A DIY outdoor grill station is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. By completing a project like this yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money and still have an amazing grilling island in your backyard. Outdoor kitchens can become very expensive very quickly. This DIY outdoor grilling station is budget friendly, relatively easy, and will look amazing in your outdoor space.
Yes, you will have to put in some manual labor during this home project but it will be well worth it to not spend ~10k paying someone else to do it! In this post, we’re taking it step by step on how to build your own DIY outdoor grill station.
How do you make an outdoor grilling station?
In this post, we’re going to take you through the entire process of building your own grilling station for your backyard. From the planning to process to what materials you’ll need to the install of everything.
Who wouldn’t want an outdoor kitchen in their backyard?? My dad made this DIY outdoor grill station recently and I just had to share the process!
This would be the perfect addition to your own backyard or as an amenity at your Airbnb.
First, plan out your outdoor grill station layout
If you are planning to come up with a backyard grilling layout on your own, there are many free landscape design software options out there. I would suggest to take all your measurements and have them ready before you create a layout.
This will give you an idea of how much space you have, how large of a grilling countertop area you need, and what type of configuration will work best.
Putting all this into a free online tool will help you visualize how it will turn out!
Next, order all of the materials needed
After you solidify your layout, you should have an idea of how many retaining wall blocks you’ll need. Calculate based on the height, width, and depth of the actual blocks that you choose.
Don’t forget you will need to leave an opening for the built in grill and double doors.
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The stainless steel doors are perfect if you are getting a propane version of this grill. You can place the propane tank inside the doors and have extra room for a little storage.
If you have piped in gas already, you don’t necessarily need the doors. They are nice for storage though!
You will have extra space to keep all of your outdoor grilling equipment.
What materials do I need to build a DIY outdoor grill island?
For reference, this built in BBQ island is about 7′ x 7′ in an L shape.
The countertop selection here is granite. The measurements were taken for this exact grill station! Make sure that whatever material you select for your project that you can order a custom size piece. This will make the installation so much easier.
Replicate this outdoor grill station!
Total project cost: $4000
BUY ON AMAZON: Lion Premium Grill // Lion Stainless Steel Doors
Lion 32″ Premium Propane Grill ~ $1500
Lion Premium Grill Double Doors ~ $400
Tremron Munich Sand Dune Blocks – 12x4x8 ~ $600
Granite Countertop ~ $1500
Start stacking your retaining wall blocks in your desired layout
For this grilling island, we chose an L shape. Depending on the size and layout of your area, you could also do a straight grill area.
Here is a progress picture of how these blocks were stacked. There is an opening in the middle left for where the built in grill will go. Make sure you know the dimensions of your grill before starting to stack the block.
They are pretty heavy so you want to make sure to get it right the first time.
Retaining wall blocks are durable. Because of that and the weight of them, you don’t really need to concrete them together. They will stay through all of the weather elements on their own.
If you don’t want to use retaining wall blocks, you can choose another outdoor kitchen tile option. You will have to build a frame out of wood or steel before installing the tiles.
Next, install the grill and doors
If you measured correctly and planned for the right space for the grill and doors, this should be pretty simple!
Install the double doors on the bottom.
You’ll need to add a layer of blocks on top of the double doors for the grill to lay on.
One of the last steps, get the granite countertop installed
This is one of the steps where you will most likely need a professional. Whoever you ordered your granite countertop from should be able to come and install it for you.
Since you ordered a custom piece that fits your exact measurements, this should be included in the price!
Last but definitely not least, start enjoying your grill station!
Woo hoo, you made your own grilling station. Time to start making some delicious food and enjoying your hard work.
Here is our quick guide to making this outdoor grill station with countertop …
DIY Outdoor Grill Station
A DIY outdoor grill station is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. By completing a project like this yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money and still have an amazing grilling island in your backyard
Materials
- Retaining wall blocks
- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel grill
- Stainless steel doors
Tools
- Wheelbarrow (for transporting blocks)
Instructions
- Plan your grill station layout
- Order your materials
- Lay out the retaining wall blocks
- Install the grill and stainless steel doors
- Lay the granite countertops
- Start grilling!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Veken BBQ Grill Accessories, Stainless Steel BBQ Tools Set for Men & Women Grilling Utensils Accessories with Storage Apron Gift Kit for Barbecue Indoor Outdoor -
Men's BBQ Aprons Cooking with A Chance of Drinking, Fully Adjustable, Two Pockets, Extra Long Ties -
Lion Premium Grills L3322 Double Door 33"x22" -
Lion Premium Grills L75625 32" Propane Grill
Hey, I’m Melissa… As an Airbnb Superhost and someone who is passionate about investing in real estate, I created Beach Life Bliss to share my experiences and help short term rental operators. I have been a landlord for over 10 years and started my first Airbnb property in 2019.
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