Outdoor Kitchen

[JimVonBaden]

I'm in the beginning stages of designing an outdoor kitchen. It will be basic, just a grill and a bar/table design. My plan is to build it from steel framing, and cover it in cement board, then stucco, or a tile product. The top will be either a concrete counter, or cement board with a granit or marble tile. The table will be bar style with room for 4-5 tall bar chairs.

This is the basic design.

It will go here, just past the building in the open space:

So, what does the collective think about the design, the failures and issues? I will be using this grill in a slide in design. The built-in grills are stupid expensive, and I can replace this one 3 times for the cost of a built-in.

The grill I will install:

I will have power, but no water or gas. No intention to install a fridge, but I do plan on openings for storage, with future plans for SS doors on the openings.

Jim

 

[akdiesel]

Jim

Great project. I have the same layout in mind to build one also. I'll be keeping tabs on this one.

 

[PECVD2]

You could build in a portable sink like this and the gas is an easier fix with your propane grill/oven build in.
A repurposed propane frige or ice box from an older RV can be had for cheap as well.
We went to an outdoor living show a few weeks ago and the only limit is your budget with all the options available.



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[jdieter]

Add a sink, if you use the kitchen much at all you miss not having one. Lucky on my build and able to place the outdoor kitchen adjacent to the inside kitchen and use an existing window as a pass-thru for supplies, dishes, etc. Made plumbing a snap. Also as stated the fridge is a must.

 

[Automatic Slim]

can't wait to see it, Jim - you do solid work and always like your stuff. have fun!!

 

[Glenn M.]

I'm sure you already realize it, but whatever you use for the counter tops, use something that you can wash, and that won't stain from something spilled on it.
I really like your plan...

 

[sammm]

I'm almost done with my outdoor kitchen project. I like your plan. Be sure to put cement board on the bottom to keep the critters/bugs out. Also put it up on some Trex (or similar) skids to get it off the ground a bit. Be sure to include enough overhang at the bar area for knee room.

Here's a few pics of my project.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... The top will be either a concrete counter, ...

I have seen that done on TV and they come out really nice. You need the right color die and maybe some kind of flake (?) for some sparkle. You can mold the sink in if you want.

Probably need some kind of vibrating table to get air out and a good buffer.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I'm almost done with my outdoor kitchen project. I like your plan. Be sure to put cement board on the bottom to keep the critters/bugs out. Also put it up on some Trex (or similar) skids to get it off the ground a bit. Be sure to include enough overhang at the bar area for knee room.

Here's a few pics of my project.

Excellent! That is exactly what I am looking at!

Good idea on the Trex and Concrete Board on the bottom! I plan on closing in the whole thing, with some cubbys in the unused areas, and a vent or two to release heat from the summer sun. I caught that tip on DIY.

Please post your progress!

Thanks,

Jim

 

[sammm]

and a vent or two to release heat from the summer sun.

I'm glad you mentioned the vents....very important! You want 2 up high, and 2 more down low. I'll keep y'all posted. Countertops (granite) are next...getting quotes this week.

I'll then be covering it with stone veneer.

 

[TONE]

Here is ours. Thoe pixs aren't the best and the one is before the countertop was installed.

 

[70chevellegsp]

Vents can be an issue if you are totally enclosing your stand alone grill. LP is heavier than air and can collect at the base of the cabinet/structure. (You know the rest). I believe that is what adds a little cost to the built in grills. You will want vents in the front and rear to create a draft. Also keep in mind that with how often they make model changes, if you build in that specific grill, the next will likely have similar but different dimensions which could mean some work to get the new grill to fit properly. Good Luck and great looking project(s)!

 

[sammm]

Here is ours. Thoe pixs aren't the best and the one is before the countertop was installed.

Very nice!

 

[JimVonBaden]

Vents can be an issue if you are totally enclosing your stand alone grill. LP is heavier than air and can collect at the base of the cabinet/structure. (You know the rest). I believe that is what adds a little cost to the built in grills. You will want vents in the front and rear to create a draft. Also keep in mind that with how often they make model changes, if you build in that specific grill, the next will likely have similar but different dimensions which could mean some work to get the new grill to fit properly. Good Luck and great looking project(s)!

Good points. The (new) plan is to fully enclose the area where the grill will insert. There will be about 1" on all sides, with a sealed upper and lower vent access to the back to allow air flow. I realize it might be an issue when the current grill wears out (it is new), but it is worth the risk for the look. Hopefully this venting, and the venting of the rest of the cabinet, will be sufficient since the grill has good venting on the bottom and back.

I wouldn't mind a built-in, but they are 3 times the cost of a decent stand alone, and when they wear out, I assume as fast as a stand alone, the size/configuration might not be available. Add the side burner and the cost goes to nearly 5 times the stand alone.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[sammm]

I wouldn't mind a built-in, but they are 3 times the cost of a decent stand alone

I had to make the same decision and went with a natural-gas built-in. The built-in's are all stainless with cast-iron burners, and I'll never have to fill another propane bottle. I can't imagine what would wear out in my lifetime except for the piezoelectric igniters.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I had to make the same decision and went with a natural-gas built-in. The built-in's are all stainless with cast-iron burners, and I'll never have to fill another propane bottle. I can't imagine what would wear out except for the piezoelectric igniters.

