Outdoor Kitchen

[Blacklisted]

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!

I agree 100%. I also forgot to mention that I/we plan to put a RV stove/oven in it for a cook top, even if it doesn't get used all the time it will be priceless when we need it. We have a toy hauler and have had to use the oven in it for Thanksgiving/big get togethers once or twice.

If you are going to use propane and not have power to the island you might want to check out a small RV fridge that can be run on propane, a small unit doesn't take long to cool off and they don't use a big amount of propane. You would need 12vdc but you can put a car battery in when you need it and keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I agree 100%. I also forgot to mention that I/we plan to put a RV stove/oven in it for a cook top, even if it doesn't get used all the time it will be priceless when we need it. We have a toy hauler and have had to use the oven in it for Thanksgiving/big get togethers once or twice.

If you are going to use propane and not have power to the island you might want to check out a small RV fridge that can be run on propane, a small unit doesn't take long to cool off and they don't use a big amount of propane. You would need 12vdc but you can put a car battery in when you need it and keep it on a trickle charger when not in use.

I'm going to have power, and I will frame in a spot for a fridge. I'm not sure I will need it, but I have a dorm fridge I can put in there that I normally have in the garage. If I find I use it I will buy a nice SS mini-fridge.

Jim

 

[marty_p]

Jim:

What an AWESOME Summer project! I want to build one soon as well.

We have a local store showroom with lots of islands and ideas, and I also bought an 'outdoor kitchens' book at Lowe's with great writeups and pics.

My local store's web site is:

http://www.thegrillstoreandmore.com/category_name_BBQ-Islands_path_7118-7117.html

Good luck, and do post those pics!!!

 

[JimVonBaden]

Nice site with some great ideas! The prices reinforce the DIY idea though!

Thanks,

Jim

 

[litljay]

Nice site with some great ideas! The prices reinforce the DIY idea though!

Thanks,

Jim

Agreed, but in line with what I've seen as "ready to go" type islands. I may decide to tackle this myself, but there's lots of stuff that I've never done before.
Any planning updates?

 

[JimVonBaden]

Not yet. Slight delay for my daughter's 21st birthday. But back at it next week.

Jim

 

[ovilla]

Here's what I've been working on for the past month.

My 8'3"X35"(Depth) X 36" (Finished Height) outdoor kitchen is fed with two 20AMP GFCI circuits, one for the sink's ejector pump and the other for the fridge and front outlet. I built it on 1" Trex board with 25 gauge steel studs and 1/2" hardiebacker. The 1 1/4" granite was just installed yesterday. I just need to figure out what brick or stone to face it with and then fish my natural gas line through the PVC sleeve (code in my area doesn't allow the burial of black pipe since we aren't allowed to have any connections underground). I also need to finalize the size for the stainless doors under the Jenn-Air grill.

As far as the sink goes, do plan for one if you can and make sure it's a big one. I've been using ours a lot as a cooler for the time being (while I put cases of new warm beer in the fridge). If you're looking for a great fridge with an internal light and locking door (great for storing and securing beer), check out the 4.4 cubic foot Fridgedaire fridge sold at Lowes. It's normally on sale for about $160 and was the only reasonably priced undermount model that I could find with a lock and light.


Anyway, enjoy the pics and let me know if you have any questions. BTW this has been the most fun project I've ever worked on. It was also my first time working with steel studs, and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Build one of these if you get a chance.

 

[ovilla]

More pics! The fridge is getting some type of vinyl wrap on the door. Let me know if you have some ideas. BTW, this is our first granite counter top. Now the wife wants to redo the inside kitchen counters and replace the corian counters, which scratch way too easily.

 

[IONH]

Subscribed. Definitely in my future but built into a deck instead of on the ground.

 

[sammm]

Great job ovilla! Mine is almost done, just need to put the finishing details on it.

 

[ovilla]

Sammm, you've got a great L shape going on there. Tons of counter space for prep and serving. I especially like the stone work. What exactly did you install there and where did you get it?

 

[sammm]

I especially like the stone work. What exactly did you install there and where did you get it?

Thanks! It's Veneerstone that I ordered from my local Home Depot.

http://www.veneerstone.biz/

 

[IONH]

Thanks! It's Veneerstone that I ordered from my local Home Depot.

http://www.veneerstone.biz/

They don't stock any of that, do they?

I want to see some in person before I consider doing the job. My wife has been bugging me to do the recessed (lower) section on the front of my split ranch.

 

[sammm]

They don't stock any of that, do they?

I want to see some in person before I consider doing the job. My wife has been bugging me to do the recessed (lower) section on the front of my split ranch.

