| There comes a time in the life of an outdoor chef | | | | two basic options: Pressure Treated Lumber and |
| when the typical free standing grill model just doesn't | | | | Brick (or cinderblock). If you choose a wood frame, |
| cut it anymore. The yearning for a backyard built in | | | | make sure to use pressure treated lumber so that it |
| BBQ grill becomes his passion. Unfortunately building | | | | doesn't rot over time. Also make sure to have plenty |
| an outdoor grilling Mecca isn't easy, quick, or cheap. | | | | of support beams in key weight locations. Always |
| Sure you could contract the project out to a | | | | cover the wood frame with cement backer board |
| professional, but that would cost a fortune and you | | | | when it is completed to give you a good flat surface |
| wouldn't have the satisfaction of having built it with | | | | to work with to lay tile, brick, or stucco. When using |
| your own two hands. There are three things to keep | | | | either brick or wood it is very important to use a |
| in mind when embarking on this type of a project. | | | | level to make sure that the structure is square. |
| First, Design & Space | | | | Third, Choosing an Insert |
| Design is the fundamental element of the project | | | | This can be the most costly part of the project. |
| that holds the whole thing together. The possibilities | | | | Some of us are grilling purists and believe that |
| are virtually endless, but the basic design of a built in | | | | charcoal is the only way to go. If you are one of |
| BBQ grill follows one of three designs. The first is a | | | | these people then you are in luck, because you will |
| bar. This is a straight rectangle shape that has room | | | | not need an insert, unless you like the stainless steel |
| for a gas grill insert and a few feet of counter space. | | | | look. Inserts come in many shapes and sizes, so it is |
| If you are on a tight budget, or have limited space | | | | important to pick out your insert during the design |
| for your grilling paradise this is the way to go. The | | | | phase, and have it on hand during the construction |
| second design is an L. It extends a bar perpendicular | | | | phase of the project. There is nothing more |
| to the basic design. This allows for much more | | | | frustrating than having to rebuild part of the grill |
| counter space, or even the inclusion of a sink or | | | | because your dream insert won't fit in the space built |
| other accessories. The third design is a U. This design | | | | for it. |
| takes the L and adds another perpendicular bar to | | | | Enjoy the Grill |
| form a U shape. This takes up the most space and is | | | | Building a backyard grill will be the best grilling |
| the most costly. The advantages of this design are: | | | | investment you will ever make. There is something |
| more space for fixtures, appliances, and accessories; | | | | about firing up and cooking on a grill that you built |
| and one of the bars can be used for seating while | | | | that makes it all worthwhile. By choosing a design |
| leaving plenty of cooking space. | | | | that fits your budget and space, selecting the |
| Second, Framing Materials | | | | appropriate framing materials, and choosing a good |
| This is a personal choice and really has no bearing on | | | | insert you will have a grill that can be used for years |
| the final look and functionality of the grill. There are | | | | to come. |