DIY Network

Cooking Area Layout Cooking Area Layout From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-211

This outdoor cooking area is adjacent to room featured in a previous Weekend Landscaping episode. By expanding the entertainment area to include a large outdoor kitchen, a unified living space is created right off the homeowner's patio....

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

A state-of-the-art grill provides multiple cooking surfaces for a variety of foods, and a large glass countertop supported by concrete pedestals provides dining space for friends and family. Concrete stools provide permanent, all-weather seating.

Some prep work is required before starting this project. First, it's necessary to shop around for the grill. Since they come in a wide range of prices, sizes and configurations, this will help ensure a good price on whichever model is chosen. This also allows for the grill to be purchased in advanced, then delivered in time for the weekend project. Depending on the type of grill selected, it may be necessary to arrange for the installation of gas and/or electric hookups nearby. Finally, remove any sod in the room space, and rake and grade the soil so it's level.

Steps:

1. Measure out the space for the kitchen and the garden. This space is designed to be a series of arc's, with the largest arc being the kitchen area, which is placed at the edge of the game area.

2. Measure out 15 feet from the starting point, and go 2 feet after that to start the arcs (figure A).

3. Mark the 15 feet line with paint, chalk or flour for reference (figure B).

4. Tie off a string in the center at the starting point, and use the string as an easy guide to make a neat clean radius (figure C).

Figure D

5. Beyond the cooking area will be planting beds for vegetables, fruit and herbs. These are defined with edging, so trenches are dug for the edging. Redwood bender boards are used for the edging, since they are flexible enough to conform to the arc design, and they don't deteriorate as quickly as some edgings (figure D). Some plastic edgings are too crumbly or too stiff to bend, and wooden edgings can also be too rigid to use with a curved design. Not only is the redwood edging flexible, but since it will set up approximately an inch above the ground, it will create a nice edge for the plant beds.

Installing the edging...

...and staking the edging.

Tip: If you choose not to use redwood or cedar edging, make sure the material that is used has been weather treated.

6. Decomposed granite is used as a surfacing material for the kitchen area. It is a great choice for a surfacing material because it compacts firmly in place while being porous enough to allow water to pass through. And, if there are any grease spatters or spills from the grill, you don't have to worry about slick walkways.

7. After the decomposed granite is in place (figure E), it will need a good misting from a garden hose to help remove air pockets. Don't soak it, just mist it, and then go over it with a sod roller to firmly compact it in place (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F