How to make an outdoor kitchen

How to make an outdoor kitchen

Build a stunning garden kitchen unit for outdoor entertaining!

Published: August 10, 2022 at 11:16 am

Long, hot summer days are made for outdoor entertaining and a garden kitchen unit is a great way to ensure any al fresco soirée goes smoothly.

Whether you opt for a simple barbecue island or a fully equipped setup with everything you need, it means that you can spend more time outside with your guests instead of having to constantly dash back inside.

A plumber can install simple brass taps above your sink for a rustic look

This contemporary outdoor kitchen has a sleek, sophisticated look and is made from treated wood that can be left out in all weathers. If you have a barbecue or pizza oven, place them alongside the unit to create the perfect prep and cooking station.

This design also features a stylish Belfast sink, which means that you can even do the washing up outside – or leave it to soak while you enjoy the party! You can check out more ideas on what to do with outdoor sinks here.

Love a DIY project? Check out our wooden pallet project ideas and home DIY projects for indoors and outdoors for more inspo!

You will need...

  • Belfast sink, with waste and pipes
  • Treated exterior wood (we used 900mm decking spindles)
  • Mitre saw
  • Mitre adhesive
  • Drill
  • Outdoor screws and nails
  • Screwdriver
  • Zinc-plated brackets
  • Fence slats or slatted fence panels
  • Crowbar
  • Hammer
  • COAT exterior paint in Nomad
  • Paintbrush
  • Instant grab exterior adhesive
  • Multi-tool
  • Small plastic feet
  • Large brackets and masonry screws
  • Thick treated exterior wood for worktop
  • Orbital sander and sandpaper
  • Exterior wood stain

Step 1

Start by building a frame around the Belfast sink. Place it upside down on the ground and cut two lengths of treated exterior wood (decking spindles) to the same width as the sink to support it underneath the front and back. Then cut four legs, one for each corner, to reach from the ground to the top of the sink.

Step 2

Use mitre adhesive to temporarily secure the legs and supports together, before drilling pilot holes and using outdoor screws to attach them. If you find that you can’t attach the side extensions (step 4) with screws because of existing screws in the frame, use the zinc-plated brackets to join them instead.

Step 3

Cut horizontal supports from the treated wood to join the front and back legs at the top and bottom, and ensure the frame is sturdy enough to hold the sink. Add similar supports to link the front and back of the sink base.

Step 4

Extend the kitchen unit by creating two more sets of legs (to the same dimensions) that will sit on either side of the sink frame. Join these to the sink frame with horizontal lengths (you may have to use the brackets for this). Add brackets underneath the sink supports too, as this is the heaviest part. Paint the frame now, as it will be tricky once the slats are attached.

Step 5

If you’re using a fence panel, you’ll need to carefully remove the slats using a crowbar. Hammer out any nails and cut the fence panels to size – you’ll need 900mm slats for either side of the sink, and shorter slats for the section under it (don’t worry if they’re a bit too long). Give the slats a coat of exterior paint now before you attach them.

Step 6

Work out the spacing between the slats however you want, but try to ensure a regular gap. Make sure all the slats are aligned to the top of the frame, then attach them to the frame with an instant grab exterior adhesive (choose one that takes 10-15 minutes to dry, so you can adjust them if necessary). You can leave a gap in the slats to access a small shelf, which you can make by attaching a couple of leftover slats across the horizontal supports inside. Once the adhesive is dry, nail the slats in to secure them and then paint them.

Step 7

If necessary, cut along the bottom of the slats using a multi-tool to neaten up the edges. Add small plastic feet to raise the frame off the ground and keep it out of standing water. Insert the sink and fix the frame to the wall – use large brackets and long masonry screws to make it as secure as possible.

Step 8

To make the worktop, cut two pieces of thick treated exterior wood to fit either side of the sink with a little overlap. Sand the edges smooth, then treat them with an exterior woodstain. Secure them to the frame with the instant grab exterior adhesive. You could also attach some small zinc-plated brackets underneath for extra security.

Step 9

Give the slats a second coat of exterior paint to fully protect the unit from the elements. Finally, plumb in the sink waste and your outdoor kitchen is ready!

This project was provided by Luke Arthur Wells in collaboration with COAT Paints. Luke is an interior designer and stylist living in Essex, who’s currently renovating a Victorian terrace and doing as much of the DIY as possible. You can follow his progress on Instagram – @lukearthurwells. As the world’s first climate-positive paint company, COAT mixes sustainable, high-grade paint that’s finished fresh to order in a range of on-trend colours for use both indoors and out. See their full range of paints at coatpaints.com

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