Large backyard, long utility runs
In Highland Park, many yards put the patio far from the house. Longer gas and electrical runs mean trenching and planning, which we include in the estimate.
Serving Highland Park & nearby Northbrook, Glenview
Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Highland Park, IL
Built-in grills, islands and outdoor sinks for Highland Park backyards, built for Chicago winters.
- Kitchen remodels across Highland Park ZIP 60035
- One project manager from drawings to final walk-through
- Permits and inspections handled for you
Outdoor kitchen questions we solve for Highland Park backyards
We design and build outdoor kitchens for Highland Park patios: a built-in grill on natural gas or propane, counter space, storage, and when you want them, a sink, a fridge and lighting. The frame, the top and every utility line are chosen with Chicago winters in mind.
Not sure if you need a permit
Permit rules vary by village. Utility work generally needs one, and covered structures may as well. We confirm it before the build and handle the applications.
Running a gas line to the grill
If your house has natural gas, we can run a line to the outdoor kitchen. Otherwise the grill is set up for a propane tank stored in a vented compartment.
Smoke blowing toward the house or neighbors
Under a roof or pergola, a grill may need more clearance or a vent hood rated for outdoor use. We plan that before building.
Protecting it through winter
We leave you a short fall checklist for draining, covering and protecting the appliances.
Setbacks and HOA rules
Some subdivisions ask for an architectural review. We prepare the drawings and material list you need to submit.
Uneven patio or no base to build on
If the existing patio is cracked or sloped, we fix the base before building anything on top of it.
No power on the patio
Outdoor outlets must be GFCI-protected and in weatherproof boxes. We plan the circuit and have it installed and inspected.
What the project covers
- Site visit and measurementsWe look at the patio, the house wall, gas and electrical locations and how you want to use the space.
- Design and layoutWe lay out the island, appliances and clearances and agree on materials with you.
- Permits and approvalsWe apply for the permits the village requires and help with HOA submissions if needed.
- Base and footingWe build or confirm a level, solid base that can carry the island.
- Utility rough-inGas, electrical and water lines are trenched or routed to the island and inspected where required.
- Finishes and countertopWe apply the exterior finish and install a weather-rated top.
- Testing and walkthroughWe test the gas connections, outlets and drain, then show you how to use and winterize everything.
Materials and options
Stone and brick veneerBrick or stone veneer matches the house or patio and weathers well.
Block and steel-stud framesConcrete block or galvanized steel studs make a frame that won't rot or warp outside.
304 stainless steelThe common choice for outdoor access doors and appliances; it holds up to moisture and cleaning.
Concrete countertops and basesCast or poured concrete gives a solid, weather-rated top or island body.
Pergolas and coversA pergola or roof adds shade and some rain protection; it may need its own permit.
What the work looks like in Highland Park homes
Before
In progress
AfterHighland Park kitchen, backyard: outdoor kitchen installation
A backyard near Port Clinton, a typical kitchen for Highland Park. The reason for the call: cooking outside without counter space or storage. The result: an outdoor kitchen island with a built-in grill and side burner, a stone veneer base, a granite top and a pergola overhead. The job covered design and layout, permits and approvals, plus utility rough-in.
Before
AfterBefore and after: a patio off the kitchen in Northbrook
This one is a patio off the kitchen near Downtown Northbrook. The reason for the call: cooking outside without counter space or storage. After: an outdoor kitchen island with a built-in grill and side burner, a stone veneer base, a granite top and a pergola overhead. Work included design and layout, permits and approvals, plus finishes and countertop.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Northbrook →
Before
AfterHighland Park kitchen, postwar bi-level: kitchen remodeling
Cabinets in white uppers and dusty blue lowers with matte black pulls, bright white quartz counters, a terracotta-look square tile backsplash, black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in Highland Park →
Before
AfterHighland Park kitchen, 1960s ranch: kitchen cabinet painting
The same doors sprayed in pale sage, new polished nickel pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Highland Park →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a postwar bi-level in Highland Park
What changed: new five-piece shaker doors in creamy white uppers and navy lowers on the existing boxes, matching face-frame veneer and unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls.
Cabinet Refacing in Highland Park →The project, step by step
- Tell us about your yardSend photos of the patio and the back of the house, and let us know what you want to cook and store.
- Site visit and designOn site we confirm the location, utility routes and finishes.
- Written estimate and permitsWe put the scope and price in writing, then file the paperwork.
- BuildBase, utilities, framing, finishes and appliances, with inspections where required.
- Startup and handoverA final walkthrough covers how to use, clean and close down the kitchen for winter.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation questions from Highland Park homeowners
Do you install pergolas or roofs?
We do. Overhead structures often have their own permit and setback rules, which we check.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?
Usually for gas and electrical work, and in some villages for the structure, a roof or pergola. We check the Highland Park rules and pull the permits.
Can I add a sink to my outdoor kitchen?
We can add one; the key questions are where it drains and how the line will be winterized.
Natural gas or propane?
Both work well. The choice depends on what's available at your house and how far the island is from the meter.
How long does it take to build?
Construction time depends on the size and utilities; we give you a schedule with the estimate.
Highland Park contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
The City publishes contractor requirements on its Building Division page (new building codes effective March 1, 2026). We take care of that before work starts.
Do you work in my part of Highland Park?
Yes. Our crews work across Highland Park, including Ravinia District, Downtown Highland Park, Port Clinton, St. John's — ZIP 60035 — and nearby Northbrook, Glenview, Buffalo Grove.
Working in Highland Park
- A lot of Highland Park kitchens date from the pre-1940. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Highland Park homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- Older paint is treated with lead-safe practices: containment, HEPA cleanup and a clean hand-over.
Ravinia DistrictDowntown Highland ParkPort ClintonSt. John's
ZIP 60035
Outdoor Kitchen Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Highland Park
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.
Cabinet RefacingNew doors and fronts on your existing cabinet boxes.
Countertop Fabrication & InstallationQuartz, granite and butcher block, templated and installed.
Kitchen Backsplash InstallationTile backsplashes with clean lines and flush outlets.