DIY Network

Diseases & Weeds
Flowers
Fruits & Vegetables
General Information
Container Gardening
Insects & Pests
Kids Gardening
Lawns & Landscaping

Landscaping, Arranging & Mulching
Raised Beds
Structures, Walls & Walkways
Other

Plants & Foliage
Public Gardens
Seasons & Zones
Services & Associations
Shrubs & Trees
Soil & Water
Structures & Ornaments
Tools
Water Gardening
Wildlife

SPONSOR LINKS

Installing the Outdoor Kitchen Island

From "Grounds for Improvement"
episode DGFI-204

Figure A

Having existing utility connections in place on the patio as it is renovated into a cooler, more user-friendly space is a big advantage for Deven and Jordan Brown. Not only does it save on the cost of the renovations, it also speeds up the installation process of the modular kitchen island, which comes complete with a three-burner gas grill and a refrigerator (figure A). The exterior stucco finish was applied professionally to match the house.

To align the island hook-up with the existing gas line, the location of the gas line is measured both vertically and horizontally (figure B). These measurements, 24-1/2" high and 6-1/2" from the outside corner of the house, are then transferred to the side wall of the island (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

The space is drilled out to create a small square opening, sized to accommodate both the gas line and the electrical cord for the refrigerator. Dean drills holes in each of the four corners of the square, then uses a jigsaw to finish cutting out the rest of the square (figure D). With the opening finished, the island unit is carefully moved into place over the gas line, making sure not to bend or stress the gas pipe.

Tiles measuring 12"x12" are used on the prep surface. After they have been laid out on the island top to determine the pattern and where cuts will need to be made, the tiling begins at the counter face edge, working around and across the countertop. Tile cuts are made with a wet saw (figure E). These saws work by dropping water over the blade, keeping it cool as it cuts through the dense tile; they can be rented for approximately $30 a day.

Figure D

Figure E

Deven applies the tiling mortar to the island surface with a trowel, then uses the notched side of the trowel to score lines in the mortar (figure F). Freshly cut tiles seated along the side edges are placed with the finished edge down; the top counter tiles will cover the unfinished edges of the side tiles. Tape holds the side tiles in place while the mortar dries (figure G). The top is tiled using the same process of mortar first followed by tiles, but here plastic spacers are used between the tiles to keep the grout lines uniform.

Once the tiles are in place, a dark grout is mixed to the consistency of cake frosting. Dark grout is used because it won't stain easily. The mixture is applied with a grout float and allowed to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then excess grout is removed with a damp sponge (figure H).

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H