How to Build an Outdoor Countertop

An outdoor countertop can be the aspect of your outdoor kitchen that adds a little touch of elegance. Choosing the material that your outdoor countertop is made of is an important aspect of the building process. Read on to learn how to build an outdoor countertop.

Things You'll Need

• Nails or screws
• Hammer or screwdriver
• 2x4s
• Countertop material

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of countertop you would like to build. Ask yourself whether you need one that is 2 feet long or one that is a little longer. Also, decide on a look. You have several options for the types of material you will use for the countertop. You can use marble, stone or stainless steel.

2. Find the area to build the countertop. Pick a place that is near your other outdoor cooking areas. By the grill would be a good location. You will want a place that is convenient to use. You will want to be able to cut your food, move it to the grill, and socialize with guests without having to move too far.

3. Build the structure. Your outdoor countertop is much like the one you have inside, so make it about the same height. If you are interested in making the countertop a permanent addition to your backyard and you want something that will really wow your friends, you might want to consider building a small wall to put your countertop on. If you aren't as interested in this, or if you want to build a counter that can have some storage cabinets underneath, then build a stand out of wood. Consider the type of countertop you will be putting on the stand when you decide how to build it. If you're using marble, then you will need something very sturdy because it will have to support the weight.

4. Cut a piece of wood that is the length of your countertop and attach it to the stand using nails or screws.

5. Apply a liberal amount of adhesive such as Gorilla Glue to the top, and lay the material you have chosen on top of it. After it has dried, you will have a working outdoor countertop.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add cabinets to your countertop by building shelves inside the structure.

• Help protect your countertop by keeping it covered when not in use.