Nothing transforms a patio from average to high-end like a built-in barbecue grill. But if a full outdoor kitchen is not in your home improvement budget, you can build a grill surround with pavers to get the look.
Building Around the Grill
A common question I hear is, “Can I use a regular grill for a built-in?” Yes, you can! You don’t need the most expensive grill to have a built-in. But you will need a grill that’s fairly easy to build around.
Ideally, the grill shouldn’t have shelves that stick out. For this project, it’s best to use a grill that’s easy to build around by laying simple paver blocks that don’t require lots of cuts.
Creating a grill surround with Pavestone Rumblestone is simple and affordable. Rumblestone blocks come in dimensions that allow for infinite variations during assembly.
We’re using the Petry family’s old grill as a model for what the new built-in grill will need to look its best.
How to Build a Grill Surround
This project calls for large RumbleStone blocks that are 7-by-10-and-a-half inches and minis, which are 7-by-3-and-a-half inches.
- First, we remove the wheels from their gas grill and replace them with a base made of these blocks.
- Then, in lieu of a folding table on either side of the grill, we’re building a square column with the blocks. For the dimensions here, we’re alternating between one large block and two mini blocks as we work around the square.
- For this built-in grill’s next row, we separate the minis so there’s a single one on either side of the large blocks. This allows us to overlap the previous row’s seams, strengthening the structure as we build upward.
- That’s just one piece of this paver puzzle; next, we apply construction adhesive between each row to ensure that each block stays in place.
- When we reach the top of the grill, we use a thinner version of the large rectangle to cap the column and serve as a countertop.
- Finally, we stack several rectangles at an angle on the grill’s backside to create a series of vents for the grill’s heat.
With this grill surround complete, we’ve made an off-the-shelf grill look like a fancy built-in. Best of all? It’s both attractive and functional.
That’s all there is to it — watch the video above to see the entire process!
