I don't think I ever noticed that pattern in your cool decking before Dann, that's very cool, I like!

Thanks Lynn. :o)

I had an electrician come out today and rough wire the BBQ island. I really glad I did that, he had a few ideas about how to do it that I might not have thought of until it was too late! I also had him install another outside light and a couple of exterior electrical outlets around the side of the house and in the yard. I'll take some pictures tomorrow for future reference and if any look interesting I'll post them.

Oh! Progress in progress!

These pictures are just to show how and where the electrical was run. Not too interesting unless your trying to do something similar.

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Dan,
I'm wondering what the surface treatment will be? Concrete? Marble? Granite? Something? I'm not knowledgeable about creating a structure that would support a particular surface.... do you have something in mind? Do you need to factor a surface weight into the structure you're creating? (I may have missed discussion of this)

The outside walls will be covered with a backing board designed to have tile or stone veneer applied to it. In my case it will be stone. The counter tops will be 3"+/- thick stained concrete. I did consider the weight of the counter tops and chose to space the wall studs on 16" centers rather than 24". The backing board will also provide shear strength and prevent lateral movement which should keep the structure from collapsing from the weight of the concrete tops.

You're getting closer Dan.
Pretty soon you can box it in and then start on that counter top.
All that hard work is worth it.

You're right Ray...this is one of those projects that just has to be done the right way! Too much invested not to.

I made a little progress on the BBQ this weekend and got most of the concrete backer board installed on the frame work.

Two more sections to install and I can get started on the stone veneer and counter tops!

Dan, I have to say I'm a little jealous of your outdoor kitchen. It is going to be the coolest place in town. It will be such a nice place to hang out and watch you cook something fabulous! How about sharing some of your favorite barbeque recipes? Mine is finally out from under the snow, LOL! I forget now, but are you including a smoker in it?

Next time you and Tony are in town we'll have to arrange a get- together!

I don't have a dedicated smoker worked into this design. For now, I'll use a smoker box in the BBQ. I have some ideas brewing to incorporate a smoker with a firepit. That project will be next year!

......That project will be next year!

Always thinkin'!

I'd love to see your yard in person, Dan!

Mary....Every summer, when it's too hot to do anything outside, I contemplate what projects I want to do before it gets hot again. This season it was the BBQ and Mother Nature added the front yard landscape project. Other projects on the list waiting for a priority assignment are the firepit area, a new shed, front and backyard landscape lighting, refresh gravel areas, build custom gates for the pool equipment enclosure and one between the fig tree and banana planters, build a chicken coop and run big enough for 4 hens, etc... And that doesn't cover the list I have for the inside projects!

Brenda.....Anytime you are in the area you are welcome to stop by.

Awesome!