How to Build a Brick Island for a Gas Grill

Outdoor entertaining will be more convenient and enjoyable with the construction of islands for the preparation and cooking of foods. These free-standing islands can be built from simple materials such as brick or stone and can incorporate a number of features into the surfaces, including gas grills, cooktops, sinks and countertop surfaces. Do-it-yourselfers can build their own brick island on the deck or patio with a gas grill installed into the surface for barbecue cooking. Brick comes in many colors that can blend in well with home exteriors and other yard structures.

Concrete mix
Tub
Trowel
Conduit and valve for gas connection
Concrete blocks
Mortar
Concrete backboard
Saw
2-by-4 inch lumber
Ceramic tiles
Tile adhesive
Tile grout
Sponge
Gas plumbing tape
Caulk
Caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Design your gas grill island carefully. The dimensions will be determined by the size of the gas grill and any additional appliances. Ensure that you have sufficient clearance between appliances, as is recommended in the owners manuals.
- 2
  Excavate the area for the island, creating a even surface for the concrete pad that holds the island.
- 3
  Extend the gas line from the closest outlet to the island area. Install a shut-off valve close at the junction on the exterior surface of the island, according to writer Don Vandervort of the HomeTips website. Bring electrical power to the island, if desired, with conduit.
- 4
  Build a form for the concrete pad. Your building department might have requirements regarding the thickness of the concrete pad. Pour the concrete and smooth the surface to a flat and level plane. Allow the concrete to dry thoroughly for three to four days.
- 5
  Lay rows of 6-inch concrete block along the perimeter of your design for the islands walls, spreading mortar into the joints and on surfaces between rows.
- 6
  Install the brick face onto the concrete blocks by spreading a layer of mortar onto the concrete block faces and “buttering” one of the thin sides of the brick. Also place mortar between the courses and into the joints.
- 7
  Cut the concrete backboard to size, also cutting the hole to fit the gas grill.
- 8
  Cut and install a 2-by-4 inch wood edge around the perimeter of the backer board with nails.
- 9
  Spread tile adhesive onto the concrete backer board and lay out the tile leaving a quarter-inch margin between tiles for the grout. Allow the adhesive to dry overnight.
- 10
  Mix the grout and push the material into the margin between tiles. Do not leave gaps or voids in the grout. Wash the excess grout from the tile surfaces. Allow the grout to dry thoroughly overnight.
- 11
  Install the gas grill into the island and connect to the gas conduit securely using yellow gas pipe tape on the threads to prevent leaks.
- 12
  Caulk around the edges of the grill seating to make a watertight seal.

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