and how many elements you combine into one project.
- Materials and finishes: natural stone, premium pavers, and high-end appliances cost more than standard selections.
- Site conditions: slope, drainage, access for equipment, and what we uncover once work begins.
- Comfort features: lighting, heating, ceiling finishes, water features, and the details that make a space feel finished.
Projects We Price by Custom Quote
Some of our work is too dependent on your specific space to publish a single range. For these, we will give you accurate numbers during the design process:
- Paver patios and walkways
- Decks
- Water features
- Driveways and general hardscaping
- Seating and garden retaining walls
- Hot tub integration
Ready for Real Numbers?
The most accurate way to find out what your project costs is to start the conversation. It begins with a free, 30-minute Design Discovery Call, where we will talk through your ideas, your space, and your budget. No pressure, no guesswork.
Financing options are available, so you can build the backyard you actually want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Inspired for Your Project
Browse our inspiration guides and start picturing what’s possible for your outdoor space. Choose your project type below to download the inspiration guide that’s right for you.
Transform Your Backyard
From pergolas and patios to outdoor kitchens, see outdoor environments that turn backyards into year-round living spaces.
Dive Into Your Dream Pool
From plunge pools to resort-style escapes, see real projects that turn any backyard into the ultimate summer retreat.
Award-Winning Backyard Design
Praise for Hinkle Outdoor Living.
