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  • Outdoor Kitchen: Finishing Touches
  • From "Build an Outdoor Kitchen"
    episode DBOK-105


    In this segment of Build an Outdoor Kitchen, host Jay Baker and homeowner Jim Howard put the finishing touches on the outdoor kitchen. They install grill elements and the mini-refrigerator, and finish the project with some decorative trim around the support posts.

    Materials:

    log lighters (available at hardware stores)
    lava rock
    wire mesh
    screwdriver or cordless drill
    wink and components
    silicone caulk
    PVC plumbing components
    PVC solvent and glue
    lumber for wood trim
    compound miter saw
    brad nailer gun
    Photo

    Christy Homar, of Christeel Designs, came by to check how well the finished kitchen meshed with her original design. The new kitchen passed her inspection.

    Photo

    The combination of brick, Tennessee blue-stone, stainless steel and a standing arbor dramatically transformed Jim Howard's back yard.


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    Finishing Touches

    • Code required that the outdoor-kitchen grill and burner (figure A) be installed and attached by a licensed technician. Installation was simplified by the fact that holes of the proper size and dimension had been pre-cut to accommodate these appliances. The grill features stainless-steel burners, a central grease-trap, a container for wood-chips (used for smoking), stainless steel grates over the grill and porcelain rods that dissipate heat evenly for an even temperature across the grill.

    • To complete the grill installation, we inserted the porcelain cooking rods (figure B) and the stainless grates.
    Photo

    Figure A

    Photo

    Figure B


    PHOTO

    Figure C
    • The last appliance to install was the under-counter refrigerator. The counter unit was designed so that the refrigerator could be easily pushed into place (figure C) or removed during winter months.

    • As a final touch, painted 1x6 trim was used to conceal the metal brackets that support the arbor posts (figure D).

    • The wood pieces used to create the trim (figure E) were miter-cut, and specially hollowed out using a router to fit over the pieces of the bracket that extend out at the base.
    Photo

    Figure D

    Photo

    Figure E


    • Once the pieces were cut and painted, they were installed using a brad nailer (figure F).

    • Wood shims were used so that the trim was installed about 1/4-inch above the floor surface for water drainage (figure G).
    Photo

    Figure F

    Photo

    Figure G


    With the installation of the trim, the outdoor kitchen is complete. All that was left to do was fire up the grill and invite friends and neighbors over for a barbecue.
    Photo
    Photo
    Photo

    Important: Included in this segment 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 may also be 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.

    Next: Preparing the Site

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: