How to Build Outdoor Kitchens |
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Dine out more often with a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen.
Take a look at the different options we have here, or get creative and
design your own.
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Option 1: For A Gas Grill  Option 2: For a Gas Grill with Side Burners  |
 Option 1 Project InstructionsOption 2 Project Instructions  Tools & Materials
 Estimating Calculator
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How to Build an Outdoor KitchenOption 1: For a Standard Gas Grill |
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An Outdoor Kitchen made with AB Courtyard Collection is an
impressive application that can easily be added to any backyard.
You can build it on an existing surface like a patio or pavement, as well as on soil.
To build on soil, you must create a foundation pad.
The dimensions for this outdoor kitchen are 6.5 ft. wide and 5.5 ft. deep (2 m by 1.7 m ). This example shows the installation steps for a 7 course high bar area with a 6 course high grill area, built on an existing patio surface. The grill used in this example is 30 in. wide and 28 in. deep (760 mm by 710 mm) with height of 4 ft. (1.2 m). Step 1: Find the Right LocationDetermine the location of the kitchen. Remember to leave enough space around the kitchen area to accommodate for the chef and any additional seating. Then draw a guideline using chalk or tape where the wall panels of the kitchen will be constructed. |
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Step 2: Layout the First CourseLayout the first course of blocks as seen in (Pattern 1). Use a square to line up the blocks to ensure your corners are square. An AB York Block and an AB Dublin Block will need to be split for this course. Save the second half of the AB York to use on the next course. A corner block in this pattern will also need to be cut at an angle so that the blocks match up on the end (Figure 1). Click here To learn more about splitting and cutting blocks.
Step 3: Install the Second CourseBegin laying out the second course as seen in Pattern 2. Next remove the raised rings and split two AB Dublin center-split blocks. See (Pattern 2) for placement of the blocks. Removing the raised rings will create a smooth surface for the next course to be placed on top of. If there are any additional pieces left over they can be used when this pattern repeats.
Step 4: Continue Stacking CoursesContinue stacking courses by repeating Steps 2-3 until the desired height is achieved. In this example the wall panel behind the grill is one course lower than the bar area panel to allow for movement of the grill hood (Figure 2).
Step 5: Finish With a CountertopOnce you have reached your desired height, it is now time to finish with a countertop. Choose a countertop material to fit your design. In this example we used concrete slabs that are cut to size. Set your countertops in place and check for level. Shims may be used if adjustments are necessary. Secure the countertops in place with masonry adhesive (optional), move your grill into place and you are ready to fire up the BBQ!**NOTE: A larger opening will be needed if your grill is a larger size than the one shown in this example. To increase the width of the grill area opening, add additional AB Yorks, AB Dublins and or split blocks to your wall panel to enlarge the grill area. The minimum increment you can increase your width by is approximately 4 in. (102 mm). |
Layout the First Course Figure 1: Cut Corner Block 
Place the Second Course 
Stack the Third Course 
Install Additional Courses 
Add the Countertop |
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How to Build an Outdoor KitchenOption 2: For a Gas Grill with Side BurnersAn Outdoor Kitchen made with AB Courtyard Collection is an impressive application that can easily be added to any backyard. You can build it on an existing surface like a patio or pavement.The dimensions for this outdoor kitchen are: 9.4 ft. wide and 5.6 ft. deep (2.9 m by 1.7 m ). This example shows the installation steps for a 7 course high bar area with a 6 course high grill area. Step 1: Choose Your LocationDetermine the location of the kitchen. Remember to leave enough space around the kitchen area to accommodate the chef and any additional seating. Then draw a guideline using chalk or tape where the wall panels of the kitchen will be constructed. |
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Step 2: Layout the First CourseLay out the first course of blocks as seen in Layout 1. Use a square to line up the blocks to ensure your corners are square. An AB York Block and an AB Dublin Block will need to be split for this course. Save the other half of the split AB Dublin for use on the third course. A corner block will also need to be cut at an angle so that the blocks match up on the end (Figure 1). Click here for instructions on cutting and splitting blocks.Learn more about
Step 3: Build the Second CourseBegin laying out the second course as shown in Layout 2 . You will need to split two AB York Blocks and an AB Dublin end-split block to complete this course. Save any remaining split pieces to be used on the next course.
Step 4: Build the Third CourseConstruct the third course as shown in Layout 3 , splitting the AB York and AB Dublin Blocks as needed. A corner block will again need to be cut at the end of the wall, see (Figure 1). We recommend measuring the distance on your project before cutting to make sure you have a proper fit.
Step 5: Build the Fourth CourseInstall the fourth course in the same manner as the previous courses following the pattern in Layout 4, splitting blocks as needed.
Step 6: Build the Fifth CourseInstall the fifth course in the same manner as the previous courses following the pattern in Layout 5, splitting blocks as needed. This is the last course to be built in this manner. The next two courses will have additional modifications to complete the project.
Step 7: Install the Last Course of BlocksIn this example the wall panel behind the grill is one course lower than the bar area panel to allow for movement of the grill hood (Figure 2). On this course you will need to flip the blocks over along the first post/pillar and the back wall of the grill area**. This will allow the countertop to be flush and level when installed.
** This is done by knocking the rings off with a hammer and chisel, or simply flipping the blocks over so that the raised rings go into the holes on the previous course. Step 8: Complete the Raised BarOnce you have reached your desired height of the grilling area, it is now time to finish the raised bar. Underneath the bar is a perfect spot to place a mini refrigerator or add shelves for storage. To build the top course of the bar, you will need to flip these blocks over to create a level surface for the courtertop. Install the blocks using the pattern in Layout 7.
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Layout the First Post Figure1: Cut Corner 
Complete the First Course 
Place the Second Course 
Stack the Third Course 
Build the Fourth Course 
Build the Fifth Course 
Build the Last Course Figure 2: Grill Hood 
Finish the Raised Bar |
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Step 9: Add Your CountertopNow that the construction of the kitchen frame is complete, it is time to install your countertop material. In this example we used concrete slabs that are cut to size. However any outdoor countertop material will work, so choose a countertop that fits your design.Set your countertops in place and check for level. Shims may be used if adjustments are necessary. Secure the countertops in place with masonry adhesive, move your grill into place and you are ready to fire up the BBQ! *NOTE: A larger opening will be needed if your grill is a larger size than the one shown in this example. To increase the width of the grill area opening, add additional AB Yorks, AB Dublins and or split blocks to your wall panel to enlarge the grill area. The minimum increment you can increase your width by is approximately 4 in. (100 mm). |
Add Your Countertop |
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