Most sports fans agree, few things liven up a backyard watch party quite like great-tasting food—preferably from the grill. Of course, we don’t all have the space, time or money to have a full-on outdoor kitchen island setup. But, there are ways to make an easy, cost-effective outdoor cooking island. In this Done-In-A-Weekend Game Day Tips video, ESPN commentator and host Matt Stinchcomb walks you through an outdoor kitchen island build. Watch and learn how to transform your otherwise ordinary grill, smoker, and cooler into an attractive and cohesive part of your game-time gathering space!
The overall design and style chosen for this project was inspired by examples found on social media. So your end product may vary from ours based on your available space, and the specific grill, smoker, and cooler you’ll be using.
Materials list:
- Cedar structural posts
- Cosmetic exterior slats used for the island’s surround
- Hardware to fasten posts and slats together securely
Materials considerations:
Our materials were purchased to specifically house a 46-inch tall x 62-inch wide x 23.5-inch deep stainless grill. The grill was paired with a medium-sized smoker and 54-quart stainless cooler. Regardless of your finished island should dimensions, be sure and allow for additional under-counter shelving space for storage.
If appliances haven’t already been purchased, you can find a wide assortment of grill and cooler options at most Big Box home-and-garden retailers. However, Stinchcomb recommends purchasing your smoker from a retailer that specializes in them and that stocks specialized parts and accessories you may need down the road.
A detailed supply list and step-by-step build instructions can be found at Exmark.com/college.
Check out these additional Done-In-A-Weekend Game Day Tips videos:
How to Build a Football Wall-Toss Game
How to keep pests from ruining your next outdoor party
