When it comes to doing it yourself, Fix My House has the best advice out there! This week we wanted to give you the opportunity to build a DIY outdoor grill! It’s Fall and that means plenty of football and cook-outs. This is your time to shine. Prepare for the year of your best BBQ on a DIY Outdoor Grill.
How to Start: DIY Outdoor Grill
Take Measurements
Size up the base. Measure the width and depth of the grill, making sure to account for any items (i.e., gas lines) protruding off the back. Add 1/2″ to each measurement. This will be the size of the opening created for the grill. Next measure the distance from the ground to the lid and subtract 2″. This will be the countertop height. Next determine the total width and depth of the island. A good starting point is to multiply the grill width by three. This will give equal countertop area on both sides of the grill. Take the grill depth and add 6 1/2″ to achieve the total depth.
Construct the Island Frame
Frame the U-shaped top and base for the island using the total width, depth and grill opening dimensions. Frame each piece with pressure-treated studs and wood screws.
Construct Corners
Create the vertical corners by joining two pieces of 1×4 pressure-treated pine with pocket screws or face-driven wood screws. Subtract 3.75″ plus the countertop thickness (usually 1 to 1.5″) from the overall countertop height to determine the lengths of the verticals.
Assemble Parts
Add a 1×4 edge band around the top frame to support the countertop. Optionally, sheet the base frame with plywood if adding operable doors and storage in the island. Attach the base, verticals and top frame with four wood screws at each corner. Turn the completed frame over and install furniture-leveling feet at each corner and 2′ on center across the back.
Select Countertop Material
Consult a local countertop fabricator to select an easy-clean countertop material that will stand up to the elements. Once the material is selected and the lead time established, ask the installer to template the island frame, adding a 1″ overhang around the perimeter. Be sure to account for the thickness of any cladding in addition to the overhang.
Install Frame and Countertop
Install the island frame in its final position and check for level. Adjust the feet and, if necessary, add a plastic shim if the ground variance exceeds the range of the leveling feet. Install the countertop, being sure to have the grill handy in case any final adjustments are required to the top.
Clad Exterior
The face of the island can be clad in a range of materials from metal to masonry or wood. In this case, reclaimed pine studs left over from a renovation were cut down into 3/4″ strips and then installed with 15 ga. finish nails driven into the top and base framing. If installing a different material, such as masonry, it may be necessary to clad the exterior with sheathing first. Take this opportunity to decide if operable doors for storage in the base are necessary.
Install Grill
Slide the grill into place, making sure not to crimp any exterior lines. Make sure grill front is flush with island face to allow for airflow behind the grill.
Need An Expert?
As a home construction, remodel, and repair company, the Fix My House mission is to make all Arizona neighborhoods beautiful, one home at a time. Think a DIY outdoor grill is a little too ambitious for your skills? Call the us today for our expertise in home renovation! Call (602) 344-9099 or visit our Contact page!