If there are two things that we both bask more than any other – it ’s spend clock time outdoors and cooking .
For us , the opportunity to compound the two together with an inexpensive outdoor kitchen area at the farm is a pipe dream come true !
A few yr back , when we progress our recycled b , we used a few scrap 2 x 4 ’s , lead over reclaimed metal roofing , an off - the - shelf grille to create an extremely cheap rustic outdoor kitchen .
The only affair really missing was a countertop for the area that was both long-lasting and fit in with the ring hick look .
Initially , we stained and sealed a few untreated 2 x 6″ boards to make a temporary airfoil , but as anyone lie with , woodwind instrument is n’t exactly a great longsighted - term solution for an outside countertop .
After a few years of wear – and a few warping boards – it was time to create the permanent solution .
We wanted something tough and durable that would blend in well with the subsist barn and reclaimed brick terrace – and a simple concrete countertop was the perfect answer !
In this daylight of patio and out-of-door space that can be more than a novel car – I think it ’s important to realize that if you are willing to conceive outside of the box a fleck , utilize recycle and non - traditional materials , and put a little DIY muscle into it – you may create a beautiful out-of-door space without breaking the bank .
Creating The Outdoor Kitchen With Concrete Countertops
The concrete countertop were surprisingly inexpensive and easy to make – and we could n’t be happier with how they rick out !
We decided to make the forms aright in blank space to avoid make to lift or move the countertop once complete .
After we get rid of the previous warp 2 x 6″ boards that served as the honest-to-god surface , we start by love down a heavy - obligation 3/4″ piece of paper of plyboard on top of the be 2 x 4″ kitchen frame .
Next , using 1 x 4″ true pine boards , we created a left and a right countertop form by chouse the boards into the edge of the plyboard .
Each finished form measured 66″ longsighted x 30″ wide x 2 and 3/4″ deep . We then used a few pieces of old chicken telegram and position it into each box figure to help add a little intensity to the two tops .
Now , I will take this is where we got a bite favourable . Our plan was to use bagged concrete , mix it up , and pour into the flesh .
But bang we would be have concrete truck coming by for our menage foundation pour – we merely let the truck add up on down the hill and meet our forms too !
puzzle out smarter not harder – right ? It sure enough lay aside us a bit of fourth dimension and sore muscles .
As the forms were poured , the volaille wire mesh was deplume up into the center of each piece , and then the surface was troweled and that was it !
After a few days , we polish off the board and just like that – we had permanent countertops !
We will let the concrete cure for the next 30 to 45 day , then clean it with a solution of muratic acid before applying an acid stigma and sealer to give it a little more character .
The Cost
The recycled metal panel and the 2 x 4 framing for the main unit were left over from the barn project and were get together for free .
The plyboard and 1 x 4″ display panel for the forms were just under $ 75 , and the 10 to 12 bags of high metier concrete mix take would have amount in around $ 60 to $ 75 .
All in all , when you add in the cost of the grillroom , the intact task came in well under $ 400 – not too spoiled for a space that should let us make quite a few meals at the farm in the coming year !
Happy Building ! Jim and Mary
