What is more perfect during the beautiful summer months than a backyard BBQ with family and friends? Every year, I look forward to grilling the perfect steak and cooking up some delicious sides to compliment. I like to sit on my patio while enjoying my perfectly grilled meal while enjoying a view of the enormous mountains in front of me. I always invite my friends and we sit back and talk for hours while enjoying a few beers and some delicious food. The weather is perfect, the smells that fill the air are mouth-watering and invigorating. They seem to captivate your thoughts and remind you that it is summer and it is a time to be enjoyed. Every second of summer should be enjoyed because right around the corner is a brutally cold winter. While winter has its perks, nothing will ever compare to a perfect summer full of fun adventures, friends, and good food. With that in mind, I feel that certain summer investments are a must. I’m talking about a good tent and sleeping bag, a sturdy corn hole set or maybe some horse shoes. You can’t forget about a decent grill and a good cooler either. In my opinion, any investment into a more enjoyable summer is absolutely worth it. Imgur user RogerBennett55 agrees with me on this and he and his wife decided to do something to make their summers much more enjoyable. The best part is that he did a little research and decided to tackle this project himself rather than sub-contract it out. After a few mistakes and some speed bumps along the way he and his wife were victorious in building the ultimate backyard kitchen. They decided to go all out and build something that their family would be able to enjoy for many years fully equipped with the best features. He did his research and built a DIY backyard kitchen that the neighbors are sure to be incredibly envious of. Take a look at the build process below:
The first step was to build a large U-frame in the corner of his already massive backyard deck.
Front view of the U-frame base. Take a look at that awesome yard. I can already imagine grilling some chicken and steaks while friends and family play yard games.
With the main structure framed up, he built a very sturdy bar equipped with a foot rest on the side facing the house. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bar without a good foot rest.
Here’s a more detailed view of the bar. He did a great job on the framing. This is one sturdy base.
The next step for any DIY backyard kitchen is to install a product called Durock. It is basically a sheet that comes in varying thicknesses made out of concrete. It is used to provide a stable surface for tile or stucco.
More framing was required for the access doors as well as supports for a massive grill.
Every surface needs to be covered with this concrete material because this DIY backyard kitchen needs to withstand the abuse of some pretty harsh winters.
With the cement board coming along nicely, it was a good point to start working on the counter and the cut-outs for the different kitchen accessories.
A view of the outer wall as it sits at the edge of the deck. More and more cement board.
He made a cut-out for the drop in ice chest that would sit at the edge of the DIY backyard kitchen. This would make it easily accessible to anyone on the deck or in the yard.
Along with a door below for storage.
He had to be sure on his measurements for the grill. If it didn’t fit it would be a very costly mistake.
The cement board is nearly finished. He just needed to cut out a section in the corner to fit an egg BBQ. If you’re not sure what the Large Egg Grill is, it’s basically one of the best BBQ’s on the market. For a DIY backyard kitchen like this one, it will be a perfect addition.
His measurements were precise and the four burner grill fits like a glove. Time to get started on the finish work.
He decided to go with a black granite tiles. These really pop when the sun hits them and look great outside.
He decided on a glass tile back splash as well as a diamond cut pattern for the bar. This was all accomplished with an angle grinder and a lot of very precise cuts.
The cuts had to be perfect. If one was off, the entire pattern would be thrown off. The tiles were set in place perfectly and then needed to be finished with grout. He chose a matching black grout.
With the tile in place and the grout dry, the massive grill was ready to be set in.
This DIY backyard kitchen is starting to come together and is looking amazing.
With the main base secured and the tile set and dry, the next step is to finish the walls. His wife decided on a beautiful stucco which will really compliment the dark tile.
This DIY backyard kitchen looks incredible. Time to install the cabinets and get to grilling!
The stainless ice chest looks great on top of the black granite tiles.
I also really like the glass tile trim and the color of the dark gray stucco finish.
Almost finished. Just waiting on the egg.
The Big Green Egg arrived and he couldn’t help but to throw some ribs on it, notice the smoke. This smoker is one of the best smokers on the market and almost guaranteed to cook the best meats you will ever taste.
What DIY backyard kitchen would be complete without a bottle opener mounted right to the wall? I think this turned out so good! A few weeks of time and a bit of an investment will pay off for years to come as this family gains the most out of their summers outside.
Well my mouth is watering, actually I should say I’m drooling right now over the thought of some smoked ribs. This DIY backyard kitchen fits on their deck perfectly and offers an awesome view of the yard. I’d say that this family executed this project perfectly and the neighbors will most likely be hanging around a lot more. One of my favorite features is the bar on the end as well as the Big Green Egg smoker that is built into the design. Most people would simply place it at the edge of their outdoor kitchen rather than build it right into the counter. My hat goes off to this family for building one awesome DIY backyard kitchen all by hand.