Outdoor Kitchen Series: How to DIY Your Outdoor Kitchen
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Outdoor kitchens can become pretty pricey when you take into account the materials and contractors you need to build your dream. Hiring a contractor is a great idea if you are short on time or have the extra room in your budget. However, a more cost-effective option is to DIY it or Do-It-Yourself! With a few tools and some manual work, you can create your dream outdoor kitchen at a fraction of the cost. Luckily, the Appliance Educator team has a few tips and tricks on how to DIY your outdoor kitchen in our fourth and final blog of Outdoor Kitchen Series! Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips and tricks for all things DIY!
Package available from grillnetics
The first aspect to consider is the island frame. There are a good amount of unfinished options available to purchase for the frame. One company that offers multiple frame styles and options is Grillnetics. They have grill and cabinet packages, but also individual frame pieces that allow you to create your whole own set-up. The other option is to build your own with brick, cinder-block, or wood. The easiest option is to use wood because it requires minimal experience craft and a cost-effective material. For example, here is a how-to video on how to build your own wood frame.
Next, you have to choose the rest of your materials for the foundation. Again, the easiest and most economical option for the walls is wood because it requires very minimal experience. Another great material is stucco because it’s fairly easy to install and is flame-retardant. For counter-tops, we recommend tile because of all the great benefits that come with it. Tile is extremely easy to clean, comes in many colors and patterns, and can last for many years with minimal care.
There’s a few things to remember when building your own outdoor kitchen such as vent panels. Most outdoor appliances require that outdoor kitchen areas have proper ventilation to prevent any hazards. You will need a vent panel on each side of your cooking appliance, as well as a few on the back. You will also want to include an insulated jacket for combustible appliances such as your grill. You definitely don’t want to see your brand new outdoor kitchen in flames!
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure the cutouts in your foundation fit the outdoor appliances you have purchased. Additionally, make sure your appliances are outdoor rated to ensure they last through outdoor climates. Some appliances cannot be safely used outside, so it’s important to check the safety features! If you’re confused on where to start on selecting outdoor appliances, check out our blog on Essential Outdoor Kitchen Appliances!
We hope you enjoyed our blog series on Outdoor Kitchens! Keep following our blog for the best kitchen appliances, remodels, and renovation tips. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for our latest updates!
