DIY Network

Inside Job: Stone-Top Grill Prep Table DIY presents a behind-the-scenes look at how Carter Oosterhouse created the grill prep area for the backyard makeover as seen in the HGTV show Carter Can. From "The Inside Job" episode DISJ-103

	Before
	After

As part of the backyard makeover seen in HGTV's Carter Can, host Carter Oosterhouse and his crew create a stone-top grill-prep and serving area. Here's a summary of the materials, tools and steps involved in that project.

Materials:

2x4 frame pieces
ledgers
slats
3" spacers
birch siding
large flat stone
4" countersink screws
2" brad nails
carpenters glue

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Tools:

stone saw
mallet
chisel
table saw
brad nailer
drill
countersink drill bit
safety glasses

	Figure A
	Figure B

Steps:

1. Determine the desired height of the grill prep table, then measure the thickness of the stone tabletop that you'll be using and subtract that amount from the overall height of the frame. For instance, if the stone top piece is two inches thick and your desired finished height of the table is 34 inches, make the table frame 32 inches high.

2. To begin, take two leg pieces and lay them flat on your work surface. Take a side frame piece and drill countersink holes at the each end (figure A). Make sure the frame piece is flush with the legs and attach with your countersink screws. Repeat this step for the second sidepiece.

3. Take the front and back frame pieces and fasten them onto the outside of both sidepieces, securing them with screws (figure B).

Figure C

4. Measure the sides of the upper frame. Cut two side ledger pieces to the same length and nail attach between the top and bottom to the inside of the frame using 2" brads.

5. Measure the front/back piece of the upper frame and cut a slat to the same size. Attach across the side ledgers (figure C). These will act as the base of your shelf. Nail this piece into the side ledgers.

6. With the basic frame built, the next step is to install three-inch spacers. Spacers give the lower shelf a unique look and will allow elements, such as water or outside debris, to flow through. Your spacers should sit three inches in from the side of each leg. An easy way to measure this is to take one of your spacers and hold it lengthwise against the front slat and the leg piece. Take a second spacer, glue one side of it and place the end of it next to the first. Use the two-inch brads to attach it the second spacer. Now remove the first spacer and repeat this step on the other side.

7. Add the next shelf slat. Because there's a leg on each side, you will have to cut the piece down to fit between the two legs. Attach it by gluing the exposed side of the first two spacers, then place the slat against them and secure with nails.

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