bbq island made simple step 3: installing slates

Once again, if you look at the most of bbq islands you'll see that walls made out of stucco. Some of them got crushed oyster shell in them or colored stones. But still-it's just stucco, about the same quality level that you would do for your scratch coat before installing synthetic (engineered) stones. Countertops done mostly in tile. This was not good enough. So, the only choice for trully outdoor island is natural stone - slates. It is not expensive (just a little over a dollar per 12"x12" piece), got beautiful colors, easy to work with and easy to seal. The only thing you'll need is wet tile saw or 12" chop saw with diamond blade. You can rent them for a day after all measurements are done and stones were laid out for installation, or you can get them on eBay (paid around $30 for 12" diamond blade delivered, used it on 4 jobs, still good). For mortar I've used synthetic blend (polymer) and Keracolor S Sanded Grout. Best part is to create nice pattern, so open several boxes to mix and match slates. Stones were sealed with Impregnator 511.

bbq island made simple step 2: installing cement boards

Frame was completed in two steps: first, perimeter walls and table framing were done. Just remember to build this frame 1/2" shorter/smaller on all your openings, because beckerboard+adhesive+slate will equal about this much. Second (after doors from Weber arrived) doors' openings were framed (again, remember about 1/2" smaller than you'll need). When working on top side framing, think about grade: where do you want rain water go? Logically, you would like water to run out, not inside your deck. So, make sure the inner perimeter of your tables is higher about 1/2" than the back wall.

To cut beckerboard you'll need special blade for the circular saw (it says for Hardiplank siding). So, use your 10% coupon and get it along with two boxes of screws (get the one with "square" head, not "phillips"). Buy 1/2" thick beckerboard for countertops. Do not save and try to get floor boards )Wonderboard): they messy, harder to work with and not as tough as "Hardibecker). Start with side walls and overlap top over them. Check to make sure that every plate will have support at all corners. Cut openings for outlets and sink. Run water pipe (or garden hose ) thru deck before covering frame with sheets. This is how it looked like upon completion.

bbq island made simple step 1: framing

Ever saw these bbq islands in the store or during home and garden shows? Sure liked them a lot, but never quite agreed on the price ($5000-$9000). Was visiting County Fair not a long time ago and saw them again: stainless steel, extra outlets, CD player and .... very low quality materials on the sides. Actually, only top was OK, but still it was tile which breaks easy and not tough enough for NW. So, after walking around several of the islands I've decided to build one myself.

Started with adding extra deck and running conduit before building deck. Good idea to run your low-voltage wiring at this time as well. Frame was done with PT 2'x4' after I've selected BBQ (Vermont Castings), refrigirator, doors and sink.

Tips about selecting BBQ: get one with straight corners all around (it will be easier to frame). Also get to eBay and buy some 10%-20% off coupons for Lowe's or Home Depot. Sure I could get built-in BBQ, but consider this: bbq head itself is around $800, plus side-burner for $400, and then door-kit will be another $400. Instead I've got top quality bbq from Vermont ($649 on sale plus 20% coupon from eBay, total $519) with side burner already.

About SS doors: do not order this kit, even thou any BBQ manufacturer will sell it to you (for $400). Instead go to your local HDepot or Lowe's and look at Weber' bbq on display. Decide which doors are good enough for you (to accomodate your mini-fridge, tools, etc.), write down bbq model and call 1-800 number. Place order for as many left/right doors you need (about $38 each), select sing and faucet, measure your new bbq and start buying PT wood. This is how it looked like after initial framing.