For many, weekends and holidays are incomplete without barbecue. This is where an outdoor grilling station makes perfect sense.
Similar to a DIY pizza oven, a grilling station is an ideal setup for entertaining, especially when you have quite a few friends or relatives coming over. There are so many ways to do it, and it really depends on your cooking styles and needs.
Since you’re going the DIY route, your options for customizations are endless. In this short guide, we’ll show you how to make a basic DIY outdoor grill station, plus several ideas to make the most out of your new setup.
DIY Outdoor Grill Station Project
For this grill station, you are basically constructing an outdoor kitchen island that will house your equipment. That said, let’s start with a basic kitchen island design. After that, we’ll give you ideas on how to upgrade it to suit your needs.
Step 1: Measure, Measure, and Measure
Start by measuring the width and depth of your grill. As you do, don’t forget to consider things like gas lines and other items that may protrude from the back. This way, you can adjust your measurements accordingly.
Typically, you want to add a 0.5-inch extra to the dimensions of your kitchen island. Next, measure the distance from the ground or base of your island to the top of your grill. Subtract two inches from the height to adjust for the countertop.
For this design, we are using a freestanding grill as a fundamental option. However, if you prefer a different style or type of grill, such as a standalone charcoal grill, you have to adjust the measurements.
After getting the height, you can now measure the length of your countertop. The best thing about DIY projects is that you can decide how big you want them to be. If you prefer more counter space, make it longer. You can also design the grill station so that the grill sits in between the countertop or a little bit further on one side.
Step 2: Prep the Materials
For this DIY project, you will need many different types of tools. Hopefully, you already have the majority of these in your toolbox:
- Tape measure
- Framing square
- Adjustable pocket jig
- Level
- Safety glasses, work gloves, earplugs
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Bit driver and bits
- Wood sander
After gathering the needed tools, check your DIY arsenal or visit your local shop for these materials and supplies:
- Wood glue or adhesive
- The countertop of your choice
- 2 x 4 maple lumber
- 3/4 x 4 maple lumber
- 3/4 marine plywood
- Pocket hole screws and exterior wood screws
Since you’re building a piece of outdoor furniture, you need durable wood that can withstand harsh elements.
You can use any wood you like for the frame slats and body of your kitchen island, but we recommend cedar. Nothing looks and feels or even smells like red cedarwood. Plus, it’s naturally resistant to insects, which means it will last for a long time.
Step 3: Construct the Frame
On your working table or the ground, lay out the U-shaped top and base for the island. The measurement will depend on the total width, depth, and opening dimension of the grill. Cut the 2 x 4 lumber accordingly.
Then, use wood glue to connect the edges of the wood pieces and then screw them together using your power drill. Add support wood pieces to keep the top and base frames secure and stable. Again, you want to glue and screw everything together.
Step 4: Build the Vertical Corners
Now it’s time to build the vertical corners by joining two pieces of 1 x 4 pine using pocket screws. You will be attaching the vertical to the base of the frame. Hence, subtract 3.75 inches to the height of your grill, plus another one or 1.5 inches for the countertop height. You need two vertical corners for your grill station.
Make sure to reinforce the worktop by adding vertical slats. Cut several 1.5-inch 2 x 4 to provide extra support for the worktop and screw them into the top frame.
Step 5: Assemble the Kitchen Island
Most homeowners prefer lots of storage. If you’re thinking of adding doors and storage on your grilling island, sheet the base frame with plywood. Next, attach the verticals to the base, working upside down. Don’t forget to glue the joints or edges. Also, make sure they are fixed before drilling and connecting the pieces with screws.
Once the verticals are securely attached to the base frame, you can add the top frame. To do this, turn the assembled piece over and install furniture-leveling feet at each corner. Then, follow that up with two feet on the center part across the back.
At this point, you can also add wheels for portability and mobility. However, if you intend to place the grill station at a fixed location in your backyard, you don’t need to add wheels. Put the frame back in its final position and check for level.
Step 6: Add the Countertop
You’ll want to pick an easy-clean countertop for your outdoor grill station. Your best options are natural stone, tile, or concrete. You want to make sure you choose a material designed to withstand the elements. This way, it will retain its color and beauty over time.
If you prefer a manufactured countertop like quartz, talk to the manufacturer first. Most pigments used for this type of countertop aren’t for outdoor use. Installing a countertop can be challenging. To avoid cracks or damage, you can also ask the manufacturer to install it for you.
Step 7: Install the Clad Exterior
You can use a range of materials to clad the exterior. Choose from wood or metal or even masonry. If you want your grill station to look rustic, reclaimed wood is an ideal option.
On the other hand, if you have used wood pallets from your previous DIY project, you can use that, too. Simply cut them down into strips of about a quarter of an inch thick. For a more modern look, use plywood for the exterior surface. Make sure to sand it to achieve a smooth finish, and then paint the assembly in the color you like.
At this point, you can decide whether you want to add doors to your kitchen island. While closed storage offers a clutter-free look, an open shelf may look more artsy and creative.
Tips to Level Up Your DIY Grill Station
Now that you have a basic outdoor grill station, it’s time to personalize it based on your needs. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
1. Install a pull-out table.
If you’re the type of cook who cannot get enough counter space, a pull-out table is an excellent feature to incorporate into your grill station.
2. Make a grill station and bar combo.
Barbecues and beer (or wine) make excellent pairs, so why not attach a minibar to your grill station? Don’t forget to make some DIY outdoor stools for the ultimate rustic dining and entertaining experience.
3. Make it portable.
Are you a fan of charcoal grills? If so, making an outdoor grill station is a lot easier. Instead of a full-sized kitchen island, you only need to build a portable cart with a hole on the worktop to fit your grill in.
You can choose to cover the sides of your cart or keep them open. Then, add plenty of shelves for storage and hooks for hanging pots, tongs, and other grilling tools.
Weekends Made More Fun!
You will find many ways to level up your grilling area, but a DIY outdoor grill station will surely top any list. With one, you won’t have to run back and forth; you can just prep everything you need right there and then.
Because you have complete control of its design, size, and storage options, it’s a cost-effective way of ensuring your outdoor cooking needs are met. Basically, a DIY grill station serves as a perfect mini-kitchen for weekend family gatherings and other special occasions. So, get your tools and supplies ready and give this easy project a go.