Simple Outdoor Kitchen Frame Plans Anyone Can Follow

Summer is right around the corner, which means it's time to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen. Building your own outdoor cooking space allows you to customize it exactly how you want. With the right outdoor kitchen frame plans, you can create a functional and stylish space perfect for backyard barbecuing and entertaining. The best part? You don't need advanced carpentry skills to build an outdoor kitchen yourself. Simple DIY plans make it easy for anyone to construct a sturdy frame. Follow our guide to choose the right plans and build your outdoor oasis.

Outdoor kitchens allow you to cook, dine, and entertain outdoors. They are ideal for hosting backyard gatherings and holidays during warmer months. Building your own frame lets you customize the layout, size, features and materials within your budget. With basic tools and materials, you can construct a frame and bring your outdoor cooking vision to life.

Determine Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout and Size

When starting an outdoor kitchen project, first determine the layout and dimensions. Consider the available space in your yard along with how you want to use the area. Typical outdoor kitchen layouts include:

• L-shape - Provides ample counter space and storage while occupying just one corner.
• U-shape - Creates a closed cooking area with storage and allows for multiple cooks.
• Straight counter - Good for smaller yards and offers accessible grill space.

Measure your outdoor area to find the right dimensions for your planned layout. Account for traffic areas around the counters along with grill and appliance clearance. A 10 x 10 feet kitchen accommodates basic features, while larger spaces allow for more storage, prep room and guests.

Shape and Size Considerations

The shape and size of your outdoor kitchen depend on a few key factors:

• Yard size - Make sure the layout fits within your available outdoor area.
• Number of appliances - More appliances require more counter space.
• Usage - Frequent entertaining needs more room for multiple cooks.
• Traffic flow - Leave room for people to move around easily.

Creating a rough sketch of your yard with measurements helps visualize different arrangements. This allows you to choose the ideal size and shape before building.

Select Materials for Frame and Counter

Once you determine the kitchen specifications, decide on materials. Outdoor kitchen frames are commonly built from pressure-treated pine, cedar, or composite decking wood. Metals like aluminum and stainless steel are also very durable. Choose finish materials that withstand the weather and frequent use.

Frame Material Options

• Pressure-treated pine - Budget friendly softwood that resists moisture and insects.
• Cedar - Naturally rot-resistant softwood with a beautiful grain.
• Composite - Blend of wood and recycled plastic that won't warp or decay.
• Aluminum - Extremely strong, low maintenance, and weather resistant.
• Steel - Very sturdy option but requires paint to prevent rust.

The frame establishes the structure, so build with quality materials. For counters, popular options include tile, natural stone, concrete, and stainless steel:

• Tile - Durable and easy to clean but can chip.
• Natural stone - Elegant look but requires yearly sealing.
• Concrete - Stains easily but is inexpensive and customizables.
• Stainless steel - Sleek, sanitary, and stands up to heavy use.

Choose counter materials that fit your budget while meeting durability needs. Talk to local building supply retailers about your project and material options.

Choose Appliances and Features

The appliances and features you include depend on your cooking needs. Typical outdoor kitchen elements are:

• Grill - The centerpiece, choose gas, charcoal or electric.
• Sink - For cleaning and food prep.
• Refrigerator - Keeps food chilled for outdoor dining.
• Cabinets - Provide storage for cooking tools.
• Lighting - Task lighting and ambiance.

You can also enhance your space with a pizza oven, under-counter ice maker, side burners, and more. Visit appliance showrooms to review options hands-on before purchasing.

Grill and Sink Considerations

Two of the most important elements are the grill and sink. When selecting these:

• Choose a grill with at least 60 inches clearance from combustibles.
• Pick a sink with an outdoor-rated faucet and drainage.
• Factor in needed counter space around both appliances.
• Ensure proper ventilation for the grill.

Consider how you currently cook outdoors and your grilling preferences to select the right options. Add any other must-have features to your plans.

Find Detailed Frame Plans

The frame forms the foundation of your outdoor kitchen, so quality plans are essential. You can find plans through:

• Kitchen designers - Work with you to create custom plans.
• Online plan marketplaces - Offer a wide variety of downloadable plans.
• DIY websites - Provide free plans to tackle the project yourself.
• Building supply stores - Sell project guides with material lists.

Look for detailed plans that include:

• Precise dimensions for the full frame and components.
• Specified materials and hardware.
• Step-by-step assembly instructions.
• List of required tools.

Paying for designer plans or plan books gives you more customization options. Evaluate your DIY skills and project needs.

Customizing Plans

After finding plans you like, tweak them to fit your project vision. Customizations may include:

• Adjusting overall size or layout.
• Adding or removing cabinetry.
• Changing counter surface materials.
• Incorporating a bar area or prep space.

Just ensure any changes maintain structural integrity. Consult designers if majorly altering the frame design.

