Northern IL & Southern WI · Decked Out Builders
Real costs, real projects, real specs — from one of the area's top outdoor kitchen and deck builders in northern Illinois.
An outdoor kitchen from Decked Out Builders is designed from the ground up as part of your deck or porch — not added on afterward. Gas lines, plumbing, framing, and cladding are all planned together so everything looks like it belongs.
The kitchen, the deck, and the structure are designed as one project.
Composite Deck & Outdoor Kitchen · Inverness, IL · Blaze Cabinetry · Fortress Steel Pergola · View Full Project →
Costs range widely based on size, appliances, utility connections, and whether a cover structure is included. The numbers below are for the kitchen only — deck and porch base is separate.
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Answer a few questions — get a ballpark in under 2 minutes.Where the kitchen sits on your deck — and how far it sits from your gas meter, water lines, and electrical panel — affects cost more than almost any single appliance choice.
We evaluate every site before quoting, looking at utility access, sun and shade patterns, traffic flow, and how the kitchen integrates with the surrounding structure.
The appliances you choose are the biggest single cost variable. Here's what each component adds — installed, including any required utility work.
The centerpiece. Stainless steel, multiple burners, island-mount. We work with Blaze, Napoleon, Coyote, and Bull — all outdoor-rated.
$1,500–$15,000Wood-fired or gas. Reaches 700°F+ for authentic results. Needs dedicated space, ventilation clearance, and its own gas line.
$4,000–$12,000Purpose-built for temp swings and humidity. Indoor units fail outdoors. Under-counter or full-height options available.
$2,200–$6,000Transforms a grill station into a real kitchen. Requires water supply, drain, and rough-in tied into home plumbing.
$2,500–$7,000Single or double burner, flush-mounted in the countertop. Lets you boil or sauté while the grill runs.
$500–$4,000Under-counter outdoor units, built to handle the elements. Essential for serious entertainers with a bar setup.
$2,000–$5,000Stainless or powder-coated aluminum drawers, doors, and access panels. Modular systems that pair cleanly with grill lines.
$1,500–$18,000Keeps cooked food at serving temp while the rest finishes on the grill. Popular for larger gatherings with multiple courses.
$1,500–$4,000Raised bar surface along the island for seating. Ties in naturally with TimberTech Cocktail Rail on the deck.
$1,500–$6,000Every outdoor kitchen we build is different. Here's a look at recent projects across northern Illinois — from a covered porch kitchenette to a full $175K deck + kitchen + pergola build.
Two kitchens that look similar on paper can be $30,000 apart. These eight variables are why.
Straight run vs. L-shape or U-shape changes framing, countertop footage, and cabinetry cost significantly.
L/U-shape: +$5K–$20KSteel stud or retaining wall block — no wood framing outdoors. Steel resists rot, pests, and moisture for the life of the kitchen.
Steel or retaing wall block onlyGranite, concrete, and quartz are popular.Granite adds luxury.
$40–$120/sqftThe single biggest variable. One upgrade from entry to Blaze or Napoleon can add $3K–$12K alone.
+$1.5K–$12K eachGas line, electrical and water supply costs vary by distance from the home. Non-negotiable for a functional kitchen.
Rough-in: $2.5K–$8KA kitchen under a porch or pergola is far more functional. A dedicated cover adds major cost — and major value.
Pergola: +$8K–$50K+Stone veneer, retaining wall block, or composite decking each changes the look and cost of the island exterior.
Stone vs. composite: $2,000–$12KTask lighting, accent lighting, outlet placement, and dedicated circuits for refrigeration and ice makers.
Basic $1500 · Full $3K–$7KAn outdoor kitchen is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to your outdoor living space — but it's also one of the most complex to price accurately. The variables are significant: appliance brands, utility rough-ins, island size and layout, cover structures, and how everything integrates with the deck or porch beneath it.
At Decked Out Builders, we approach every outdoor kitchen as part of a complete outdoor living design. We'll help you understand the real cost, make smart choices about where to invest, and build something you'll use and love for years. Our crew is in-house only — no subcontractors.