The benefits of building an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks are abundant. Creating a kitchen without the use of concrete, or any other type of material that may harm the environment, is a great option for anyone who wants to build a cost-efficient, yet sophisticated outdoor kitchen. With a cinder block outdoor kitchen, anyone can create an amazing space for cooking and/or entertaining. You can build your own or you can pick one up at your local home improvement store.
For many backyard cooks, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have. Whether you live on the farm or in a suburban area, an outdoor kitchen can be created with little effort and expense. With cinder blocks and simple materials such as concrete, you can create an attractive, durable outdoor kitchen that has plenty of space for roasting over indirect heat on your grill.
The idea of an outdoor kitchen can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for a way to expand your living space and make the most of your property building an outdoor kitchen is a great option. It could be a place where you cook during the summer and entertain year-round, or just somewhere that makes your backyard feel like an oasis. Either way, there are many ways to design an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks (concrete masonry units) that will meet your needs and beautify your space. With this guide, we’ll show you how to build one in just five easy steps:
Weatherproof your structure.
You’ve built the cinder block structure for your outdoor kitchen, but there’s still more to do. You will need to seal the structure with a waterproofing sealant and then paint or use a waterproofing membrane to prevent water from seeping in through cracks. If you plan on using stucco, you can skip this step and go straight to painting over it.
With the proper sealing products, your structure should be able to withstand years of weathering without any damage being done by rainwater or snow melt.
Buy cinder blocks from a home improvement center.
You can buy cinder blocks in bulk at a home improvement store, but you may also want to look online. If you do this, make sure that the cinder blocks are compatible with one another. The reason for this is that some cinder block companies use different types of mortar and some don’t. You may want to buy a few different sizes of cinder blocks so that they all fit snugly together when placed on top of one another.
You should also think about buying different colors and sizes of cinder blocks if possible. The reason being is that it makes your outdoor kitchen look more interesting and unique than if it was just made out of plain old gray concrete blocks.
Build a wall that includes an entryway and windows.
Once you have determined the size and shape of your outdoor kitchen, build a wall that includes an entryway and windows. The entryway should be designed in such a way that it can hold your grill, sofas and chairs. It’s best to include three windows on one side of this wall for additional natural light during your meals or barbecues.
To make sure there’s enough room for seating inside the outdoor kitchen, make sure you measure from corner to corner before cutting any cinder blocks in half so they fit together perfectly.
Install a table, benches, seating and storage space.
Once the forms are set, you can pour the concrete. Use a level to make sure that all of your forms are at a consistent height. The tops of the forms should be flat and smooth; if they’re not, use an electric sander or sandpaper to remove any bumps or ridges.
Once the concrete has cured (it should take at least 24 hours), you can begin building your outdoor kitchen by adding trim around your countertop edges and installing a sink cabinet in place of your old stovetop. Finally, install storage cabinets above each of your new sinks so you have plenty of room for cookware and dishes.
Use waterproof tiles for grouting and for the countertop.
- Use waterproof tiles for grouting and for the countertop.
- Use a waterproof tile adhesive.
- Use a waterproof tile grout.
- Use a waterproof tile sealer.
Add insulation to keep the heat in when it’s cold outside.
While a cinder block structure is quite efficient at keeping the heat in, you may want to consider a few other things. For example, if you plan on using your outdoor kitchen during the colder months of winter, consider adding insulation around the walls and ceilings of your structure. This will help keep the warmth inside longer.
You have two options when it comes to insulating: foam insulation or straw bales. You can use either one or both—it’s up to you.
If using foam insulation, be sure to install it correctly by removing any excess adhesive with a putty knife before applying it to the walls and ceiling. If using straw bales as an alternative method for insulating your outdoor kitchen cabana (or whatever else), simply stack them up in alternating directions until they reach floor level or higher (if desired) on all sides of your building.
If you have a deck, build a small slope on it to prevent dripping water from getting onto your floor.
If you have a deck, build a small slope on it to prevent dripping water from getting onto your floor. The slope should be about 1/4 inch per foot and should be facing away from the house.
Water can also drip off of your countertop and onto the ground if you don’t level it out perfectly before putting it in place. To fix this problem, lay down some pieces of wood underneath the countertop so that any drips will land on these pieces rather than the grass or pavement below. If need be, you can make repairs by pouring new concrete over those spots where there were leaks or cracks in the first place (this may even help keep your outdoor kitchen looking cleaner).
This is an inexpensive project that will give you years of service.
You can build this project by yourself, or with the help of friends and family. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in building something that will last for years.
This project is also suitable for beginners and experienced builders alike. The only tool you’ll need is a hammer, which you probably already have at home.
Final words
If you follow these instructions and use your imagination, you will be able to make your dream a reality.
