How to Build a Counter Around a BBQ

Building a counter around your barbecue gives you the structure of a kitchen, giving you a food preparation space right next to the cooking grill. The exact dimensions of your counter’s cabinet depend not only on the size of your barbecue but also on the area where you wish to place the counter. You may choose to decorate the sides of the counter’s cabinets with finish-grade plywood, or you may attach a rock or brick veneer to finish the counter sides.

Measuring tape
2-by-4 boards
Deck screws
Screwdriver
Plywood
Circular saw
Mortar
Trowel
Tile saw
Tile spacers
Grout
Sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the exterior dimensions of the barbecue. Measure and cut lengths of 2-by-4s to create a frame for the counter to surround the barbecue. Drive deck screws through the boards where they intersect each other, with the barbecue in place inside the framing to ensure it fits properly.
- 2
  Measure the sides and top of the counter’s frame. Cut sheets of plywood, using a circular saw, to fit over the outside of the frame. Secure the plywood onto the frame with deck screws. Leave the barbecue’s base exposed if you need to access it in the future.
- 3
  Trowel mortar onto the countertop so it is evenly spread out. Rake the mortar with the ridged side of the trowel, then drop tiles onto the mortar, using spacers to set the tile evenly. Trim tiles to fit around the edges of the countertop using a tile saw.
- 4
  Remove the spacers and apply grout to the gaps between the tiles, using a trowel. Wipe away any grout on the tiles with a damp sponge.

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