I don't have natural gas, my house is all electric. None the less, my grill is all SS as well, though SS grill surface and SS burners. In my, admittedly limited, experience, nothing lasts forever, but I will be thrilled to be wrong.

Still, if the built-in unit can last forever with the same components as the stand-alone I still do not understand the cost difference when the built-in is smaller, uses much less material, and the components are the same inside. I suspect there are some economies of scale, but three times the cost smacks of the companies taking advantage of the consumer.

That, and I am cheap!

Jim

 

[sammm]

three times the cost smacks of the companies taking advantage of the consumer.

That, and I am cheap!

Jim

Agreed and so am I, but I prefer 'thrifty'!

 

[litljay]

I'm interested as well. I've been thinking about buying one of those pre-designed/built units, but the cost is substantial, so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[e-tek]

What a great idea Jim! I'm sure there will be MANY similar builds this year due to you showing yours! Do'H!


Is that your entire backyard? Did you never have grass there or is it a "new" area?

 

[JimVonBaden]

I'm interested as well. I've been thinking about buying one of those pre-designed/built units, but the cost is substantial, so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

There are companies that do kits you can buy cheaper, but if you have a few skills, metal studs are not hard to work with, and the cost is very low to DIY!

Jim

 

[JimVonBaden]

What a great idea Jim! I'm sure there will be MANY similar builds this year due to you showing yours! Do'H!


Is that your entire backyard? Did you never have grass there or is it a "new" area?

Thanks! I am, as always, learning a lot, and hopefully able to share some with others.

Nah, that is an old photo that shows that location. The back yard is much nicer now with grass:

Updated photos from today.

Jim

 

[jesse72]

Looks great and I like your plan! I want to build one someday too

 

[Kevin54]

JVB.... take a look at some of Menard's setups, if you happen to have a Menard's around you. They have some really great ideas. Mostly from stacked stone blocks and concrete counter tops.

Also check www.houzz.com for some outdoor kitchen ideas.

I'll be watching as this is something that we have been kicking around for a while ourselves.

 

[JimVonBaden]

JVB.... take a look at some of Menard's setups, if you happen to have a Menard's around you. They have some really great ideas. Mostly from stacked stone blocks and concrete counter tops.

Also check www.houzz.com for some outdoor kitchen ideas.

I'll be watching as this is something that we have been kicking around for a while ourselves.

Hi Kevin,

Unfortunately the closest Meynards is 280 miles away. As for Houzz, that is where I got many of my yard ideas! Great resource!

Thanks,

Jim

 

[elav]

I am about to go down this path too. The one thing that we realized from a friend's outdoor kitchen is that if you put in a deep sink, when you entertain you can fill it up with ice for drinks. That in my book makes it a must have!

 

[70chevellegsp]

JVB - One of the reasons the built-in's are a bit more are that they are usually a higher end grill. One of the issues that affected SS grills in general in the mid 2000's is that the price of "good" stainless (300 series) got very expensive and drove the prices up substantially. But.....they also have 400 series SS, which is not as stainless or rust resistant to keep the price points of SS grills available and still call it SS. There are decent deals to be had depending on your price point. You have a brand new grill, so it's understandable that a new grill is not an option. You have a great canvas for your build and your plan looks great.

 

[Chevy72pu]

I like your ideas. I too would like an outdoor cooking area. From my friends who use theirs a lot, the sink is a MUST HAVE. Hopefully getting water to it won't be to difficult for you, and as for the drain, it's just grey water so keep your grass green. It's a toss up between the fridge and a tub/wheelbarrow full of ice.

 

[mo2872]

Good plan.....here's mine, you can scroll through the album to follow it to completion:


http://s217.photobucket.com/user/mo...=3&o=47&_suid=1369773732741017658112041077195

Though I just noticed, I don't have a "completed" photo in there! GAAAH!!!

 

[1jeepfan]

A few well placed electrical outlets are a good idea. Had 3 or 4 on mine. One near the rotisserie is nice to have.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I like your ideas. I too would like an outdoor cooking area. From my friends who use theirs a lot, the sink is a MUST HAVE. Hopefully getting water to it won't be to difficult for you, and as for the drain, it's just grey water so keep your grass green. It's a toss up between the fridge and a tub/wheelbarrow full of ice.

I have an outdoor sink that I can hook my hose to, and I drain it into a 5 gallon bucket with tiny slits in it to catch particulates. I could use that if I needed a sink. It is very handy for washing my hands before going inside.

My biggest issue with adding a sink or fridge is space. I need to leave 4' between the new unit and my fance, and I do not want the counter to start before the edge of my house. That limits my space.

