DIY Outdoor Kitchen with Grill Island: Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wished you had your own outdoor island bar and grill where you could hang out with your friends? A dinner gathering beside your outdoor kitchen island with sink and refrigerator sounds exciting! Let's make the most of your outdoor living space.
One of the most popular projects in the booming home remodeling and renovating industry is the Outdoor Kitchen. The best outdoor kitchens are just as functional as an indoor kitchen, as inviting as your living room, and as excellent as an entertainment room.
Building an outdoor kitchen is not as easy as it looks. But if you plan it thoroughly, whether you're gathering a family BBQ or hosting a lavish outdoor dinner party, your outdoor kitchen island ideas will absolutely be fulfilled.
If you're considering building an outdoor kitchen, then let this be your guide.
What is a Grill Island?
Grill Islands or Outdoor Grilling Islands provide a convenient prep station for outdoor cooking. Although they are usually found next to full-sized outdoor kitchens, Grill Islands can be used on their own. Outdoor kitchen grill islands are a great way to add space, extra cooking surface, storage, and seating to outdoor spaces in your home such as the backyard, patio, or deck.
You can also add extras like an outdoor kitchen island with refrigerator, island outdoor grill with sink, and an outdoor bar island with stylish seating. It's also an easy way to set up an outdoor island table, invite friends over, or just make dinner even more of an event.
You're probably asking yourself, "How to build an outdoor grill island?” or “How to build an outdoor kitchen island grill?" – Well, if you got the skills, the tools, and a few helping hands, you can build an island grill or outdoor kitchen. Below is the step-by-step guide that will make even the most challenging projects simple.
1. The Planning Process
Before showing you how to build a BBQ island outdoor kitchen, let's start with a plan. Planning out your dream outdoor kitchen can seem like a daunting task. Let’s keep everything simple. If you want a beautiful and practical outdoor kitchen, this guide is for you.
Space and Location
Your outdoor living space will be the first thing you need. After all, the size of your outdoor space will determine the size of the island grill.
Do you have a vacant lot that would be perfect for a beautiful outdoor kitchen? Do you already have a patio or backyard? Or do you need to set up one? One solution is to build your backyard island kitchen in an existing location. This includes using a space that is already available rather than letting it go unused or not having a better location to place it.
Do you prefer your outdoor grill kitchen near or far from your house? There are 2 types of outdoor island kitchens: Perimeter and Satellite.
- Perimeter Outdoor Kitchen - located near or against your home's wall.
- Satellite Outdoor Kitchen - located far from the house.
You should take a lot of things into account when you plan outdoor kitchen islands. Especially if you want an outdoor kitchen and grill island, space and location are very important. Next are utility lines...
Utility Lines
Depending on your choice of outdoor kitchen appliances, outdoor grill designs, and BBQ island designs and layout, make sure lines such as water, electricity, and gas lines are easily accessible. Usually, the outdoor kitchen gets its power, water, and gas lines from the house.
Do you plan to build an outdoor grill island with sink? Make sure a water line is installed in that area. If you prefer a natural gas outdoor kitchen or want natural gas grill islands, be sure you have access to natural gas lines.
You will want BBQ grills outlets if your outdoor BBQ grills are electric. For your kitchen lights and other electrically powered appliances, you will also require electrical outlets.
Grill and Outdoor Appliances
Aside from the grill BBQ, do you want to include any other appliances?
Homeowners are increasingly installing specialized equipment to their modern outdoor kitchen island, such as BBQ island drawers, island fridges, BBQ island with smokers, BBQ island doors, gas island grill heads, outdoor kitchen with freestanding grills, outdoor island vent hoods, and other portable outdoor kitchen island appliances.
Even though they are not necessary, they make outdoor cooking more fun!
Additionally, you should choose stainless steel appliances that can withstand the weather – from scorching hot summers to freezing cold winters. It’s wise to have a stainless steel outdoor kitchen island, which works well for all weather conditions.
Best Outdoor Kitchen Appliances and Best Outdoor Kitchen Components
1. Grills
The main equipment for your outdoor cooking island.
Featured: American Made Grills AMG Muscle 54" Hybrid Freestanding Gas Grill
2. Grills Parts and Accessories
To enhance your cooking experience!
3. Outdoor Refrigeration & Refreshment Centers
Don't forget to complete your cold station.
4. Outdoor Heating
Extend your BBQ season by keeping your outdoor kitchen warm, cozy, and inviting!
Determine Your Cooking Style
Gas, electric, or charcoal? Each has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
- Gas Grills are the easiest outdoor grill BBQ to use and excellent for outdoor cooking.
- Electric Grills are easier and safer to use, but these modern outdoor grills can be expensive.
- Charcoal Grills will cook food with less convenience but a more traditional barbecue flavor.
So, which style of cooking do you prefer?
Decide on the Size
Now that you've chosen your grill type, what size should it have?
It always comes down to how many people you'll be cooking for on a regular basis. If you only have a few guests, choose a smaller one. And of course, the more guests you have, the bigger the grill or a big island BBQ you'll need.
Size isn't just a grill thing, too... You should also take other appliances' sizes into account. Do you need a large fridge or could a smaller one be enough? Do you need more outdoor kitchen island cabinets? Perhaps you may eliminate some it turns out that you don't really need so many.
Determine your Appliance Budget
The final deciding factor: Your budget.
How much are you willing to spend on this DIY Outdoor Kitchen project and appliances? Additionally, there are plenty of grill options available. How much money you are ready to spend will determine what is feasible for your project.
