How to install barbecue in outdoor kitchen?

MHOS73

Hi all - we just bought a new house and it has an outdoor kitchen of sorts already installed. 

I say "of sorts" because while there appears to be space for a BBQ there is no hole in the benchtop to run gas. I assume you can cut through that bench top with the right hole saw?

I am also curious as to whether you can install a BBQ so close to the timber sheeting at the back without also having some sort of heat proofing. Any advice on this?

Finally, given the way it is set up and the colour of the boards, it might pay to have a range hood installed?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MHOS73. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about outdoor kitchens.

There are a variety of drill bits, including diamond-tip hole saws, that can cut through most benchtop surfaces. It’s worth checking with a tradesperson before attempting to drill, as your bench looks like a reconstituted or engineered stone. In Australia, there are stricter regulations around cutting or machining synthetic stone due to the silica dust these products release, which can be a serious health hazard. Typically, a hole for a gas line can be made safely, but it should be done using the correct dust-extraction equipment and protective measures, and it’s recommended that a licensed professional carry out the work.

Regarding the timber sheeting at the back, that is a combustible material, so you’ll need to protect it. At a minimum, a heat guard like a cement sheet behind the barbecue will provide a safe buffer. Built-in barbecue instructions usually specify required setbacks from walls and sides, and often also note whether an air gap underneath is needed. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully. The biggest concern is definitely the timber at the rear; barbecues should never sit directly against combustible material.

A range hood is also a good idea in this setup. With grease, smoke, and fat from cooking, the timber boards behind the barbecue could stain over time. Even a basic hood will help ventilate smoke and reduce the risk of damage or lingering odours in that semi-enclosed area.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell