Crafting a DIY Backyard Barbecue: A Detailed Guide Using Wood and Bricks
Building a Permanent Grill Corner with Masonry Blocks and Wooden Planks: A DIY Guide
For those seeking to create a permanent grill corner on their terrace or balcony, here's a step-by-step guide synthesized from various DIY outdoor kitchen projects. While the DIY Academy in Cologne does not provide a direct step-by-step tutorial, this approach matches numerous cinder block grill station ideas.
Planning and Design
Start by measuring your terrace or balcony space to define the grill corner size. Decide on the layout for the grill base, work surface, and storage shelves.
Foundation and Base Construction
Clean and level the ground or terrace floor area. Arrange masonry blocks (cinder blocks) to create a stable rectangular base for the grill, usually stacked 2-3 blocks high. Use mortar between blocks for stability if a permanent structure is desired; dry stack for a semi-permanent or modular build.
Incorporate Grill Frame
If using a built-in grill or insert, leave an opening between blocks sized accordingly. Reinforce the structure with steel rebar if required for strength.
Wooden Planks for Countertops and Shelving
Select weather-resistant wood planks for countertops and side shelves (e.g., treated pine, cedar). Sand and seal wooden surfaces with weatherproof or outdoor varnish for durability. Lay wooden planks over the top layer of masonry blocks, securing them by screws fixed into wooden cleats attached to the block sides or directly into pre-fixed anchors if possible.
Additional Features
Build open shelving below the countertops using additional masonry blocks and wooden planks. Add hooks or racks on sides for utensils.
Finishing Touches
Apply heat-resistant paint or decorative tiles to masonry surfaces if desired. Clean and organize the grill corner for use.
When constructing a DIY grill station, it's essential to use weather-protected materials, especially on terraces or balconies exposed to the elements. For additional tips and materials guidance, consult the official resources or videos of the DIY Academy Cologne directly.
This approach emphasizes sturdy block bases combined with warm wooden work surfaces, balancing durability and aesthetics. The project requires 10 masonry blocks (40 x 20 x 20 cm), 10 Douglas fir terrace boards (12.5 x 2.8 x 200 cm), 2 Douglas fir construction timbers (28 x 45 mm x 200 cm), and 150 stainless steel screws (3.5 x 40 mm).
As you embark on this DIY project, remember to wear gloves, use a tape measure, pencil, carpenter's square, wood clamps, vises, a hacksaw with a wood blade, a cordless drill with a matching bit (Torx), joint compound, and a paintbrush. Apply the oil undiluted with a paintbrush, and allow the wood to dry completely before starting the assembly.
For a complete DIY grill station, consider building a bench or additional shelves for storage, and adding hooks, wine crates, and fruit crates for decorative items. Clean, right-angled cuts are best achieved with a mitre or table saw, and positions should be marked in your sketch. Trim the terrace boards to the desired size, and stack the next layer of bricks.
When it comes to oiling the terrace boards, use Douglas fir terrace oil, and apply at least three coats on the end faces and cut edges, as they absorb a lot of oil. After at least five hours of drying, apply a second coat of oil. Attach small hooks on the side of the grill station for easy access to grill tongs or dish towels.
Finally, create a rolling board for the gas tank using leftover wood and furniture casters. Douglas firs are a genus of plants in the pine family, known for their suitability for outdoor use due to their weather-resistance and resistance to moisture, fungal attack, and insects. Happy building!
In this DIY guide for creating a permanent grill corner, the construction process includes the use of masonry blocks to form a stable base and weather-resistant wooden planks for work surfaces and shelves, symbolizing a blend of outdoor-living and home-and-garden ambiance. For optimal performance, ensure the use of suitable materials such as Douglas fir planks for durability in the lifestyle area designed for outdoor-living.
