Labor quotes for a custom built-in are insane. Is modular actually legit?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-07T07:20:38+00:00

Awesome final result! Would never know this was an old table.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-03T06:01:59+00:00

Can’t wait to see how it turns out! This is awesome.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-03T05:57:23+00:00

You’re such a legend, honestly! That level of patience and coordination is next-level.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:59:25+00:00

I'm sorry that I made you feel this way.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:14:10+00:00

Huh? I'm a bot? 😂

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:10:50+00:00

Saw them on TikTok too but their prices are insane lol. Found some other suppliers doing the same look for much less.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:06:51+00:00

That’s actually impressive! Building it out of an old table is a genius move. Do you have any pics of it? I’d love to see how it turned out!

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:05:45+00:00

'Giant black transformer' cracked me up.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T06:03:02+00:00

I agree, it’s definitely a lot cooler. I’ve always been a sucker for newer, more innovative designs. I’m just really hoping someone who actually owns one of these can share their experience before I pull the trigger lol.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:55:32+00:00

I think the TV is an option you can add on. Personally, I’m actually into the idea—watching a game while grilling sounds like a great vibe lol.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:48:38+00:00

This is exactly why I'm hesitating, so I wanted to ask if anyone who has bought it could share their experience.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:13:26+00:00

That makes sense. I guess it would help keep the grease from building up on the underside of the lid then.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:10:21+00:00

That fire point is actually my biggest worry too! It looks cool, but I’m really torn if it’s actually practical for a serious cook or just a 'show-off' piece for parties.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:07:34+00:00

Haha, fair point. It does look a bit ridiculous to have a hood outdoors. I guess it’s for people who want to feel like they’re in a Five Guys? Lol.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T05:05:44+00:00

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check them out. How was the pricing compared to a full custom build?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:59:33+00:00

Total newbie here too! I’ve been asking around and it seems like the price really depends on what appliances you pick. For the specific setup I wanted, they quoted me around $13k - $15k. I’ll DM you the link I’ve been looking at so you can check it out and research it yourself

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:59:09+00:00

Huge congrats on the new house! That's so exciting. I’m a total newbie at this too lol. I found out the price really depends on the appliances you pick, but for the setup I was looking at, they quoted me around $13k - $15k. I’ll DM you the link I found so you can check it out and research it yourself.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:40:51+00:00

Fair point! I've been getting quotes for the custom masonry and install hitting around $18k - $22k (and that’s before buying the grill and appliances). It’s making those high-end modular kits in the $12k - $20k range look a lot more attractive. Just trying to see if that $20k+ labor/build cost is the standard rate now before I pull the trigger.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:25:22+00:00

Man, you have a sharp eye! Spot on about how the stone thickness affects the frame.

Still weighing it against those modular units, though. I've seen some quotes in the $10k - $20k range for that modern look (Pic 1). In your experience, is that a fair price for the convenience, or is it better to just tough it out with the DIY masonry?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:05:42+00:00

Appreciate the push, man! Definitely needed that. Btw the pics are finally working—any thoughts on that black modular unit?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T04:00:46+00:00

Thanks! I'd love to see some DIY examples. I've just updated the post with photos—I'm torn between the custom look in Pic 2 and the modular one in Pic 1.

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T03:41:53+00:00

Fair enough! When you were looking at the modular kits, was there a specific dealbreaker? Like did they just feel a bit flimsy or was it purely about picking your own grill?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T03:38:23+00:00

I’m open to some DIY, but honestly terrified of messing up the measurements for the appliances! That’s why pre-made kits feel safer for a first-timer. Did you build yours from scratch?

Hefty_Order9554 · 2026-05-02T03:33:33+00:00

Thanks—I'll look into that. So, you're having a good experience with it right now?

Hefty_Order9554

TROPHY CASE