Jim

 

[JimVonBaden]

Good plan.....here's mine, you can scroll through the album to follow it to completion:

Though I just noticed, I don't have a "completed" photo in there! GAAAH!!!

Very nice! I love the concrete countertops and built-in stereo! Please post the final photos!

Also, what was the reason for using tubing instead of steel studs? It looked more than strong enough for the concrete countertops!

Thanks,

Jim

 

[machine_punk]

Jim, it looks like the lower cabinet of your grill is a separate piece from the actual 'grill' section. How about taking off the lower cabinet and building your own 'slide in?' If you take of the side pieces, you can build any of those 'side burners' into the countertop too. I'd take a measurements from a the grills at your local box store and see if there is a common width and depth, then build the counter for that size grill.

Kev

 

[JimVonBaden]

Jim, it looks like the lower cabinet of your grill is a separate piece from the actual 'grill' section. How about taking off the lower cabinet and building your own 'slide in?' If you take of the side pieces, you can build any of those 'side burners' into the countertop too. I'd take a measurements from a the grills at your local box store and see if there is a common width and depth, then build the counter for that size grill.

Kev

I thought about removing the wings, and using the one side independently for its cook top, and may still. The center section just makes sense to leave as one piece. I'll see how hard it is to try to fit it in the design as is. The center section is likely a standard size, so that may be the best solution. I still want the cook top though.

Jim

 

[pendragon1998]

I would add some good lighting to illuminate the cooking surface at night. I always drag out some worklights when I grill at night (in the driveway) and a built-in lighting solution would be welcome.

 

[drmarkr]

Here's the thread of my outdoor kitchen build.....you definitely need a sink. Use it all the time.

The cliff notes are that this space went from this:



to this:




Bunches more pics of the build in progress (many!) in the thread.

MR

 

[mo2872]

Very nice! I love the concrete countertops and built-in stereo! Please post the final photos!

Also, what was the reason for using tubing instead of steel studs? It looked more than strong enough for the concrete countertops!

Thanks,

Jim

Thanks! It was a "first time" for a lot of it. Welding, bricking, countertops. The stereo was an afterthought, but, we use it CONSTANTLY now that it's there.

I used the tubing because it was cheap. Father in law has a machine shop, so I got the tubing at his cost. I have $100 worth of tubing, 100 for the doors("damaged", knocked a small dent out of the frame, woohoo!), IIRC the brick was 185 for two stacks(minimum order, keeping the rest for "later"). About 200 for the countertops, including the melamine framing, AND a second-hand mixer. The "SCORE" of the project, was the grill itself. Last of the US made Ducane drop in's before Weber bought them, and shipped them to China, 900 for a 42" three burner, rotiss, all nice stainless, HUGE stainless hex grates.....thing is STOUT. Oh, and that price was SHIPPED, from MI to OK. We use it 2-3 times a week.

So, about 1500 in on a project that I learned a lot from, enjoyed doing, and, use all the time!

Had baseball tonight, and got back too late for a "finished" photo, but I'll get you one! Tops are stained/sealed black, now.

 

[Blacklisted]

I will be building a outdoor bbq some time in the future. I was doing some research and found symphonybbq.com and I bought there DIY bbq manual, it was $10 so I figured I would try it. It has some good tips and tricks for building the island. They also use a pre built BBQ that slides in. I like the idea but also wonder if once you get a grill and build the island around it, if the grills will stay the same size or be differant in the future.

Good luck and keep updating as you go.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I would add some good lighting to illuminate the cooking surface at night. I always drag out some worklights when I grill at night (in the driveway) and a built-in lighting solution would be welcome.

Good point, I almost forgot about lighting.

Jim

 

[JimVonBaden]

I will be building a outdoor bbq some time in the future. I was doing some research and found symphonybbq.com and I bought there DIY bbq manual, it was $10 so I figured I would try it. It has some good tips and tricks for building the island. They also use a pre built BBQ that slides in. I like the idea but also wonder if once you get a grill and build the island around it, if the grills will stay the same size or be differant in the future.

Good luck and keep updating as you go.

Great page. Looks like I am not the only one to use a stand-alone BBQ for a built-in.

I am aware that a replacement may not fit the space, but that might be the case with any BBQ. Also, since I need doors and a place to put the propane, it just made sense not to spend the extra on doors.

Example. My grill was $499.

A built-in grill top only: $800-1200
Door kit for propane (no bottle bracket): $300-350 ($299 at Lowes)
Side Burner for pots (we cook fish outside so a necessity): $300-350
Forced to make a counter space to make it useable: $200 and up!

Total for a built-in purpose built set-up: $1600-$2100+.

For the $2000 in difference, before me building my set-up, I'll take a chance that my space won't fit a replacement grill, and that my fairly high end grill won't last as long as a built-in.

Like I said, I am cheap!

 

[mo2872]

The word is "frugal", Jim, "frugal".......(that's not a bad thing, BTW!)