Building an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With some planning and elbow grease, you can create a beautiful and functional cooking space in your backyard. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
Before you start building, you need to plan out your outdoor kitchen design. Here are some tips:
- Decide on the size and layout – Determine how much space you need for appliances like a grill, sink, fridge, counters, and storage. Make sure to leave enough room to move around comfortably.
- Choose a location – Pick a flat spot in your yard that gets some shade but is not directly under trees. The location should be near your home’s utilities for hooking up plumbing and electricity.
- Draw up plans – Sketch out an overhead view of your kitchen layout. Indicate measurements and mark where the cinder block base, appliances, counters, and shelving will go.
- Obtain permits – Check with your local building codes office to see if you need a permit for an outdoor kitchen. Permits are often required for electical and plumbing work.
Gather Your Materials
You will need the following materials to build an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks:
- Cinder blocks – The number needed depends on the size of your kitchen. Cinder blocks are typically 8 x 8 x 16 inches.
- Mortar or concrete adhesive – To bind the cinder blocks together. Mortar mix or concrete adhesive both work.
- Gravel – As a base under the cinder blocks for drainage. Get around 2-3 inches deep of gravel.
- Sand – Acts as a leveling agent under the cinder blocks.
- Cement or pavers – For covering the countertops.
- Appliances and fixtures – Like a grill, cabinets, sink, lighting, etc. Get items made for outdoor use.
- Wood boards – For front edging on counter tops and overhangs. Use pressure-treated lumber.
- Tools – Shovel, trowel, level, drill, saw, etc. Safety gear like gloves and goggles too.
Prepare the Site
Before laying cinder blocks, you need to prep the installation site:
- Mark the perimeter with stakes and string – Outline where the outer edges of the kitchen will go.
- Dig down 4-6 inches – Remove any grass/plants from the area. Go down deep enough for a gravel and sand base.
- Add gravel and compact it – Spread 2-3 inches of gravel over the area. Use a hand tamper to compact it firmly.
- Add 1-2 inches of sand – Shovel sand over the gravel. Smooth it out and level with a board.
- Start at the corner with blocks – Place the first cinder block at a 90 degree corner.
Build the Cinder Block Base
Follow these steps to construct the cinder block foundation:
- Lay the first course – Arrange cinder blocks end to end around the perimeter with gaps for appliances. Level each block.
- Apply mortar/adhesive – Put mortar or adhesive on top of first row of blocks. Also use it to fill gaps.
- Add second layer – Stack the next layer of blocks staggered, like bricks. Repeat until desired height.
- Check level frequently – Use a level tool on blocks to ensure top stays even.
- Allow to fully cure – Let the mortar or adhesive dry completely according to directions before moving on.
- Fill cinder blocks – Fill open cores of blocks with concrete for stability. Tamp it down firmly.
- Consider rebar – For extra strength, insert vertical rebar rods into block cores filled with concrete.
Add Countertops and Finish Work
The final steps are adding counter surfaces and finishing touches:
- Build front edge frame – Construct a front frame from 2×6 boards around the perimeter.
- Attach cement board – Screw cement backer board on top of the cinder blocks to provide a base.
- Lay tile, stone, or pavers – Use concrete adhesive to attach your countertop surface like ceramic tile.
- Install appliances – Carefully mount any appliances like grills into the cutouts by securing to blocks.
- Caulk cracks and seams – Use waterproof caulking around all joints and appliance edges.
- Add seating/storage – Build benches or shelving using additional cinder blocks and boards.
And that covers the main steps for how to build an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks! With some perseverance, you can create the ultimate backyard cooking space. Just take it slow, double check your plans, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go. Soon you’ll be hosting neighborhood barbeques in your new DIY kitchen. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Frequently Asked Questions About Building an Outdoor Kitchen with Cinder Blocks
What size cinder blocks should I use?
The most common size of cinder block is 8 x 8 x 16 inches. This standard size usually works well for most outdoor kitchen projects.
How many cinder blocks will I need?
The number of cinder blocks depends on the dimensions of your kitchen. Measure the perimeter and divide by 16 to estimate how many blocks are needed for each course. Add 10-20% more for cutting and waste. A typical 10 x 10 foot kitchen uses around 450 cinder blocks.
What can I use instead of cinder blocks?
Some alternatives include poured concrete, bricks, stone, or pre-cast concrete wall blocks. Cinder blocks are often the easiest and most budget-friendly option.
What type of mortar should I use?
Use mortar that is rated for outdoor use, such as S Type or M Type mortar mixes. Avoid plain cement or interior mortars without additives. Make sure to follow mixing and curing directions.
Can I just stack the cinder blocks without mortar?
You can stack and level cinder blocks without mortar, but they will not be secured together very sturdily. The structure is more likely to shift and sink over time if the blocks are dry stacked. Using mortar or adhesive binds them together much more securely.
How thick should the gravel and sand base be?
The gravel under the cinder blocks should be 2-3 inches thick. After leveling the gravel, add 1 to 2 inches of sand. The combined depth gives you a stable 5 inch base.
What is the best countertop material?
Outdoor kitchen countertops are commonly made from concrete pavers, tile, natural stone, poured concrete, or waterproof wood. Choose materials that will withstand weather and won’t get damaged by high heat from grills.
Can I pour concrete directly over cinder blocks?
Yes, you can pour a reinforced concrete countertop over the cinder block base. Add rebar to the concrete for extra durability. Let it fully cure for a week before using the kitchen.
Do I need special permits for an outdoor kitchen?
It depends on the regulations in your area. Many towns require permits when you are doing electrical or plumbing work, even for outdoor kitchens. Contact your local building department to find out.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor kitchen with cinder blocks is an achievable DIY project for most homeowners. With the right planning, materials, and techniques, you can create an awesome cooking space to enjoy for years to come. Just take it step-by-step and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as the project progresses. Soon you’ll have a backyard oasis for grilling, dining, and entertaining.