Cinder Block Kitchens Let You Cook in Style Outside

Do you love entertaining outdoors but need more space to cook up feasts for family and friends? Building your own DIY cinder block outdoor kitchen creates the ultimate grilling and dining space for backyard BBQs, holiday celebrations and casual weeknight dinners.

Cinder blocks make a budget-friendly and sturdy base for grills, counters, sinks and all the appliances you need for preparing delicious meals al fresco. With the strength to support heavy equipment and the flexibility to customize the layout, cinder blocks are the perfect foundation for your dream outdoor cooking oasis.

Benefits of Building an Outdoor Cinder Block Kitchen

Using cinder blocks for your outdoor kitchen comes with several advantages that make it a smart choice over other materials.

Durability and Strength of Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks are inherently designed for long-lasting structural support. They are fireproof and heat-resistant, making them ideal for holding up grills, smokers and pizza ovens with high heat output.

The weather-resistant concrete material won’t deteriorate from exposure to rain, sun and freezing temperatures like wood can. Properly mortared cinder block constructions remain solid for decades.

Customization and Flexibility

One of the best aspects of building your own outdoor kitchen is customizing it exactly how you want. Cinder blocks make an adaptable blank canvas for creating your ideal layout to suit your cooking style.

You have total freedom to pick the appliances, surfaces, finishes and extras like lighting and decor. Add specialty features like beverage centers, prep tables and fireplaces tailored to how you entertain.

Budget Friendly DIY Project

Outdoor kitchens can get pricey, but cinder blocks offer major cost savings. The blocks themselves are an inexpensive material readily available at home improvement stores.

Doing it yourself also avoids paying contractor labor fees. You can source recycled or low-cost appliances, counters and accessories to create a custom outdoor kitchen on a reasonable budget.

Design Considerations for Cinder Block Outdoor Kitchens

Carefully planning the layout and features will ensure your DIY cinder block kitchen is organized, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Layout and Workflow

Consider the ideal workflow from grilling to prep and cleaning up. Allow room for multiple cooks by spacing appliances and surfaces generously.

Incorporate seating at counters or around tables to intermingle dining and cooking. Nearby entertainment like TVs keeps others occupied.

Appliances and Features

Standard appliances like grills, sinks, fridges and ranges are essential, along with abundant countertop workspace. You can also include fun extras like pizza ovens, beverage centers and smokers.

Good lighting, both task lighting over surfaces and ambient mood lighting like string lights, creates an inviting nighttime atmosphere.

Countertops and Surfaces

Choose countertops like weather-resistant tile, concrete, stainless steel or hardy woods like teak. The material must stand up to sun, rain and heat while providing a food safe prep surface.

The finish should complement the look of the cinder block base. Accent tiles or stone veneers can tie counters and blocks together beautifully.

Custom Touches

Personalize with fun cinder block patterns, stucco coatings, paint colors or accent tiles. Overhead structures like pergolas provide shade while stylish vent hoods whisk away grill smoke.

Wall art, pendant lighting, planters and other decor make the space feel welcoming and cozy as an outdoor living room.

How to Build an Outdoor Cinder Block Kitchen

While building a cinder block foundation requires some masonry skills, with proper planning and preparation, an amateur DIYer can tackle this backyard construction project.

Planning and Design Phase

Draw up your kitchen layout and gather the necessary materials and tools. Factor in integration of electricity, plumbing, ventilation and gas if needed.

Check local permit regulations for required inspections or codes. Planning ahead saves hassle down the road.

Prepare and Level the Base

Decide if your kitchen will be a freestanding structure or built against the house. Clear the area and create a solid compacted gravel foundation.

Use levels frequently to ensure the base and blocks are completely even. Slope for proper drainage where possible.

Construct Cinder Block Structure

Dry stack blocks first to map out shape. Use mortar to glue blocks, checking levelness as you go. Allow mortar to fully cure before stacking higher.

Incorporate rebar anchors for extra stability if needed. Let mortar cure completely before adding countertops or weight.

Add Countertops and Appliances

Once the cinder block foundation is solid, waterproof and seal the tops before installing countertops. Then bring in appliances like cabinets, sinks and grills according to your layout.

Complete electric, gas and plumbing hookups. Ventilation is key for smooth grill operation.

Personalize with paint, tile, stone or stucco on the cinder blocks. Construct overhead shelving, pergolas, and position lighting to highlight key areas.

Decorate with weatherproof drapes, pendant lights, wall art and your favorite patio decor for a welcoming vibe.

Now that stunning outdoor kitchen you've been dreaming of is ready to start cranking out meals, drinks and memories. Just add family and friends!