How to Plan and Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Design Your Project the Easy Way

Whether I’m designing a simple jig or an entire kitchen, I always lay my projects out in SketchUp first. This free 3D modeling program is easy to learn and an essential part of my tool kit.

• First, I transferred all my measurements into SketchUp. Next, I created the skeleton of the island. I modeled the steel studs and U-channels, then the frame.
• Next, I created a shell over the frame, representing the cement board, to determine the total square footage of the surface area for the board and tile.

Make a Cutting List

• I use an extension in SketchUp that generates a cutting list for me. It labels each part with a key to forecast the project’s material costs.
• If you’re using SketchUp, go to the extension’s warehouse and search for Cutlist Pro. You’ll get accurate cutting lists quickly.

Cut The Metal Studs

Metal studs and U-channels are readily available, easy to work with and inexpensive. This is perfect for building an outdoor kitchen from scratch. Unlike wood frames, metal studs create a light frame that’s easy to move around. It’s also fireproof.

• I used self-tapping metal screws with low-profile heads to assemble the frame.
  • Pro tip: Always wear full protective gear when cutting steel: face and eye protection, gloves and earplugs.

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Frame With Metal Studs

• Assembling metal studs and U-channels is easy with the right screws. I used 1/2-in. self-tapping stainless steel screws.
• A jig helped me keep the parts square to each other. I used locking pliers with a flat jaw face to keep the two layers of steel together while driving the screws.

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Install Electrical Conduit

• Once the frame is built, it’s time to run the utilities. Both the refrigerator and grill need electricity, so I hid that receptacle inside the island.
• If you want to install outlets on the exterior, use outdoor-rated outlet boxes.

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Attach Fiber Cement Board

• Using one-inch self-tapping screws, attach the backer board to the steel frame.
• I used waterproof cement Hardie Backer Board ($25 for a 3- x 5-ft. sheet). You can cut this material easily on your circular saw with a fiber cement blade. You’ll make a ton of unhealthy dust, so wear a respirator!
  • Pro tip: To do this dust-free, score it on both sides with a utility knife and snap it. This eats up blades but saves your lungs.

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Choose Durable Cladding

• Woods such as cedar are well-suited for outdoor use but still require maintenance.
• To keep this island fireproof, I chose tile that emulates weathered wood grain. Installation was more work, but the tile is maintenance-free and will last a lifetime.

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Install Vents

• When you enclose gas in any structure, whether an LP tank or a natural gas line, you need proper venting to avoid a dangerous buildup of fumes.
• I cut two vent holes on each end of the island and installed vent louvers with stainless steel screws.
  • Pro tip: Learn from my mistake — I forgot to cut the vent holes before tiling the exterior. Instead of getting nice, clean cuts with a tile saw, I had to use an angle grinder to cut through the tile, mortar and cement board all at once. Talk about making more dusty work for myself!

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Design Your Outdoor Space

Talk to the manufacturer

• When installing gas grills, mistakes can be costly. If you have any questions or concerns, call the manufacturer before you start.

Consider your plumbing and electrical needs

• If you think you may install a sink and dishwasher, or other appliances that require electricity or plumbing, talk to a pro first. Go over everything before you start building.

Propane or natural gas?

• If you’re running natural gas, get that gas line installed and ready to go before you build. Check your local building codes to see if you need a licensed professional for this.

Take measurements

• Decide where your outdoor kitchen needs to be. Then grab a measuring tape, a notepad and a helper.
• When determining the size of your kitchen, give yourself enough room for entertaining, not just cooking!

Eliminate mistakes

• Whether or not you have SketchUp, making cutting and materials lists is an important exercise. It helps estimate costs and minimize mistakes.

Additional Elements To Consider

Kegerator

• Some would call this a necessity, and maybe it is. Your guests may appreciate a kegerator for the readily available cold beer.

Grill

• Available in two-, four- or six-burner configurations to fit any outdoor kitchen.

Side burner

• Perfect for the rice or pasta pot.

Refrigerator

• Keep those veggies fresh and close at hand.

Dishwasher

• If you have plumbing for a sink, why not add a dishwasher?

Storage

• Always needed. Cabinets and drawers help keep your outdoor kitchen space neat and organized.

Sink

• It increases the complexity of your build, but an outdoor sink is much better than a garden hose. Here are our favorite outdoor sink ideas.

Consider Countertop Options

Wood

• While beautiful, wood is probably the worst choice for outdoor countertops.
• It will require yearly upkeep — best to just avoid this one.

Cement

• Making a cement countertop is a ton of fun, but it’s a heavyweight project.
• If done right, cement can produce a long-lasting, beautiful countertop. If not, it can crack, crumble and deteriorate within a single season.

Natural stone

• By far the most durable and longest-lasting outdoor countertop choice. This is what we chose.
• I thought I could find a stone countertop remnant and cut it myself, but the process isn’t as DIY-friendly as I thought. It’s risky, messy and creates hazardous dust.
• Instead, I gave my SketchUp file to the artisans at StoneSourceUSA.com. I picked out a beautiful piece of granite and had them cut it for me.