Obtain Required Permits

Most areas require permits for permanent outdoor structures like kitchens. Building permits help ensure your project meets codes and is safe. Required permits may include:

• Building - For the overall construction.
• Electrical - If adding lighting, appliances, outlets.
• Plumbing - For installing a sink, gas line, or running water.
• Mechanical - For appliances like a grill or pizza oven.

Submit your plans along with an application to your local building department. Allow 2-4 weeks for approval. Permits protect you and provide important inspector guidance.

Structural Requirements

Structural codes help ensure durability and safety. Common requirements include:

• Minimum footing depth based on location.
• Specified sizes and spacing for framing lumber.
• Needing concrete backer board behind non-masonry finishes.
• Inclusion of wall bracing and lateral supports.

Using permitted plans gives you assurance that minimum structural needs are met.

Prepare the Installation Site

With your plans and permits ready, start site preparation. This includes:

• Leveling the ground - Eliminate dips or hills for even foundation.
• Grading - Slope gently away from structure for drainage.
• Removing sod - Strip grass to create flat base.
• Adding gravel - Creates drainage and prevents vegetation.
• Forming concrete pads - Optional stabilized base.

Proper grading prevents water pooling under or around the kitchen. For paver, paver, or gravel bases, excavate 4-6 inches down. A concrete foundation requires deeper digging for forms and material.

Site Preparation Tips

• Use landscape stakes to map out the shape before digging.
• Call 811 before digging to identify buried lines.
• Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and boots.
• Rent an auger or backhoe machine for large areas.

Avoid locating your outdoor kitchen near trees, since roots can disrupt the foundation. Give yourself ample work space.

Build the Frame

With the site ready, it's time for construction. Building the frame involves:

1. Cutting pieces to length per plans.
2. Assembling frame on prepared base.
3. Anchoring frame securely to surface below.
4. Checking for level and square.

Follow your plans for cutting angles and joining pieces precisely. Anchor into a concrete base using masonry anchors. For paver or gravel bases, use graded stakes. Work slowly and methodically for best results.

Frame Construction Tips

• Use treated lumber rated for ground contact.
• Wear gloves when handling treated lumber.
• Double-check all measurements before cutting.
• Use galvanized screws and exterior wood glue.

Having another person helps align pieces and check alignments. Don't rush the critical framework, taking time to construct correctly.

Add Countertop and Finish Frame

Once the underlying frame is complete, add the countertops and finishing details. Steps include:

1. Affixing waterproof backer board to frame.
2. Installing tile, stone, or other counter surface per manufacturer.
3. Attaching trim boards and side/back panels.
4. Sealing surfaces with outdoor sealant.

Follow all product instructions for proper installation. Let concrete counters cure completely before use. Finish the frame with protective stain or paint.

Countertop Tips

• Add thin-set mortar between backer board and frame.
• Select exterior-grade fasteners and waterproof adhesives.
• Keep concrete moist for 1-2 weeks as it cures.
• Use outdoor-rated grout and caulk where needed.

Take time to properly finish and seal the surfaces. This prevents damage and maintains the beauty of your DIY kitchen.

Install Appliances and Features

The fun part is adding appliances, lighting, and other elements. Use each product's manual for specific installation steps. General tips include:

• Allow room behind appliances for ventilation.
• Use GFCI outlets near water sources like sinks.
• Mount lights and outlets at least 36 inches from counters.
• Install gas lines, wiring, and plumbing to code.

Pay close attention to clearance distances for grills, refrigerators, and other appliances. Finish by cleaning and sealing all surfaces. Then start enjoying your outdoor oasis!

Appliance Installation Tips

• Hire a professional if unsure about gas or electrical.
• Use pipe joint compound on water line connections.
• Position grill over a non-combustible surface.
• Reinforce areas supporting heavier appliances.

Taking your time with each addition results in a safer and better functioning outdoor kitchen.

Complete External Details

Put the finishing external touches on your DIY outdoor kitchen. Complementary elements like:

• Serving bar
• Seating area
• Prep space
• Patio materials
• Landscaping
• Lighting

Create a cohesive outdoor living space. Blend the kitchen into the yard with plants, stones, pathways. Add a pergola or awning for shade. Pick patio materials that match your design style.

Design Complements

• Use pavers or flagstone around the kitchen for a classic look.
• Incorporate a stone or brick facade to anchor the space.
• Paint or stain the frame to match your home.
• Select comfy outdoor furniture and supplementary lighting.

Finishing details like lighting and landscaping enhance the kitchen area and encourage use. Spend time creating your ideal outdoor environment.

After all the planning and hard work, it's time to enjoy backyard barbecuing and entertaining in your custom outdoor kitchen! Cooking, dining and relaxing in an outdoor oasis you built is incredibly rewarding. Hosting family and friends is easier than ever with a spacious, functional outdoor cooking space.

A weekend project of building an outdoor kitchen frame is doable with simple plans, basic skills and the right materials. Spend your summer mornings sipping coffee at the counter, afternoons prepping kabobs or pizza, and evenings gathered around the grill. Let your DIY kitchen be a gathering place for all your warm weather fun. The memories made will make all the effort worthwhile.