Article: What Is a Ready to Finish Outdoor Kitchen? The Complete Guide
What Is a Ready to Finish Outdoor Kitchen? The Complete Guide
By the Big Ridge build team, Athens, Tennessee · Updated October 2026
A ready to finish (RTF) outdoor kitchen is a factory built island that arrives with its steel frame, cement board and appliance cutouts done. You, or your contractor, apply the final finish: stone veneer, tile or stucco. Big Ridge calls its line Design Ready. It gives you the look of a custom masonry kitchen without weeks of block work in your backyard.
What arrives, and what you add
| Arrives from Big Ridge | You add |
|---|---|
| Fully welded, triple galvanized steel frame with integrated floors | Finish materials: stone veneer, tile or stucco |
| Exterior cement board, factory installed on all sides | Labor to apply the finish (you or your crew) |
| Appliance cutouts sized to the included appliances | Final gas connection by a licensed pro |
| Required venting for gas appliance modules, factory installed | Electrical and water hookups, if your layout has them |
| Granite countertop and appliance package (Complete Kitchen Kits) | A level, solid base to set it on |
| Hardware, fasteners, leveling feet and assembly tools |
How RTF compares with other outdoor kitchens
| Custom masonry | Design Ready RTF | Fully finished | Modular cabinets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it's built | Block and mortar, built on site | Steel frame and cement board, built in the factory | Built and finished in the factory | Stainless or powder coated cabinets |
| Time on site | Weeks | Assembly in about an hour, then finishing | Assembly only | Assembly only |
| Who finishes it | Mason | You or your contractor | Done at the factory | No finish step |
| Look | Fully custom | Fully custom: any stone, tile or stucco | Choose from the maker's finishes | Fixed cabinet look |
| Best for | Unlimited budget and timeline | A custom look on a set budget and timeline | Fastest path to cooking | Contemporary, stainless look |
Who a Design Ready kitchen is for
DIY homeowners: You want your kitchen to match your house or patio, and you're comfortable with a weekend project. Assembly takes two people about 30 to 60 minutes. Stone veneer and tile are well within reach for a handy homeowner. Many people hire a mason for the finish and still save, because the frame, board and cutouts are already done.
Pros (landscapers, pool builders, contractors, designers): RTF replaces the slowest part of an outdoor kitchen build: block, mortar and cutting openings by hand. The island arrives built and square, with cutouts that match the appliances. Your crew spends its time on the finish, which is where your craftsmanship shows. That means shorter jobs, fewer return trips and a cleaner quote. See Trade Advantage pricing.
Why choose ready to finish over finished
- Match anything. Use the same stone as your house, pool deck or fireplace.
- Use local materials. Buy finish materials from your local stone yard and pick them out in person.
- Control the cost. Finish it yourself, or bring in a mason for one or two days instead of a full build.
- Keep the custom look. No one can tell a finished Design Ready island from a custom masonry build.
How it works in 5 steps
- Choose your layout and appliances. Pick a Complete Kitchen Kit (6 to 12 feet, Linear, L shape or U shape) or build your own from Modules & Frame Kits. Not sure? Use Design My Kitchen.
- Prepare your space. Set a level, solid base and rough in gas, electric and water.
- Receive and assemble. In stock Quick Ship kitchens ship in 3 to 5 business days, and freight takes about 2 to 5 more. Two people assemble it in about an hour.
- Finish it. Apply stone veneer, tile or stucco directly to the factory installed cement board.
- Hook up and cook. A licensed pro connects gas and electric. Seal your stone and countertop, and you're ready.
Questions people ask
Can I finish a ready to finish outdoor kitchen myself?
Yes. The cement board is installed at the factory, so you apply stone veneer, tile or stucco directly to it. A handy homeowner can do stone veneer or tile over a few weekends. Gas and electrical connections should always be done by a licensed pro.
What finishes can I use on a Design Ready kitchen?
Any finish rated for exterior use over cement board: thin stone veneer, natural stone, porcelain tile or stucco. Considering something else? Ask a Big Ridge design pro before you buy.
Is a ready to finish outdoor kitchen cheaper than custom masonry?
Usually, yes. The frame, board, cutouts and venting are built in the factory, so you skip weeks of on site block work. Your total cost depends on the finish you choose and who applies it.
How long does it take to get and install?
In stock Quick Ship kitchens ship in 3 to 5 business days, and freight takes about 2 to 5 business days. Made to order kitchens take longer; your design pro will confirm your ship date. Assembly takes about an hour, and finishing takes a few days depending on the material.
What's the difference between Design Ready and a fully finished Big Ridge kitchen?
Design Ready arrives with cement board ready for your finish. A fully finished kitchen arrives with Big Ridge's stone or plank finish already applied. Both use the same welded steel frame.
Can I get a custom Design Ready layout?
Yes. If none of our standard kits fit your space, the Big Ridge design team will create a fully custom Design Ready layout made exclusively for your backyard. Contact our team at 866-635-5487 or start with Design My Kitchen.
Do Pros get trade pricing?
Yes. Builders, landscapers, designers and architects can apply for Trade Advantage pricing and free design services.
Don't see the layout you need?
Our standard kits are just the start. The Big Ridge design team creates fully custom Design Ready layouts, built exclusively for your backyard: your size, your shape, your appliances. Tell us about your space and we'll design a ready to finish kitchen that fits it. Custom projects typically take 4 or more weeks to build.
Start your custom design or call our design team at 866-635-5487.
Start your Design Ready kitchen
Not sure where to start? Design your kitchen or call a Big Ridge design pro at 866-635-5487.
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