DIY Network

Building an Outdoor Kitchen: Introduction From "Build an Outdoor Kitchen" episode DBOK-101

An outdoor kitchen adds to the outdoor living space and enhances the value of your home.

For spending time outdoors with your family or to entertain friends, there are few better options than an outdoor kitchen. It adds to the outdoor living space and enhances the value of your home. In this DIY workshop, we take you step-by-step through the design and construction of an outdoor kitchen and show you the finished product.

In this first episode ofBuild an Outdoor Kitchen, host Jay Baker first meets designer Christi Homar to discuss what the outdoor kitchen's design and what final product will look like. For this project, the outdoor kitchen will consist of a counter unit veneered in Tennessee blue-stone and trimmed with brick. The counter unit will house a stainless steel built in grill, sink, refrigerator, side-burner, and cabinets. The counter top will also be stainless steel. This episode consists of constructing the sub-structure for the main counter unit using 2x4's and 3/4-inch plywood. Once complete, the sub-structure is faced with concrete backer-board in preparation for the stone veneer.

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	Designer Christi Homar provided the design for our outdoor kitchen, including the placement of the main structures and access for water, gas and electrical power.
	Figure A

Materials:

drill
circular saw
heavy-duty masonry saw blade
concrete screws
deck screws
tape measure
carpenter square
miter saw
level
composite material
extension cord
pencil
plywood
backer board
dust Mask
safety Goggles

Important: Included in this episode are the steps in this outdoor home-improvement project as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable for similar construction projects. For any construction projects, there may be procedures, specifications, equipment, etc. that are specific to the specific site and circumstances. There are also variations according to the type and brand of materials you select. Always consult local building codes when undertaking significant home-improvement projects, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with any materials, tools or equipment you decide to use.
The space for this outdoor kitchen is an existing 30' x 30' patio. Among the most important factors for an outdoor kitchen, as with your kitchen indoors, is access for the utilities. Proper placement is critical. For this project, we tied in to the home's existing water and drainage system (figure A). We also made provisions for gas and electrical wiring. A contractor was brought in to take care of this important and potentially complicated aspect of the project.

Designer Christi Homar determined the best placement for the access to utilities, as well as the overall aesthetic design for the kitchen. In addition to the main counter unit, the design also calls for a 14-foot kitchen bar and raised seating area, a raised fire pit (6 feet by 6 feet) made of brick and an L-shaped arbor that covers a good portion of the layout (figures B and C).

Figure B

Figure C

Outdoor appliances include a built-in sink, under-counter refrigerator, stainless-steel counters and cabinet-fronts, large grill with rotisserie and side-burner (figures D and E). All of the materials used, including the stainless steel, are weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use.

Figure D

Figure E

For aesthetic appeal and visual consistency with the rest of the home, Tennessee blue-stone and brick were selected for main construction materials that would be visible. The idea, according to Christi, is to achieve a "flow" and a look that appears as if the outdoor kitchen is simply an extension of the house.
In the segment that follows Jay Baker introduces homeowner Jim Howard, and the two of them begin the initial steps in the building of the outdoor kitchen.

Next: Next: Counter Framing, Part 1

GUESTS :

Christi Homar
Christeel Design
P.O. Box 5480
Chattanooga, TN 37406