| Every backyard grilling maestro has the dream of | | | | 2. Draw a Scale Model: This is the necessary step to |
| building his/her own backyard grill. This may be a | | | | flush out all of the details about your built in BBQ. |
| simple brick charcoal model or a full blown outdoor | | | | You can either draw your model on paper or using a |
| kitchen. Either way building your backyard grill consists | | | | computer. Both ways work well, and the choice |
| of two phases, the design phase and the | | | | depends on your preference. An easy way to draw |
| construction phase. Both phases are important, but | | | | the model is to use SketchUp, a free 3-D modeling |
| the design phase sets the stage for the whole | | | | CAD software. It is easy to use and helps to visualize |
| project. This phase consists of three parts. | | | | your grill from all angles. |
| | | | 3. Mark the Construction Area: The final design phase |
| 1. Choose a Design: There are three basic backyard | | | | is to mark out the perimeter of your grill in the |
| BBQ grill designs: Bar, L, and U. The bar design is a | | | | location that you will build it. Many times it is during |
| rectangle usually 8-10 ft long and 3 ft deep. This | | | | this phase that you will decide to make the grill larger |
| model is perfect for a medium sized grill insert with | | | | or smaller; sometimes you will even change the basic |
| sufficient counter cupboard space. The L design | | | | design because of space constraints. Though this |
| contains a perpendicular extension off of the bar and | | | | may be the simplest step it is the most important |
| looks like an L from the air. This model gives more | | | | before construction. There is nothing worse than |
| counter space and has the capacity for a larger grill | | | | laying a foundation only to find that the plans will not |
| insert. The U design adds another perpendicular bar | | | | work as drawn. |
| off of the main unit. This is the ultimate BBQ design. | | | | By following these three simple steps you will be able |
| It has maximum counter and cupboard space, and | | | | to design a grill that suits your grilling style and will be |
| can be decked out with outdoor appliances such as a | | | | useful for years to come. |
| sink and refrigerator. | | | | |