Evening cooking in the dark
Grill lights, under-counter strips and path lights are planned with the electrical rough-in.
Serving 49 Chicago-area suburbs
Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Chicago & the Suburbs
Built-in grills, islands and outdoor sinks for Chicagoland backyards, built for Chicago winters.
- Kitchen remodels across the Chicago suburbs, from Naperville to Evanston
- One project manager from drawings to final walk-through
- Permits and inspections handled for you
Outdoor kitchen questions we solve for Chicagoland backyards
A freestanding grill and a folding table only go so far. Our Chicagoland crew builds permanent outdoor kitchens with a concrete or block base, stone or stainless finishes, GFCI-protected outlets and permits pulled where the village requires them.
Grill on a cart with no prep space
We replace the rolling grill and side table with a permanent island sized for the way you cook.
Wanting a sink outside
Rinsing and cleanup outside is easier with a sink, but the drain route and freeze protection have to be solved first.
Not sure if you need a permit
Gas and electrical work outdoors usually requires permits, and some villages also review pergolas, roofs or large structures. We check the Chicagoland rules and pull the permits.
Uneven patio or no base to build on
An island needs a stable, level base. We pour a new pad or check that your patio can carry the weight of masonry and a stone top.
Pipes that freeze over winter
Water lines to an outdoor sink must be drainable. We install shutoffs inside the heated house and drain points so the line can be emptied before freezing weather.
Food storage and a fridge outdoors
Only outdoor-rated refrigerators belong outside; indoor units struggle with heat and cold. We plan the space, power and ventilation they need.
Smoke blowing toward the house or neighbors
Grill placement matters: we plan around prevailing wind, windows, doors and overhangs, and follow the grill maker's clearance requirements.
Everything in a outdoor kitchen project
- 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 layoutYou get a plan showing the island shape, grill location and finishes.
- 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.
- Appliance installationThe grill, burners, fridge, sink and access doors are installed and connected.
Materials and options
Block and steel-stud framesConcrete block or galvanized steel studs make a frame that won't rot or warp outside.
Pergolas and coversOverhead structures make the space usable in more weather and are planned with grill clearances.
Stone and brick veneerNatural or manufactured stone veneer over cement board covers the island in a durable finish.
Concrete countertops and basesConcrete is strong and freeze-resistant when properly made and sealed.
Natural gas or propane grillsBuilt-in grills run on a natural gas line from the house or a propane tank in a vented cabinet.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation before and after in Chicago-area homes
Before
AfterA Bartlett backyard: before and after
The site: a backyard in Bartlett. The reason for the call: an empty patio they wanted to use for cooking. 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 permits and approvals, base and footing, plus utility rough-in.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Bartlett →
Before
AfterDes Plaines kitchen, patio off the kitchen: outdoor kitchen installation
This one is a patio off the kitchen in Des Plaines. 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. On site this meant design and layout, permits and approvals, plus base and footing.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Des Plaines →From first visit to final walk-through
- Tell us about your yardA few pictures and your wish list help us plan the first visit.
- Site visit and designOn site we confirm the location, utility routes and finishes.
- Written estimate and permitsYou get an itemized estimate, and once approved, we apply for permits.
- BuildConstruction usually runs over several weeks depending on weather and inspections.
- Startup and handoverA final walkthrough covers how to use, clean and close down the kitchen for winter.
Questions about outdoor kitchen project
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it in Chicago?
For people who grill a lot, yes. Choosing weather-rated materials and a drainable water line is what makes it last here.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?
It depends on the village and what's included. Gas lines and new circuits generally need permits; we confirm the rest before building.
What countertop works best outside?
Dense, sealed stone or concrete. We avoid materials that absorb water and crack in winter.
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 much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
Appliances and utility runs drive most of the price, then the finishes. You get a line-item estimate before anything starts.
Which towns do you serve?
Chicago and 49 suburbs, from Naperville and Aurora to Evanston, Schaumburg and Orland Park. Pick your town below for local details and ZIP codes.
Outdoor Kitchen Installation near you
Pick your town for local details, ZIP codes and nearby projects.