No they don't, but you can order a sample board before you buy. I paid $30 for them to ship it to me, but Home Depot took $30 back off when I placed my order.

 

[IONH]

No they don't, but you can order a sample board before you buy. I paid $30 for them to ship it to me, but Home Depot took $30 back off when I placed my order.

$30 for the sample piece?

Do you remember your rough cost per square foot?

 

[sammm]

^Wasn't just a piece, it was a board (I'd guess 1.5' x 2.5' in size) with a handful of pieces mounted on it...showing color variations and stone sizes. The sample was free...the $30 was to UPS it (it's not light) from Veneerstone to my house.

Cost was about $5 sq. ft. for the stone, and $7 lineal ft. for the corner pieces.

 

[IONH]

^Wasn't just a piece, it was a board (I'd guess 1.5' x 2.5' in size) with a handful of pieces mounted on it...showing color variations and stone sizes. The sample was free...the $30 was to UPS it (it's not light) from Veneerstone to my house.

Cost was about $5 sq. ft. for the stone, and $7 lineal ft. for the corner pieces.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Farmall450]

I call mine a firepit

Nice idea & design though!

 

[JimVonBaden]

I completely forgot about this thread. Lots of changes and some compromises since then.
Added a new workshop that changed the backyard.







Had to cut down all three 100+ year old trees due to infestation.

 

[jonesg]

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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those commercial portable sinks are stupid expensive, the one we used was required for off site catering jobs.
They're so expensive we just rented it.

I bought a stainless hand sink for $25, a $90 2 burner propane gas stove and a deep fryer, but for grilling we use a real charcoal grill, no cooking over propane fumes. Less than $300 for everything.
Anything outdoors will be full of bugs in no time, we mover the deep fryer inside as soon as it cools down.

 

[tomshep]

I'm starting on an outdoor cabana that will have a kitchen. I also sell real estate. Based on seeing other outdoor kitchens in homes I sell with rusty stainless built-in cooktops and burners, and also inoperable and can't get parts, I am going to use a slide-in unit and leave plenty of space for larger or smaller when it falls apart and I simply roll it away and put a new in place.

Tom

 

[larry4406]

Hello. I am in the planning process of my project and have quite a few questions. First, I have been searching on the internet and cannot find a diy forum directed specifically toward outdoor kitchens and bbq island construction and design. Does anybody know of one? Also I have noticed most islands are based on galvanized studs or block foundations and i was wondering if i could weld a frame out of square tubing, seams easier and sturdier to me? I was wondering why more people dont do it this way or if there was a downside to it? Thats it for now, Thanks in advance for the help.

Welcome to the forum!

I am also in the planning stages of an outdoor kitchen/BBQ station. I have seen the same that you describe - galvanized metal studs, block/brick, metal square tubing, and even pressure treated wood framing.

I am leaning towards a mix of masonry and galvanized metal studs. Mine will have a roof over it so it can be used year round and in the rain.

Here are some links I bookmarked regarding framing systems which may be helpful

Professional DIY Outdoor Kitchen | BBQ Island - BBQ Coach

BBQcoach carries the professional BBQ grills and accessories, we specialize in designing and building custom, high quality outdoor barbecue island.

www.bbqcoach.com

https://www.youtube.com/@willinoc/videos

BBQ Tubes

BBQ Tubes is the #1 Strongest Building material for building an outdoor kitchen frame. BBQ Tubes are 10 times stronger than steel studs or cement block. When investing thousands of dollars in building your own outdoor kitchen make sure it is built with BBQ Tubes and you will be able to feel...

bbqtubes.com

How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

If youve got some basic skills and a couple of handy friends, you too can build a grill island like this one. Heres the lowdown.

www.thisoldhouse.com

How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Here's how to design and build an outdoor kitchen using modular elements that fit your space — and your taste — while saving a ton of money.

www.familyhandyman.com

Waterproof Backer Board | HardieBacker HydroDefense Cement Board | James Hardie

HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is the first and only waterproof cement backer board. Learn more.

www.jameshardie.com

Uniframe Systems Outdoor Kitchen Frame Kits - Backyard Kitchen Frames

Every challenge begs for a solution. Ours was to create a commercial-grade, fully-adjustable outdoor kitchen frame kit that saves time and provides value for all. The expensive nature of building a custom outdoor kitchen frame has long been a pain point, we've set out to make an affordable and...

uniframesystems.com

Cabinet Component System™ Outdoor Kitchen Islands | Stone Age Manufacturing

Stone Age’s Cabinet Component System™ modular masonry outdoor kitchen islands offer the utmost quality, strength, and durability, as well as unparalleled design flexibility for outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas.

stoneagemanufacturing.com