People enjoy cooking on barbecues, but often get frustrated with the lack of space to work with. Building a counter around your barbecue adds space to set food, dishes, drinks and other items you need. You can also incorporate useful additions like lighting, a sink and electrical outlets to make a complete barbecue center.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
1
Plan what material you want to use to build your counter. Concrete offers a fire resistant surface that's inexpensive and versatile. If you want to use wood, use it for the base and choose a fire resistant, durable and easy-to-clean surface like stainless steel. Other options include brick, stone, marble or tile.
2
Choose the location for the barbecue counter. Ideally, the cook should be able to face the action rather than a wall. If you build the counter on a deck, make sure the deck can support the additional weight. If it can't, reinforce the deck before building the counter.
3
Leave room for water pipes, drainage pipes and electrical wiring if they're incorporated into your design. An electrician can use flex tubing for outlets that aren't positioned yet.
4
Pour a concrete foundation 4- to 6-inches thick for barbecue counters on the ground. Concrete foundations in winter climates should be thicker.
5
Install or build the base of the counter. If you pour concrete, leave room for an access door every eight feet of the counter.
6
Put the countertop onto the counter. Make sure that the surface is level.
7
Cut the openings for the barbecue and any accessories like a sink or side burner in the countertop and install the pieces. For a professional look, you can install a stainless steel trim around the barbecue.
Tips & Warnings
You can buy outdoor cabinets to install outside like you would for a kitchen.
Use bullet lights for flexible lighting that can be secured to your countertop.
Enclosed gas grills must have ventilation to prevent explosions.
If you live in an area with high winds, you need to secure the counter so it won't blow over.
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