Outdoor Living Features | Kitchen, Fire, Lighting & More | Ace of Decks LLC — Chicago Suburbs
Complete outdoor living space by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
Outdoor Living Features · Chicago Suburbs

Everything That Makes
the Space Complete.

Kitchens · Fire · Lighting · Screens · Heaters · Entertainment · More

The deck or patio is the foundation. What you put on it — and how it's integrated — is what transforms it from a structure into a space you actually live in. We design and install every feature as part of the original build.

Start Your Discovery Call See All Features
Features Designed In — Not Added After
Integrated Electrical & Gas Planning
Licensed & Insured · Chicagoland
Permits Handled — Every Project
Custom outdoor kitchen by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
01
Outdoor Kitchens
A Kitchen That
Belongs Outside.

An outdoor kitchen isn't a grill on a deck — it's a fully functional cooking and entertaining station designed as part of the outdoor environment. We design outdoor kitchens around how you actually cook and host, integrating every component into the architecture of the space.

Pricing: $15,000–$60,000+ depending on size, appliances, and materials

Outdoor kitchens are configured based on how you entertain. Every component below can be included and positioned to match your layout — from a simple grill station to a fully built-out outdoor cooking environment.

Built-In Grill

The centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens. Premium gas grills built into custom stone or stainless steel cabinetry — properly vented and positioned for cooking flow.

Outdoor Refrigerator

Dedicated outdoor-rated refrigerators and beverage centers built into the counter run. Keeps drinks and prep ingredients at temperature without running inside.

Countertop & Prep Surface

Granite, porcelain, or stainless steel countertops rated for outdoor use. Designed around your cooking workflow with adequate prep space.

Outdoor Bar

Dedicated bar areas with sink, beverage taps, ice storage, and bar-height counter seating. Designed for entertaining rather than cooking.

Pizza Oven

Wood-fired or gas pizza ovens integrated into the kitchen run or as a standalone station. Requires dedicated gas or wood storage planning built into the design.

Side Burners & Rotisserie

Side burners for sauce work, wok cooking, and boiling. Rotisserie attachments for the main grill. Extends what's possible without going inside.

Outdoor Sink & Plumbing

Hot and cold water runs to the outdoor kitchen for cleaning, prep, and bar service. Requires plumbing planning built into the initial design phase.

Storage & Cabinetry

Marine-grade or powder-coated aluminum cabinetry rated for outdoor exposure. Keeps tools, accessories, and supplies organized without weathering.

Task & Ambient Lighting

Under-counter task lighting, overhead pendant lighting, and integrated accent lighting planned as part of the kitchen layout — not added on after.

Architectural outdoor lighting on custom deck by Ace of Decks
02
Outdoor Lighting
The Space After Dark
Is Still the Space.

Architectural outdoor lighting extends usability into the evening and creates a finished, intentional look after dark. Done well, outdoor lighting is invisible by day and transforms the space at night. Done poorly, it looks like hardware-store fixtures bolted on after the fact.

We plan lighting during the design phase so wiring runs are clean, fixture placement is intentional, and the result looks like it was always meant to be there.

Deck & Post Cap Lighting

LED fixtures integrated directly into deck posts and railings. Provides ambient light at the edge of the deck surface without separate fixtures.

Step & Stair Lighting

Low-profile LED step lights integrated into risers or stringers. Creates safety lighting on stairs while adding architectural depth.

Pergola & Overhead Lighting

LED lighting integrated into louvered pergola structures and overhead frameworks. Extends evening use and creates a finished architectural look after dark.

Landscape & Path Lighting

Low-voltage LED landscape lighting along paths, garden beds, and grade transitions. Designed to complement the hardscape and softscape as one cohesive environment.

Smart Lighting Controls

App-controlled and timer-based lighting systems that integrate with your existing smart home setup. Set scenes, schedules, and zones without separate switches.

Under-Rail & Accent Lighting

LED strips and accent fixtures under railing systems, beneath counters, and in niches. Creates depth and drama in the evening lighting scheme.

