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Outdoor Stone-Kitchen Bar and Grill Stone masons Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico turn a plain backyard barbecue into a distinctive outdoor kitchen. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-301

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Mix the concrete for the footing. Dean and Derek opt to rent a cement truck to mix the concrete instead of mixing by hand which can be very time consuming on a job this size. A cement truck also ensures that you will get a consistent mix. Before you pour the concrete, make sure to shield gas lines, etc. by surrounding them with a plastic bucket or similar protection.

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Pouring the Footing

Pour your concrete evenly into the footing (figure F) using a trowel or rake. Then place pieces of rebar into the top for extra strength and support (figure G). Let the footing set overnight.

Figure F

Figure G

	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

Setting the First Course of Stone

• Once the footing is dry, pull the forms and the protective cover from the gas line. Set the template down one last time to make sure your footing is on target. With a pencil, retrace the template to give you a starting point for the stonework.

• Stage your area so the stones you need are on hand to be set in place. Each piece is coded with a number and a letter that corresponds to that piece on the CAD plan (figure H). The plan shows where each stone is to be located in the project. Follow the chart and bring over the first course of stone to your work area (figure I).

• It is recommended that you dry lay first row of stones to make sure everything lines up correctly (figure J). The stones are designed to have a dry set look. Measure any openings for appliances. Once the stones are set in place, it's time to mix the mortar.

• For the mortar, mix 1-3/4 buckets of mason sand and 1 bucket of mortar. These proportions will make a stickier, stronger batch of mortar for these smaller joints and heavy stones. Use a perforated hoe to mix it dry and then add enough water to get it to the consistency of sticky peanut butter.

• The first row of stones is cut flat on the bottom and is ready to set on the footing with just 1/4 inch of mortar under them. Start from a corner and build around the unit. While the mortar is wet, stones can be adjusted to ensure the edges are straight and everything lines up with the template. Because the stones are cut so precisely, there's no mortar between the joints. Once the first row is set, parge the corners from the inside and all joints in between the stone.

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