Get Grilling This Summer with a Stylish Yet Cheap DIY Outdoor Kitchen
The warm summer months are the perfect time to take your cooking outdoors. Imagine gathering with friends and family around your very own outdoor kitchen as the smell of barbecue fills the air. Now stop imagining and make it a reality by building your own DIY outdoor kitchen on a budget!
An outdoor kitchen is an amazing addition to any backyard. It provides extra space to cook, entertain, and enjoy the fresh air. You can grill meats and veggies, prep side dishes, chill beverages, and wash up without ever stepping foot in your indoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens keep cooking smells outside, reduce energy bills from heating up your home, and provide flexibility for entertaining groups large and small.
Design Your Ideal Outdoor Cooking Space
The first step in creating your outdoor oasis is deciding on the layout. Take measurements of the patio, deck, or yard space you want to use. Make sure to leave enough room around stations for people to comfortably move around. Think about traffic flow when planning the arrangement of your appliances and cabinets.
Consider which outdoor kitchen elements are on your must-have list versus nice-to-have. At minimum, you'll want a high-quality grill, prep space like a countertop, and seating around a table or bar area. From there, you may choose to add extras like a sink for washing up, a small fridge or cooler, storage cabinets, lighting, and decor.
Sketch out a few different layout options before finalizing your plan. This allows you to visualize how the space will be used and make adjustments as needed.
Select Budget-Friendly Materials
Outdoor kitchens can be expensive, but they don't have to be! There are plenty of DIY-friendly materials that look great without breaking the bank. Concrete, stone, stucco, and gravel make affordable yet attractive countertops and backsplashes.
For framework, you can use standard wood studs or metal framing. Make sure to use weather-resistant materials rated for outdoor exposure. Salvaged wood, galvanized steel, and other repurposed finds make for unique, budget-friendly builds.
Check out thrift stores, Craigslist, or yard sales for used appliances and fixtures. Give an old fridge or sink new life with a fresh coat of paint. Get creative with materials to build yourself an outdoor cooking space on a dime.
Construct a Sturdy Framework
Before installing countertops, sinks, and appliances, you need a solid underlying structure. Using standard lumber or metal studs, frame out each section following your plans.
Secure all joints tightly and check for level. Outdoor kitchens see a lot of use, so the framework needs to be sturdy enough to handle the activity without shifting or sagging over time.
Be sure to properly space studs behind cabinets and appliances for mounting and electrical needs. Wiring for lights, outlets, and appliances can come later, but keep those details in mind during the framing stage.
Take your time framing and use levels, tape measures, and a square for accuracy. This will ensure your countertops and appliances sit evenly on the finished framework.
DIY Concrete Countertops
Concrete makes an inexpensive, durable, and stylish countertop perfect for outdoor kitchens. Building your own concrete counters is a relatively easy DIY project.
Start by building melamine or plywood forms cut to the measurements of your cabinet tops. Coat forms with a release agent so the concrete doesn't stick. Pour a bag of pre-mixed concrete into the forms.
Tap and vibrate the forms to remove air bubbles from the concrete as it starts to set. Let the concrete fully cure before removing the forms. Finish the counters with a sealer for protection and your choice of decorative stain or paint.
Tiling Countertops
For a different look, install outdoor-rated tile on your countertops. Measure the surface and mark a layout for the tile spacing. Apply thinset mortar and lay the tiles in the pattern you designed.
Choose larger format tiles with close grout joints for easier cleaning. Grout once tiles are set. Use a grout sealer to prevent stains from food prep. Tile adds an eye-catching and durable surface perfect for outdoor kitchens.
Repurposed Wood Countertops
Reclaimed wood makes a rustic-chic countertop on a budget. Use salvaged barn wood, old flooring, or fencing. Cut boards to size and sand. Seal the wood and edges thoroughly.
Mount the wood boards using construction adhesive and screws through the bottom side. Fill gaps with wood filler and sand any rough spots. Finish with polyurethane for water protection. Distress wood for a vintage vibe.
Include Essential Cooking Stations
Build a Grilling Station
The centrepiece of any outdoor kitchen is the grilling station. Freestanding grills work well, or you can build a customized grilling enclosure.
Use concrete blocks or bricks to construct grill walls. Top blocks with a sturdy surface for food prep and staging. Leave an opening in the front to access the grill.
Install heavy-duty shelves or cabinets for storage above or next to the grill. Sturdy surfaces for setting down food and grilling tools are key when designing your DIY grilling station.
Add an Outdoor Sink
An outdoor sink provides a space to wash produce, clean dishes, and wash up messy hands. Purchase a sink designed for outdoor use or repurpose an old indoor sink.
Mount the sink on a countertop or build a standalone washing station. Flexible tubing allows you to connect the sink plumbing to an outdoor faucet when needed.
Add a backsplash made of tile, metal flashing, or weatherproof wallboards. The backsplash protects the wall from splashes and dresses up the sink area.
Include Seating and Storage
Complete your outdoor kitchen with seating and storage. Building a simple bench from 2x4s adds comfortable seating for meals hot off the grill. Repurpose old cabinets or dressers for extra storage space.
Freestanding racks or shelving units work well for keeping grilling tools and supplies organized and easily accessible while cooking. Sturdy plastic bins are great for storing cutlery, dishes, and dry goods outside.
Add Finishing Touches
The final details take your outdoor kitchen from functional to fabulous. Incorporate lighting so you can use the space at night. String lights overhead or install recessed lighting under cabinets.
Decorate your DIY kitchen with fun accents like weatherproof pillows, outdoor rugs, and container gardens. Paint, stain, or seal all surfaces to protect from weathering.
By using budget finds, a little elbow grease, and DIY spirit, you can create a fully-equipped outdoor cooking oasis perfect for summer entertaining and everyday meals al fresco!
Once your cheap DIY outdoor kitchen is complete, show it off! Take plenty of photos highlighting the details and unique features. Share the project on social media or DIY and landscaping blogs.
Your homemade outdoor cooking space is sure to inspire others to create their own outdoor living spaces on a budget. And you'll enjoy many meals, parties, and quality time spent with loved ones in your hand-crafted kitchen.