How to Build a Barbecue Grill Island

A typical barbecue grill does not normally offer sufficient space for working and cooking with different foods. Building a barbecue grill island which offers better cooking and storage solutions is undoubtedly the best way to solve this problem.

Pressure treated lumber offers better moisture resistance and so is especially suited for use in places that receive plenty of rainfall. Backer board is nothing but paper and cement pressed to each other to create a sheet that is durable and smooth, and which is used to cover tiles.

Step 1 - Good Building Tips

Be sure to follow proper building tips such as to always create squares with faultless right angles and ensure keeping the level absolutely even. Follow the principle of measuring twice and cutting once. These basics must be used from the first step and up to the very end.

Step 2 - Identify a Location

It is important to decide on a suitable place to locate the island. Once this is done, then level that area and make use of concrete pads to create an even foundation. It is important to measure the size of the proposed island and then purchase backer boards of the right size which helps to ensure that the need to cut will be kept to a minimum. To make the grill face, it is important to use materials in 12 inch pieces with 3 pieces to be used to make up one side and five will make up the other.

Step 3 - Putting the Frame Together

Use 2 by 4s to make up the runner which can be connected to the frame’s 4 by 4s. With the help of nail gun or by using screws and starting from one corner of the frame, join the frame together at oblique angles.

Step 4 - Affix Sides and Top

Once the frame has been completed, the next step is to join the sides and the top. This step requires adhering to proper building basics: keep things square and level and plumb. First, nail the top in place and then select a location for the grill. Install the grill in this place and then cut out an opening in the barbecue island from its top as well as in the front side cement board. Be careful to use a wet saw for this as it will, whilst cutting the cement board, keep dust levels down to a bare minimum. Next, reinforce the edges with some 2 by 4s to help reinforce the island so that it can hold the grille weight without collapsing.

Step 5 - Connecting Gas Line

Drop the gas line into free space beneath the opening and let the line run from the back of the grill to a propane tank.

Step 6 - Grouting and Tiling

Grouting and tiling can take up a lot of time, but once completed, will prove to be a very rewarding experience. Choose any tile color that suits the yard and ensure to use similar colors as well as materials that are being used in the kitchen. Using larger sized tiles ensures less time taken to complete tiling and the grouting. However, small sized tiles can make things look more interesting. To get the grouting right, mix thin-set mortar that dries fast and continue mixing till a peanut butter-like consistency is achieved. Be careful that the grout is neither overly thick (harder to spread) nor too thin (causes bubbles).

The key to building a barbecue grill island is in keeping everything absolutely level. This means that when laying tiles there will be need to push and pull until the top looks perfectly even. After the tile has been laid, begin grouting. Before the grout becomes too hard, be sure to use some clean water (a bucketful is necessary) to sponge away remnants of unwanted grout.

Step 7 - Finishing Up

After the tiling is completed, allow 2 or even 3 days to elapse and then apply some sealant to the stone.