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In general, the best types of wood for outdoor kitchens are naturally resistant to elements like water and heat and the damage they impart, like fading and mold or mildew development. For the best results, opt for teak, mahogany, and oak, and make sure they're pressure-treated for extra protection.

Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.

On average, installing a DIY outdoor kitchen costs between $4,550 and $19,000, which is about $1,500 to $6,000 less than having one professionally installed. Many variables factor into the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen, such as the type of material, accessibility to the job site, and the potential costs of hiring a professional electrician or plumber, as well as any necessary permits.

You can build an outdoor kitchen on a deck, but you should choose composite decking since it's more heat-resistant. Metal deck materials like steel and aluminum are also good choices because they're less flammable than wood. You should also consider the weight of the kitchen—make sure your deck can support it and any appliances you plan to use. You should consult a structural engineer to confirm exactly how much weight your deck can safely support when building an outdoor kitchen.