How to Build an Outdoor Barbecue Island

Decide where to locate your barbecue island. Choose a place free from overhanging tree branches, to assure safe grilling. Also be certain there is at least 6 feet around the circumference of the area free of trees, shrubs, flowers and structures.

Measure the outside dimensions of your barbecue. Using these measurements, plot how large you'd like your barbecue island onto graph paper, using 2-by-3 graph blocks -- or four square -- per square foot. Determine the number of 16-inch-by-16-inch patio blocks you'll need for the space you've planned by grouping the graph blocks into 3-by-3 blocks -- or nine square -- and then counting them. This is the number of 16-inch-by-16-inch patio blocks you'll need for the space.

Lay the patio blocks onto the grass area where you wish the island to be. The blocks have teeth that grab into the grass or dirt. Begin in a corner and work in sections. Place each patio block tightly up next to the each successive block. Tap each block with a rubber mallet until it grabs into the grass or dirt.