Finding the best outdoor kitchen island frame kit involves taking into account your budget, location, appliances, and other factors. We did the hunt for you and picked some of the top frame kits on the market.
Time to start building that outdoor grill you’ve always wanted!
One of the best ways to maximize your outdoor space is to integrate a kitchen island into it. A kitchen island or a BBQ grill will offer additional space for preparing food, grilling, and entertaining while dining with your guests.
But the thing is, building such a component in your backyard comes with serious investment. So, if you have the skill, a DIY project will be an economical approach. And that’s when you need to start with the best outdoor kitchen island frame kit.
When it comes to choosing the right kitchen island frame kit, durability should be your top priority. Think of it as the skeletal system that holds the enclosure together to support your appliances and other components.
With this in mind, we’ll go through some of the best frame kits to match your skill level and turn your dream kitchen island into a reality.
Tips on Building an Outdoor Kitchen Island
It takes a lot of skill to incorporate an effective kitchen island into your outdoor space. Here are some pointers you may want to consider before installing your grill island.
Determine the size and shape.
The size of your outdoor kitchen island will depend on the amount of space you have where it will be installed. It is important to determine the bar height and the depth of the frame.
Next, decide what shape you want your island to be. Many manufacturers will let you choose between an L-shaped island design and a straight island design.
Refer to modules.
Not all kits are the same, and they all come in different sizes and installations. If you’re going to build an L-shaped kitchen island, for example, you’ll be needing additional modules.
Thankfully, manufacturers will allow you to customize your frame kit. They have kits offered in standard and bar heights, and a variety of styles. You may also look for modules that provide you with even more possibilities in designing your outdoor kitchen island.
Another item you need to look for is appliance cut-out kits. These kits are essential parts of a well-designed kitchen island. Appliance cut-out kits combine framing modules and kitchen appliances. Many manufacturers will provide you with cut-out kits when you buy their frames. But if not, you can just purchase them separately.
Things To Consider
As you may already know, building an outdoor kitchen island can be an expensive investment. Getting the right frame kit will help you build the ideal island for you and allow you to take full advantage of its functionality. So before you buy your supplies and frame kit, make sure to consider the following.
Budget
Much like how you’d plan a budget for your appliances and components, it’s important that you have set the amount for your preferred frame kit. These kits don’t always come cheap.
You may be able to find cheaper options for the frame kits we’ve listed here, but doing so may require you to repair them often or, worse, replace the whole unit. The more premium the materials used, the more expensive they will cost.
What Appliances To Install
You won’t be able to fully utilize your outdoor kitchen island unless you have appliances. So, before getting a frame kit, think about what appliances you’d like to add to your island.
Keep in mind that the more appliances you add, the more complex the project will be. But, once you’ve put together your ideal ensemble, you’ll have a functional kitchen island to entertain your guests while sizzling over a hot grill.
Seating
Preparing your favorite dishes outdoors could mean that you prefer to dine outside too. Besides, what’s the point of doing all the work outside only to carry all that food into your dining room?
It’s usually a good idea to include a seating space in your kitchen island’s design. You can opt for a low seating arrangement that is away from your range. If you’re going to outfit your island with a fridge, add a few high bar stools around it and enjoy a few drinks with friends.
Storage
The kitchen island is the perfect place for adding more storage spaces. They come in handy for storing utensils and ingredients, keeping them within your reach.
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Island Frame Kits
All efficient outdoor kitchen islands are built on a sturdy frame. Here are some of the best kits available.
BBQ COACH 8 ft Telescoping Module
Made of heavy-duty galvanized tubes, this 8-ft telescoping module is so durable and easy to work with. Without requiring any measurement or cutting, you can easily adjust the length to conform to your patio. You can adjust it from 48 to 96-inches in length without cutting. It’s very simple to put together.
As per the manufacturer, if you modify the length between 70 and 90 inches and wish to assemble a slide-in appliance such as a grill or side burner, you need to cut the top front 37-inch tube to leave just a 3-inch union with the 48-inch tube. Doing so will keep you from limiting the installation by double tubing.
Get this kit from BBQ COACH.
7 Foot BBQ Island Frame DIY
Here’s an absolute DIY-friendly frame kit that’s ready for cement board. This 7-ft outdoor kitchen island frame kit also comes in two flat boxes with interlocking panels that screw together. You can also have it customized based on what you want to add to your island.
Get this kit from Steel Supports Systems.
FIRESIDE 6 ft. Outdoor Kitchen Island Frame Kit
With just three steps, this kitchen island frame kit will have you designing a sturdy ensemble to house your outdoor kitchen components.
This 6-ft frame kit is made of commercial-grade square tubing aluminum. The package includes pre-welded, built-in appliance cutouts, allowing you to add a 4-burner grill, a side burner, an access door, and a fridge. But if you want a specific design, the manufacturer will work with you on it without extra cost.
It’s easy to put together. Simply put the tile backer board to the structure and build the island with your preferred finishing.
Get this kit from FIRESIDE.
BBQ Island Frame DIY 6′
Here’s another knock-down BBQ grill frame kit to help you create your ideal kitchen island. This 6-ft kit is crafted from 16-gauge galvanized tubing that has been welded together in sections. And those sections are put together using the hardware included in the frame kit.
It’s also a very DIY-friendly frame that’s easy to install. All you have to do is screw the sections together, cover them with a cement board, and install your preferred counter.
This frame kit’s durability is also indisputable. It’s incredibly sturdy and will hold whatever appliances you’d want to house on your island. You can add a mini fridge, a rotisserie kit, and a side burner.
Get this kit from Steel Supports Systems.
Uniframe Systems The Brookline
A thicker and more durable frame you can count on when it comes to holding your range, grill, or other components. The Brookline is crafted from galvanized steel and is non-combustible. It’s also easy to assemble, with hardware included in the package.
This outdoor BBQ island frame kit is designed to be compact while still being a statement piece. It’s a simple, modular design that you can easily customize to build your ideal kitchen.
Get this kit from Uniframe Systems.
FAQs
What can I use for an outdoor kitchen frame?
Steel frames are a popular choice for outdoor kitchen installation. These frames are incredibly sturdy. They can withstand heat and elements. Steel frames are available in a range of layouts and may accommodate a selection of kitchen appliances and accessories.
What kind of wood should I use for an outdoor kitchen frame?
If you’re going to use wood as an outdoor kitchen frame, go for pressure-treated pine. This wood will withstand the grill’s high heat better. Make sure it’s covered with cement backer board on both the interior and exterior of the structure. This will protect the frame from the weather.
Can I use 25 gauge studs for the outdoor kitchen?
The most common type of stud is 25-gauge, which you can find in most hardware and online retailers. You can trim them to length or get them as part of your pre-packaged kit. While common, these 25-gauge studs will twist and not hold up.
And if you use 20 gauge metal studs, they will fit into the track, however, the track will not slide into the studs.
Which is stronger wood or metal studs?
Wood studs are sturdy, and can withstand significant weight just like metal studs. These studs are also easy to find, and many contractors have more expertise with such. Wood is also simple to chop without requiring any special tools.
Metal studs, on the other hand, are designed to work as a system. They may seem lightweight, but they are used in most commercial construction, and you could always opt for a stronger gauge. When you connect them together, you’ll have a good system.
At the very least, though, you could use wood studs for the verticals and upper horizontals, with a metal stud on the bottom in which it meets the ground.
How much does it cost to build a BBQ island?
Building an outdoor BBQ island is an investment. The average price for building a kitchen island can cost around $12,000 and up. This means you’ll need to pay between $1,200 to $2,000 per linear foot.
You also need to factor in the installation and labor costs, since these will account for a major portion of the overall expense. These prices, however, will vary depending on where you live.
Our Final Thoughts
Outdoor kitchen island frame kits come in various sizes and styles. Make sure to get a durable outdoor kitchen island frame kit to match your backyard space, needs, and budget. Good luck!
