If you have decided to build an outdoor DIY BBQ grill island, you will have to make a few important decisions before jumping into your new project. There are things you should know beforehand that you may not have considered previously.
It’s easy to visualize what your new outdoor BBQ island will look like, what you plan to cook on it, or daydream about the incredible gatherings you’ll have. However, there are a few unseen items you’ll want to include when building an outdoor kitchen, like a natural gas line, electricity, and plumbing. Here’s what you should know.
Gas
When building an outdoor DIY BBQ grill BBQ island, it’s highly recommended to run a natural gas line. The cost of gas is almost always cheaper than its liquid propane counterpart. As a result, you never have to run to the store to get propane tanks refilled or exchanged.
As an example, if you take 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas you could create roughly 1 million BTU’s of energy. The cost to create 1 million BTU’s via natural gas is roughly $12 (based on 2016 data provided by US Energy Information Administration). However, this same equivalent of energy would require 11 gallons of propane, or roughly $22. Plus you need to factor in drive time to get the tank filled or exchanged, and reinstalled for use.
To get a gas line installed simply call your local gas line installer (search Google for “gas line installer (your city).” You should expect to pay roughly $500 on average for the installation, assuming your house already has gas.
Electric
While planning your outdoor DIY BBQ grill island you’ll need to install electricity, too. Many of today’s mid- and high-tier grills use electricity to run their ambient lighting, digital temperature gauges, ignition systems, and rotisseries. Plus, running electricity allows for outlets to power everything from cell phone chargers and outdoor speakers to refrigerators and kegerators.
When installing a new electrical line, or multiple outlets, you should probably budget $85 per man hour. It will likely take 2 hours, plus parts to install a new line. So, a $200 budget is a good number to start with.
Plumbing
Another must-have for any outdoor kitchen is plumping. In addition to making clean up much simpler, having running water and a sink allows you to rinse vegetables or wash your hands without having to run between your indoor kitchen and your outdoor kitchen. It also adds to the kitchens overall flow. Plumbing your outdoor DIY BBQ grill island also allows for some luxuries, such as a built-in ice machine – a must-have for anyone who spends time outside during the summer. You should budget roughly $300 to add running water and drainage to your outdoor BBQ island.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a natural gas line, electric, and plumbing for your outdoor BBQ island is always recommended as it cuts costs and saves time long term. As a result, it makes your time outdoors much more enjoyable.
If you have questions on how to build an outdoor BBQ island yourself, which cabinet system to use, latest design trends for finishing your modular cabinet kit, or how the outdoor kitchen should “flow,” our design experts are here to help. We also provide a free 3D rendering and CAD drawing, with a complete list of building materials and step-by-step instructions, as well as ongoing support for customers.