DIY Outdoor Kitchens
Building your own outdoor kitchen is possible with the right preparation and planning, and that is exactly what we are going to walk you through in this article today. Being in charge of your DIY outdoor kitchen will save you money and allow you to be in control of the entire process.
If you need to speed it up or slow it down, you control the rate at which the job moves. Cost and control are the biggest benefits of doing-it-yourself, so let’s take a look at the equipment you will need and the materials you can choose from when building your own DIY outdoor kitchen.
Decide Your Material Of The Frame
You will need a few pieces of equipment for building the DIY outdoor kitchen frame, but in order to know the equipment you need, you will need to decide the material you will be using to build the kitchen. The material you choose will determine what equipment you need for the job.
Brick Frame
For a brick outdoor kitchen, you will need the following equipment:
- Trowel
- Level
- Mortar pan/Mortar Tub
- Mortar Hoe
The biggest benefit of a brick outdoor kitchen is the durability the brick and mortar will provide. Brick is resistant to weather and can withstand excessive wind and rain while it remains outdoors. Additionally, brick is not combustible, so you do not need to add an insulation jacket to your grill for protection as you would combustible materials.
Because of its durability, brick is an expensive option for framing your outdoor kitchen.
Wood Frame
For an outdoor kitchen built from a wood frame, you will need the following equipment:
- Shovel
- Saw (hand, table, or circular)
- Hammer
- Drill
Wood is a combustible material. If you choose to frame your outdoor kitchen with wood, you will need to make sure that the grill in your outdoor kitchen is lined with an insulated jacket. An insulated jacket will keep the heat and open flame contained within the grill and prevent it from spreading and catching nearby combustible materials on fire, should an accident occur.
Wood is generally a lower-costing option for a DIY outdoor kitchen.
Cinder Block Frame
For an outdoor kitchen built from cinderblock, you will need the following equipment:
- Shovel
- Trowel
- Level
- Mortar pan/Mortar Tub
Like brick, cinder block is a non-combustible material. This means that you do not have to worry about the material catching on fire in the event a fire starts in the outdoor grill. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the added cost of adding an insulated jacket to your grill for safety.
Cinder block is cheaper than brick but slightly more expensive than wood. Because it is non-combustible and affordable, it is a good option for an outdoor kitchen.
The Next Decision: Walls And Countertops
Continuing with the equipment list, you will need to decide what material you want the walls and the countertop of your outdoor kitchen to be. Knowing the material you choose will determine the various equipment you need for the job.
We’ll start with the walls first and then move into the countertops.
Stone Walls
If you are installing stone walls in your DIY outdoor kitchen, you will need the following equipment:
- Mortar Hoe
- Mortar pan/Mortar Tub
- Trowel
- Trimmer
Stone walls are beautiful and come in a variety of colors. They are also durable, non-combustible, and will last for years. Because they are non-combustible, you do not have to add an insulation jacket to your grill, as long as the frame of the outdoor kitchen is made of non-combustible material as well.
Stone is generally the most expensive option for outdoor kitchen walls; however, stone is non-combustible, durable, and will last years after installation, making it a great decision for your outdoor kitchen if you can afford it.
Stucco Walls
When installing stucco walls to your outdoor patio kitchen, you will require the following equipment to install:
- Trowel
- Mortar pan/Mortar Tub
- Mortar Hoe
- Drill
Stucco is incredibly easy to apply with a trowel, and once it is applied, it makes the walls non-combustible. Due to its cement-like construction, stucco will make your kitchen very durable and able to withstand natural elements, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens. It will stand the test of time!
Not only is stucco easy to apply, it is also incredibly affordable! For those who are budget-conscious, stucco is the best option for you as it is an inexpensive installation and finish that is still quite popular.
Wood Walls
The last option of walls you can install in your outdoor kitchen is wood, and you will need the following equipment:
- Saw (hand. table, or Circular)
- Hammer
- Level
- Tape Measure
Coming in a variety of colors and textures, wood is perfect for anyone who wants a timeless style and appealing woodgrain detail for their outdoor kitchen. Wood is also incredibly durable and strong when maintained and sealed properly, meaning it will last you and your family for many years to come.
Not only is wood inexpensive and easy to install, but you will also need to install an insulation jacket on your grill, as well as factor in frequent maintenance to keep the wood from deteriorating quicker than normal.
Tile Countertops
Next is the countertops. When installing tile countertops, you will need to use the following equipment:
- Saw
- Wet Saw
- Tape Measure
- Level
One of the most common and popular materials for outdoor kitchen countertops, tile countertops are affordable, come in many colors and designs, and are easy to install. Once installed, they are durable, easy to clean and maintain, and resistant to stains. Tile countertops are the best option for anyone who wants a budget-friendly option for their patio kitchen projects.
Concrete Countertops
A step above tile countertops is concrete. You will need the following equipment to install concrete countertops:
- Saw
- Sander
- Nail Gun
- Shovel
While the equipment list is a little bit longer than most countertops, concrete is a good option because it is affordable, customizable, and durable. The downside to concrete countertops is the possibility of scratching. Because of this, concrete countertops should often be applied with a sealant and wax to keep it from deteriorating quickly.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are at the top of the countertop list, and you will need the following equipment when installing the countertops:
- Level
- Seam Setter
- Caulk Gun
- Grinder
Granite is the most expensive countertop, but it also has the most options when it comes to shapes, sizes, and designs of all countertop types. Granite countertops are extremely durable and easy to clean, making them worth the price tag. One of the most popular countertops, granite gives you a classic look to your outdoor space while keeping it modern and chic in style.
Make Your Decision
Now that you know the equipment you will need to use to install your DIY outdoor kitchen, you can make your decision on what type of kitchen to install. If you already own the equipment you will need in order to install the type of frame, walls, and countertop you prefer; then this will mean less money it will cost to build your DIY outdoor kitchen, as that will be less money you will have to spend purchasing equipment for the job.
As you are in charge of your DIY outdoor kitchen, you can take as little or as long as you need to get the job done.