Custom fire feature outdoor living space by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
03
Fire Features
Fire Changes How
a Space Feels.

A fire feature extends the season, creates a natural gathering point, and gives the outdoor space a sense of permanence and warmth that no other element delivers. Whether it's a fire pit at the center of a paver patio or a linear fire table on a deck, fire is consistently the most-used feature in any outdoor living space we build.

  • Gas or wood-burning — both designed for your space and municipality requirements
  • Fire pits, fire tables, fire bowls, and linear fire features available
  • Integrated with seating walls, paver surrounds, and overall layout
  • Gas line planning included in the design phase — no add-ons
Pricing: $5,000–$25,000+ depending on type, size, and integration
Fire Pit

Round or square fire pits set into paver surrounds or freestanding on the patio. The most natural gathering format — seating wraps around a central fire. Available in gas or wood-burning configurations.

Fire Table

A dining or lounge table with an integrated fire bowl or linear burner. Combines function with fire — you can eat, gather, and warm around the same piece. Gas only.

Linear Fire Feature

A long, architectural gas fire element typically built into a wall, countertop, or paver surface. More modern and dramatic than a traditional pit — designed as a focal point rather than a gathering center.

Retractable screens on louvered pergola by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
04
Retractable Screens
Open When You Want.
Protected When You Don't.

Retractable screens create a defined, protected outdoor environment without enclosing the space permanently. They're one of the highest-impact upgrades for daily usability — blocking insects, reducing wind, and adding privacy while keeping the outdoor feel intact.

  • Motorized retraction — open or closed at the touch of a button
  • Insect screens, solar shades, and privacy panels available
  • Integrated into louvered pergolas, deck structures, and patio covers
  • Multiple mesh densities for different light and visibility preferences
  • Designed into the structure from the start — not surface-mounted after
Pricing: $5,000–$7,000 per opening
Radiant heaters and ceiling fans on outdoor pergola by Ace of Decks
05
Heaters & Fans
Comfortable in Any
Season. Any Hour.

Heaters and fans extend the usable season in both directions. Radiant heaters let you push into cooler spring and fall evenings. Ceiling fans make summer afternoons significantly more comfortable. Both integrate cleanly into the structure — never surface-mounted as an afterthought.

  • Infrared radiant heaters — efficient, quiet, and warming without wind interference
  • Ceiling fans sized appropriately for the pergola or covered structure
  • Wiring planned in the design phase — no exposed conduit or patch jobs
  • Compatible with smart controls and timer systems
Heaters: $3,000–$5,000 each · Fans: $800–$2,500 each
Complete outdoor living space by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
The Complete Picture
Features Work Best
When They're Designed In.

Every feature on this page is most successful when it's part of the original design — not bolted on after the deck is built. That's why we plan everything before construction begins.

Start Your Design
Outdoor entertainment wall by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
06
Entertainment Walls & AV
The Outdoor Room
That Does Everything.

An outdoor entertainment wall brings the functionality of an indoor living room to your outdoor space. Properly weatherproofed TV mounting, integrated speakers, and organized wiring turn a deck or patio into a space where people actually stay.

  • Commercial-grade outdoor TVs rated for full sun and moisture
  • In-ceiling and architectural speaker systems
  • Structured wiring — all runs planned before walls are closed
  • Custom millwork and mounting walls integrated into the design
  • Smart AV integration with existing home systems
Pricing: Varies by setup and integration complexity
Under-deck waterproofing system by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
07
Under-Deck Waterproofing
The Space Below
the Deck.

An elevated deck creates a naturally sheltered space below — but without a waterproofing system, that space is unusable when it rains. Under-deck waterproofing captures water at the deck surface and drains it to the perimeter, creating a dry, protected area below.

  • Hidden drainage channels installed above the deck framing
  • Compatible with finished ceilings below — PVC, cedar, or hardwood
  • Creates usable storage or finished living space below the deck
  • Requires Fortress Evolution steel framing for proper performance long-term
Pricing: $8,000–$20,000+ depending on coverage area and ceiling finish
Custom putting green and turf installation by Ace of Decks Chicago suburbs
08
Putting Greens & Artificial Turf
A Backyard That's
Actually Used.

