Outdoor Kitchen Grill Installation with Backer Board

by Jim Smith
(Rock Hill, SC (york))

QUESTION:

I'm building an outdoor kitchen and I am installing a grill without an installation jacket. I am placing this grill on double 1/2 inch concrete backer board surrounding the entire area. I'm also using double backer board on the burner area. Will this be safe without having to buy an expensive installion jacket. The kitchen frame will be made of wood completely covered with backer boad and stucco. The counter top will be 1/2 inch backer boad and tile. I just want to make sure its save to do this.

ANSWER:

While most backer board is non-flammable, the outdoor kitchen set up you describe may not satisfy local building codes.

You may not care about this now, but it could be a big issue when selling the property.

First, I'd find out what the code is.

But why not just carry the outdoor kitchen countertop tile around the grill since you know it can take the heat without problem?

This will also make for easier clean up and up-keep.

Good Luck,
Ryan

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Outdoor Kitchen Drop In Grill Placement

by Dennis Dettra
(Richboro pa)

QUESTION:

Does the lip of the drop in grill go on top of the countertop or under the countertop?

One way looks better the other is practical for removal of the grill later.

ANSWER:

Without seeing your outdoor kitchen countertop and the grill it's difficult to answer definitively, however, typically even a drop in will not have the countertop run in front of the grill due to depth and controls.

The outdoor kitchen countertop will be cut out to butt up on each side.

But if your's will have the countertop run in front, then I imagine the controls and grill sit above the countertop surface.

So, I'd put the lip above the countertop, which would facilitate later replacement.

Regards,
Ryan