How to Build a Wooden Outdoor Area for a Charcoal Grill

Cut the pieces needed for the frame of the first decking piece. You will need two pieces of 1-by-6-inch lumber measuring 22-inches long, and two measuring 24-inches long. Arrange the four boards on a flat surface to form a 24-by-24-inch square with the long boards over the ends of the short boards. Check that the square is square using a right angle. Drill pilot holes then screw the square together using two 2-inch wood screws at each corner.

Cut three 1-by-4-inch boards to measure 24-inches long. These are the slats for the decking piece. Arrange the slats across the square evenly spaced. Drill pilot holes then screw them on using one 1 1/2-inch screw on each end.

Decide on how many decking squares you will need. Each square covers two square feet. If you wanted a 6-by-6-area, you would need nine decking squares. Make as many decking squares as you need following the same pattern.

Select a level spot where you are going to install the deck pieces. Measure the area you are going to cover. Use a tamp to pack the dirt down.

Shovel a 2-inch layer of gravel on top of the area you are placing the deck on. The gravel will help water drain away from the lumber. Use a hand tamp to pack the gravel down and make it level.

Paint each decking square in desired color and allow to dry.

Place each decking piece on top of the gravel pad. Leave no spaces between each decking piece. Adjust the pieces until they are all level. Place your charcoal grill on top of the deck pieces.