2. Materials Used for an Outdoor Kitchen
When choosing materials, it's important to keep in mind that an indoor kitchen is different from an outdoor kitchen – more exposed to extreme weather conditions. The materials are the foundation of outdoor barbecue islands.
Stainless steel outdoor kitchen islands or metal outdoor kitchen with islands are the most common since they are lightweight, versatile, and reasonably priced. The only downside is that over time, even though the majority of metal frames are corrosion resistant, moisture will eventually penetrate into the metal frame, particularly in places with frequent freeze/thaw cycles.
Ever thought of how to build a BBQ island with wood? Unfortunately, using wood is not something we recommend. Why? Because wood is extremely prone to damage.
Concrete is a material you might want to consider because it won't rust or corrode when exposed to moisture.
After a brief overview of the materials, let's go over the different construction types...
3. Different Construction Types
The frame is the key to your success. The frame method will be used to build outdoor kitchens – if you get it correctly, you'll have no trouble attaining your BBQ island ideas and goals!
Wood Frame
We don't really recommend using wood to build an outdoor kitchen as it won’t last for years. Nevertheless, wood frame DIY outdoor kitchens are common because they're simple and affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage and not weather resistant. Also, you will need insulated jackets and grill liners for your cooking equipment if you're going for a wood frame.
Metal Frame
Construction with metal frames is basically the same as construction with wood frames. If you're building it from scratch, you'll be in charge of doing all the preparation work, locating all the supplies, and cutting the metal studs. You'll need a few special considerations and tools to complete the job. Overall, metal and wood frames are both often constructed similarly.
Concrete
Concrete construction definitely needs the most skill. Only use this method if you are experienced. The art of masonry is a totally different thing. Without prior masonry experience, building a concrete outdoor kitchen is going to be challenging. Aside from that, metal and wood are lighter than concrete blocks. Your patio or deck's structural footings may therefore need to be taken into consideration.
RTF
Ready-to-Finish or RTF systems are designed to make processes easier. This type of system is a fast and efficient method to build DIY outdoor kitchens. RTF systems are partially completed and have already been trimmed and ready for installation. Some will also have pre-cut cement boards. Just install the appliances and utility lines and finish it out yourself.
RTA
Reading all these construction methods can be overwhelming as they need a lot of work and preparation, so we totally understand!
Luckily, you don't have to put yourself through all of this trouble!
Ready-to-Assemble or RTA Outdoor Kitchen Island Kits are the easiest DIY outdoor kitchen method, which can be completed in a few hours. It's as easy as putting together a piece of furniture! No expert skills are required.
Featured: Mont Alpi 805 Black Stainless Steel Island with Fridge Cabinet is one of our best-selling outdoor grill island kits and has the top Mont Alpi 805 Island Grill reviews.
BBQ Grill Islands & Outdoor Kitchen Kits are like the outdoor kitchen package because these outdoor grilling station kits have everything you need.
Check out our best backyard BBQ islands:
- Mont Alpi Grill Islands - Mont Alpi Island Grills are the ultimate outdoor cooking station, which includes Mont Alpi 400 Deluxe Island and Mont Alpi 805 Deluxe Island Grill.
- Blaze Outdoor Grill Island / Blaze BBQ Islands - Blaze Island Grills also provides accessories to finish your unfinished BBQ island kits.
- American Outdoor Grills - AOG grill islands and BBQ outdoor kitchen islands enhance outdoor cooking with style.
- Fire Magic Grill Islands - Fire Magic Island Grills are known for their elegant Fire Magic BBQ Islands and L-shaped Outdoor Islands.
4. Considerations for your budget
Finally, the cost to build outdoor kitchen...
The resources you choose and the size of the outdoor BBQ islands you build will affect the total cost of your DIY Outdoor Kitchen project. If you're trying to keep costs down or stay within your budget, here's a tip: Make a list of your "needs" and "wants"
Just keep in mind that you should never compromise on the products and materials. Your outdoor kitchen won’t last a lifetime if you use low-quality materials.
When the price starts to seem a bit high, you can slash off some of your "wants". By doing this, you can keep all the important elements without going over budget.
And that's it!
5. Final Words
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to make the most of your property. They are perfect for cooking meals, socializing with friends and family, and even entertaining. However, having a DIY Outdoor Kitchen has its pros and cons.
A DIY Outdoor Kitchen allows you to customize or personalize it in any way you want, but it can be expensive or costly. You may have the freedom and flexibility that comes with building your own, but do you have enough space for it? Remember that an outdoor kitchen requires space and weather protection. One of the best things about DIY Outdoor Kitchen is that not only is it great for prep work, but it also provides extra storage space for tools, cooking equipment and accessories perfectly tailored for your needs.
FAQs
What is the estimated cost to build an Outdoor Kitchen?
The cost to build outdoor kitchen will depend on the size of the space, materials, and appliances to be used. An estimated cost to build outdoor kitchens ranges from $5,000 to $30,000.
How much is an Outdoor Kitchen Kit?
Costs for outdoor kitchen island kits or outdoor kitchen BBQ grill island kits range from $2000 to $10,000 or more.
Where to buy an island for kitchen?
You can buy island kitchen for sale, outdoor kitchens for sale, BBQ islands for sale, outdoor grill for sale, grill islands for sale, and outdoor kitchen islands for sale from a trusted and authorized dealer like Flame Authority.
Shop for BBQ Grill Island Kits & Outdoor Kitchen Kits at Flame Authority now!
If you have any concerns about our products, contact us or call our customer service representative at 1-800-923-4556 or email us at support@flameauthority.com
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