Custom putting greens and high-quality artificial turf give the yard a finished, low-maintenance surface that's used more than natural grass ever is. Putting greens create a dedicated activity space. Turf creates a clean, green zone between hardscape elements that requires zero maintenance.

  • Custom-shaped putting greens — 1 to 4+ holes, any contour
  • Multiple grass heights and textures to match your environment
  • Integrated with paver edging and hardscape transitions
  • UV-stable and built for Illinois weather — no browning, no watering
  • Proper drainage base installed below — no standing water
Pricing: $8,000–$30,000+ depending on coverage and complexity
Common Questions

Feature Questions
Answered.

Can outdoor features be added to an existing deck?

Yes — many features can be added to existing decks and patios. During your paid in-person consultation ($150), we assess what's possible with your current structure, what might require framing modifications, and what makes most sense for your budget and space. Some features — like under-deck waterproofing — require specific framing to perform correctly, so we evaluate that early.

Do features need to be planned before the deck is built?

For the best result, yes. Features planned during the 3D design phase allow us to run all electrical, gas, and plumbing during framing — so everything is hidden and clean. Adding features after construction typically means surface-mounted conduit, patch work, and compromised integration. We design everything together before the first board goes down.

How are outdoor features priced?

Pricing varies significantly by feature type and complexity. Outdoor kitchens range from $15,000 to $60,000+. Fire features run $5,000–$25,000+. Retractable screens are $5,000–$7,000 per opening. Heaters run $3,000–$5,000 each. Lighting is $3,000–$10,000+ depending on scope. All pricing is built into your line-item estimate before construction begins — no surprises.

What's the most popular combination of features?

The most common combination on mid-range projects is architectural lighting + retractable screens + radiant heaters. This extends usability into the evening and into shoulder seasons without a major kitchen build. For projects where outdoor entertaining is the priority, an outdoor kitchen + fire feature + lighting is the most frequent combination we design.

Do you handle the permits for outdoor kitchens and gas features?

Yes. Gas line work, electrical, and structural modifications all require permits in most Chicago-area municipalities. We handle every permit submission, coordination with inspectors, and final approval. You don't manage a single form or phone call.

Get Started

Let's Design the Space
You've Been Thinking About.

Every feature on this page is most impactful when it's part of the original design. Start with a free discovery call and we'll walk you through what's realistic for your space and budget.

  • Free Discovery Call
    No cost. We discuss your project, the features you're considering, and give you a rough sense of what's realistic.
  • In-Person Consultation — $150
    On-site assessment. We evaluate your space, discuss all feature options, and give you real pricing ranges for everything you're considering.
  • 3D Design & Planning — $3,000
    Full 3D rendering with all features integrated. Line-item estimate for everything. $1,500 credited back when you build.
  • Serving DuPage, Kane & Will County
    Naperville · Hinsdale · Barrington · St. Charles · Geneva · Wheaton and surrounding suburbs.
Start With a Free Discovery Call

Tell us about your project — we respond within 1 business day.

Free discovery call → In-person consultation $150 → 3D Design $3,000 ($1,500 credited back when you build)
Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please enter a valid email.

No spam. No pressure. Same-day response during business hours.
Or call: (630) 354-8887

Designed In — Not Added After
Kitchens · Fire · Lighting · Screens
Permits Handled — Every Project
Licensed & Insured · Chicagoland

Ace of Decks LLC designs and installs outdoor living features throughout the Chicago suburbs — including outdoor kitchens, built-in grills, fire pits and fire tables, architectural lighting, retractable screens, radiant heaters, ceiling fans, entertainment walls, under-deck waterproofing systems, and custom putting greens and artificial turf. All features are designed and integrated during the 3D design phase before construction begins. Serving Naperville, Bolingbrook, Barrington, Hinsdale, St. Charles, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Palatine, Wheaton, Plainfield, and Aurora throughout DuPage County, Kane County, and Will County, Illinois.

Request a Quote
transparent Ace-of-Decks-logo