DIY Grill Station Mistakes To Avoid To Ensure Smokin' Hot Success

If you're thinking about DIY-ing an outdoor grilling station for the perfect entertaining space, you can probably already smell the food sizzling away. You may be focusing on the most enjoyable parts of your dream outdoor kitchen design, but don't get ahead of yourself. It's vital that you don't make any errors if you want the perfect set-up, and the best way to do that is by learning from the mistakes of others.

Perhaps the biggest error is not considering the hidden costs of doing this yourself. You may have made a mental list of what you'll need, but make sure you're including things like utility lines, patio construction, or any re-landscaping that might be required. It's also important to keep in mind that if you tamper with something and you're not a registered professional it may invalidate the warranty, which could lead to further costs down the line.

It really all depends on how ambitious your plans are. Certainly, if you are just looking to build a grill station in the backyard using cinder blocks or a similar type of material, you can save quite a bit of time and money, especially if you're in the position to do the work yourself. If you have something more detailed or stylish in mind, don't just assume that you're going to save money with a DIY job.

The grill is the focal point of your space and you'll want to get it right. Avoid a common mistake in this step of the process by paying close attention to the features of this appliance. Although it's tempting to select the largest grill within your budget, this may be an error, because it may not actually meet your needs. Large units cost more and require more space in the outdoor kitchen. Think about how many people you'll routinely entertain in this space, and match the size to these needs. A medium size grill has about 520 square inches of cooking space and can hold around two dozen burger patties simultaneously. You may find an average-sized appliance is all you need.

If you plan to entertain visitors around your grill station, pay particular attention to the aesthetics of the grill. Think about what other appliances you will have in your grill station, as picking a grill that doesn't match those appliances isn't a good look. You should also think about how your grill may look in a few years time when you're picking your material. If possible, it's best to stick with stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and also very strong. Also, if you don't select a unit with an easy-to-manage grease collection system, you may have unpleasant odors in an area where people will be gathering and eating.

If you have big plans for your grill station and outdoor kitchen, make sure that the space you have available can accommodate everything you want to add. Take careful measurements. People often overbuy furniture before they're sure what they plan to do with the space, creating issues with the layout. You will need counter space and prep areas to make serving food as efficient as possible. You've likely thought about furniture and a seating area for guests but don't be tempted to squeeze in too much. Overpacking your area means less space for people to move around freely. To avoid this error, draw out a detailed plan of where everything will go before you start buying items.

Another mistake that people can make is going too far with the number of large appliances, such as refrigerators. Even things like sinks need some serious thought. It may be a major error to DIY the installation of such items if they require plumbing or electrical work. If you don't have experience with these tricky skills, you could end up causing damage to your entire home's electrical system, and DIY plumbing work in your grill station may result in leaks that lead to mold and mildew over time. If you really want a sink and fridge on hand in your outdoor Eden, just make sure they're installed by professionals.