DIY Brick Outdoor Kitchen Counter — Full Construction Guide

DIY Brick Outdoor Kitchen Counter — Full Construction Guide

A permanent outdoor kitchen counter built with structural brick columns, reinforced concrete countertop, integrated sink, lower wood cabinet storage, and open shelving. Designed for patios, braai areas, gardens, and backyard cooking spaces. Access over 16,000 Woodworking plans

Finished Dimensions

Part Metric Imperial
Total Length 1700 mm 66 15/16 in
Total Depth 700 mm 27 1/2 in
Total Height 920 mm 36 1/4 in
Countertop Thickness 50 mm 2 in
Brick Column Width 350 mm 13 3/4 in
Open Shelf Height 350 mm 13 3/4 in

Finished Layout

The kitchen includes:

  • Left brick support column
  • Center wood cabinet
  • Right open shelf storage
  • Reinforced concrete countertop
  • Built-in sink cutout
  • Rear backsplash lip

Materials List

Brick & Masonry

Material Quantity
Clay bricks 180–220
Cement 8–10 bags
Building sand 1 cubic meter
Gravel 0.5 cubic meter
Rebar (10 mm) 20 meters
Wire mesh 1 sheet

Wood Materials

Cabinet Components

  • Exterior-grade plywood — 18 mm
  • Hardwood or treated pine doors
  • Exterior wood sealer

Plumbing Materials

  • Stainless outdoor sink
  • Sink drain kit
  • PVC drain pipe
  • Outdoor faucet
  • Flexible braided supply lines

Hardware

  • Heavy-duty hinges
  • Exterior screws
  • Concrete anchors
  • Magnetic catches
  • Adjustable feet
  • Silicone sealant

Foundation Requirements

Concrete Slab Base

Dimension Metric Imperial
Slab Length 1900 mm 74 3/4 in
Slab Depth 850 mm 33 1/2 in
Slab Thickness 120 mm 4 3/4 in

Slab Reinforcement

Install:

  • 10 mm rebar grid
  • 200 mm spacing
  • Gravel base underneath

Brick Column Dimensions

Left Column

Metric Imperial
350 × 700 mm 13 3/4 × 27 1/2 in

Right Column

Same dimensions.

Brick Column Height

Metric Imperial
870 mm 34 1/4 in

Concrete top brings final height to 920 mm.

Mortar Mix Ratio

Standard Brick Mortar

  • 1 part cement
  • 4 parts sand

Brick Layout

Recommended Pattern

  • Running bond OR
  • Stack bond for modern style

Cabinet Opening Dimensions

Metric Imperial
900 × 700 mm 35 1/2 × 27 1/2 in

Wood Cabinet Construction

Cabinet Box

Part Qty Size (mm)
Side Panels 2 700 × 700
Bottom Panel 1 864 × 680
Shelf 1 864 × 680
Back Panel 1 900 × 700

Cabinet Doors

Double Door Setup

Door Size Metric Imperial
Each Door 445 × 690 mm 17 1/2 × 27 1/8 in

Use:

  • Exterior hinges
  • Magnetic catches

Open Shelf Section

Shelf Dimensions

Metric Imperial
350 × 700 mm 13 3/4 × 27 1/2 in

Perfect for:

  • Firewood
  • Charcoal
  • Pots
  • Outdoor cookware

Concrete Countertop

Top Size

Metric Imperial
1700 × 700 × 50 mm 66 15/16 × 27 1/2 × 2 in

Countertop Reinforcement

Use:

  • Wire mesh centered in slab
  • Additional rebar around sink opening

Sink Opening

Standard Sink Cutout

Metric Imperial
500 × 400 mm 19 3/4 × 15 3/4 in

Position:

  • 250 mm from right side
  • 100 mm from rear edge

Countertop Formwork

Melamine Mold Construction

Use:

  • 16–18 mm melamine
  • Silicone corner fillets

This creates:

  • Smooth edges
  • Cleaner finish

Concrete Mix Ratio

Countertop Mix

  • 1 part cement
  • 2 parts sand
  • 3 parts stone

Optional:

  • Add fiber reinforcement
  • Add pigment

Concrete Finishing

After curing:

  1. Wet sand surface
  2. Fill pinholes
  3. Polish smooth
  4. Seal with concrete sealer

Backsplash Lip

Rear Concrete Lip

Metric Imperial
75 mm high 3 in high

Prevents water runoff behind counter.

Plumbing Layout

Water Line

Run supply:

  • Through rear wall OR
  • Through slab

Drainage

Minimum drain slope:

  • 2%

Ventilation

If storing:

  • Gas bottles
  • Charcoal
  • Chemicals

Leave rear ventilation gaps.

Recommended Outdoor Finishes

Brick

  • Masonry sealer

Concrete

  • Food-safe penetrating sealer

Wood

  • Marine varnish OR
  • Exterior oil finish

Assembly Order

  1. Pour reinforced slab
  2. Build brick columns
  3. Install cabinet base supports
  4. Build wood cabinet
  5. Construct countertop mold
  6. Pour reinforced concrete top
  7. Install sink
  8. Connect plumbing
  9. Install shelves and doors
  10. Seal all surfaces

Optional Upgrades

  • Built-in braai grill
  • Pizza oven section
  • Stone veneer finish
  • LED under-counter lighting
  • Pull-out trash bin
  • Mini fridge opening
  • Stainless steel doors
  • Fold-down prep extension

Recommended Counter Overhang

Location Overhang
Front Edge 30–40 mm
Side Edges 20–30 mm

Estimated Weight

Component Approx Weight
Brick Structure 350–450 kg
Concrete Top 120–160 kg
Total Assembly 500–700 kg

Long-Term Durability Tips

  • Seal concrete every 1–2 years
  • Re-oil wood annually
  • Keep drainage clear
  • Cover during extreme weather
  • Avoid standing water around brick base

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