How to build framing for outdoor kitchen concrete benchtop?

Question

hi there,

I’m going to build my own bbq area. I’m using timber framing and a concrete bench top. I’m also going to be using a beefeater signature proline drop in bbq (probably not making things easy for myself but we love that look).

My question is more around the framing for the bbq opening. Having combustible timber framed around the opening seems like a bad idea

Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks.

tobyandtamsyn · Answer

Hi @Tony_A

As the others have stated, the bbq instructions will give you the clearance dimensions required. When we built ours we used treated pine for the frame and used cement sheet where it asked for non combustible material. We then rendered the splash back and painted the rest black. We were originally going to do a concrete top, but went with timber so I could match it to the shelf above the fireplace. I have attached a couple of pics of ours getting built.

Reach out if you have any other questions about our build.

Toby & Tamsyn

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Tony_A,

It’s actually perfectly fine to use timber for the main framing, but the key is that it must be set back from the BBQ and not exposed directly to heat. You should follow the clearance requirements in the manual, as these will specify the minimum distances to any combustible materials.

What’s typically done is:

* Build your timber frame as normal
* Ensure the framing is set back from the BBQ opening according to the manufacturer’s clearances
* Then line the inside of the BBQ cavity with a non-combustible material

The most common and reliable option here is compressed fibre cement sheeting. It handles heat well and creates a safe barrier between the BBQ and the timber.

Also be aware that there is often still a required air clearance between the BBQ and the cement sheeting itself, so don’t assume it can sit hard up against it.

The manufacturer’s guidelines are the most important reference, but using fibre cement sheeting is by far the most common approach for creating that non-combustible zone around built-in BBQs.

If you’re unsure once you’ve checked the specs, feel free to share them and we can help you interpret the clearances. Let me tag @darryl7, @RenovisionAU, @meganp83 and @tobyandtamsyn, who have put together some amazing outdoor kitchens, to see if they have any advice.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

EricL · Answer

Hello @Tony_A

Thank you for sharing your question about BBQ framing for your drop in BBQ. For the concrete benchtop, I suggest having a quick look at this featured discussion - Concrete tabletop project by @markw. It's an excellent example of a super strong concrete benchtop. But before you begin, I suggest speaking to the BBQ provider and asking them about the necessary clearances and type of materials you can use around the BBQ cabinet itself. I also suggest looking at the BBQ manual and see if it has any recommendations into what should really support the BBQ when you install it.

The store carries cement, wood, steel and aluminium, all that is needed is the manufacturers plans and recommendations and you can proceed from there.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric