How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Adding an outdoor kitchen to an existing home construction increases the value of the property. Not to mention these kitchens allow for an outdoor area to prepare meals during family gatherings. Unlike traditional grills, an outdoor kitchen would provide plenty of much needed counter space.

How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen:

Step 1: Build your frame. Cut eight 2-by-4s to measure the height that you choose for the counter. Screw these
2-by-4s together in pairs using 2 1/2 inch deck screws.

Step 2: Cut a 1 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch notch into the top and bottom of each post. Separate the posts with stretchers. Cut
2-by-4s to the depth of the box. While lining these posts up attach the 2-by-4s to the top and bottom of the posts. Cut the 2-by4s three inches shorter than the box. Run these cut 2-by4s between the top and bottom of the front and back side of the box.

Step 3: Sheathe the frame. Screw the three boxes together side by side. Screw a metal standoff to the bottom of each post. Cut your plywood panels to fit the frame dimensions. Attach construction adhesive along the stretchers and the post. Place the plywood along the construction adhesive and screw it into the 2-by-4s using deck screws. Ensure that there are openings in the sheathe for cabinets.

Step 4: Construct your cabinets. Use plywood to build boxes that will fit within the framing. Use construction adhesive and deck screws to hold these boxes together. Construct a 1 1/2 inch flange around the front side of each constructed box.

Step 5: Cover the plywood with builder's felt and stable it in place. Add at least two plies of the builder's felt to the plywood. Add sheets of wire lath over the top of the builder's felt. Using stainless steel roofing nails, attach the wire lath to the plywood. Overlap the wire lath at least two inches thick. Trim the wire lath so that it is flush against the frame.

Step 6: Mix a bag of mortar and water using a masonry hoe in a mixing trough. Place a ring of scrap boards bottom edge of your constructed island. Spread a half inch thick layer of mortar over the wire lath until you reach the scrap boards. Press the mortar into the crevices in a downward fashion. All the mortar to cure for at least one hour.

Step 7: Score the surface of the mortar with a trowel. Score the surface from one end of the mortar to the other vertically. Let the mortar cure for twenty-four hours. Place the cabinets boxes into the openings. Push these boxes until the flange lines up with the mortared face of the island.

Step 8: Butter the back of a L-shaped stone with a one inch layer of mortar. Scrape off the excess mortar from the stone. Using the point of the trowel make V-shaped air pockets in the mortar. Beginning at the bottom of one corner, set the L-shaped stone firmly onto the mortar. Scrape off excess mortar that may ooze from around the L-shaped stone. Continue place these stones from one corner of the mortar to the other one row at a time. Once you have reached the top of the mortar all the way around, allow these stones to set for at least twenty-four hours.

Step 9: Install the counter tops and the grill.