Dine out more often with a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen. 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. If you will be building in an area that does not have an existing patio or pavement, see How-to Sheet #120 Building Wall Panels and How-to Sheet #220 Building Posts for more information. Take a look at the different options we have here, or get creative and design your own.
Outdoor Kitchen For a Standard Gas Grill
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 Location
Determine 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.
Step 2: Layout the First Course
Layout 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). Learn more about splitting and cutting blocks.
Step 3: Install the Second Course
Begin 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 Courses
Continue 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 Countertop
Once 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. 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).
Outdoor Kitchen For a Gas Grill with Side Burners
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 Location
Determine 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.
Step 2: Layout the First Course
Lay 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).Learn more about cutting and splitting blocks.
Step 3: Build the Second Course
Begin 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 Course
Construct 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 Course
Install 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 Course
Install 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 Blocks
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. 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 Bar
Once 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.
Step 9: Add Your Countertop
Now 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 that is outdoor rated like concrete, granite or quartz, etc. So choose a countertop that fits your design and measure the area where it will be needed.
Set your countertops in place and check for level. Shims may be used if adjustments are necessary. Secure the countertops in place with flexible concrete adhesive. We recommend allowing for overhang of the countertops on the seating and countertop sides of the kitchen.
*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).