Design your own outdoor kitchens also known as modular kitchens or prefab outdoor modular kitchens make it even easier for the average DIYer. Why? The grill island arrives to your house 95% complete. All you have to do is assemble it with a few friends like a piece of furniture.

DIY outdoor kitchen kits  come with all the components you need. Countertops, panels, appliances, the hardware and all. Even an outdoor sink. You can’t ask for more in a DIY outdoor kitchen option!

There’s no need to apply a finish, either. The finish is incorporated into the panels themselves. Even the appliance cutouts are already done for you. Typically, the kit includes a stainless steel bbq.

You simply bolt the panels together, put the countertops on, and slide the appliances in. That’s it! Only basic skills required.

STEP ONE: Assess Your Current Space

Analyse the pitch to see if you need to make any alterations to your existing surface. Also ensure you have the necessary utility lines run to the area. If not already done, at least have a plan in place to run afterwards.

STEP TWO: Unpack Your Modular BBQ

Here’s all you need to do to unpack:

• Using a drill and pry bar, begin with uncrating the islands. Uncrate base pieces first.
• Carry the panels into the final location using a cart, dolly, or by hand with a few friends.

STEP THREE: Install Panels

Here’s what that process looks like:

• Begin by placing the back panel and attaching the two side panels.
• Grab an impact or regular drill fitted with a 5/16″ hex head bit. Use the angle brackets provided, line the inside corners up, and bolt the two panels together.
• At this point, check the levels of the panels. Determine if you need to shim anything.
• Once the two side panels are secured to the back, attach the front panel. 

Alright. You’ve got your panels in place. Now it’s time to “top” everything off with the countertops.

Here’s how to do it:

• If you haven’t already… Remove your countertop from the crate and bring it to your island structure.
• Place your countertop on the island base. Line up any cutouts on the countertop with cutouts in the panels.
• Once level and in the correct position you can secure the countertop on the base with silicone or an adhesive.

STEP FOUR: Final Install Appliances and Utilities

You are almost done! At this stage, there are only a few finishing touches and you will be enjoying your new outdoor kitchen shortly.

This is how it’s done:

• Begin with drop-in appliances that will fit into your countertops such as side burner, gas grill, outdoor sink, etc. These appliances are simply dropped in! The flanges will rest on the countertops and there is no need to fasten them in any manner.
• Next, install anything that has to be mounted to the panels. Storage space, doors that provide access to the island, drawers, etc. Use the flanges on the inside of these appliances and screws that are provided. Some appliances will line up with the interior alignment channels. If so, just use the self tapping screws and fasten them into the alignment channels. If not, you can mount them to the side of the panels. Do this by drilling a pilot hole with a masonry bit and screwing it into the panel.
• Refrigerators and ice makers are slightly different. They’ll just slide into the cabinet opening and sit tight there.
• From there, you’re ready to hook up your utility lines. Plug in your appliances, get your utilities hooked up… And you’re done!.

Okay, that was a lot of information! Hopefully you’re feeling more clear on what a DIY outdoor kitchen project may entail.

Another thing you’re certainly wondering about is cost.

BUDGET

The reality is… You can make your DIY outdoor kitchen  as much or as little as you like.

When working with a tight budget, you must ask yourself… How long do I want my outdoor kitchen to last?

You can certainly build an outdoor kitchen with the cheapest materials possible. Unfortunately, it will likely begin degrading in as little as one season.

With the amount of time and effort you are putting into this… The last thing you want is to have your outdoor kitchen fall apart in a year or two!

Now, we’re not saying you can’t build an outdoor kitchen on a budget!

You definitely can.

You may just want to reassess your needs and expectations when it comes to said budget. If you want your outdoor kitchen to last for a long time you will want to allow mre funds for higher quality materials.