Here we go again! Part 7 of the Outdoor Kitchen Build! Today I'll show you how I built our counter tops using 100% recycled wood and old pallets! Links to all previous posts are at the end.
The Design
I wanted a corner work space, and one that was plenty big enough to serve us well no matter what we do; from canning to entertaining.
The shorter counter top is for our propane grill and canning burner to sit atop and be at a comfortable height to work with.
Framing and Legs
The framing and legs of the counter tops are treated 2x4s and recycled from previous projects. I began with measuring and cutting the pieces for the longer counter top which measures 8 feet wide and 2 feet deep. I cut two 8 foot boards and 5 21-inch boards for the frame. The legs were cut one-by-one as I measured them once the counter top frame was in place. The irregular ground dictated that they be cut-to-fit to maintain a level surface.
The wood looks worse in the photos than it really is. The dark coloring is where it was in contact with grass for a while and the grass died.
Pallet Counter Top
I've been saving a handful of pallets for a project. These pallets were big--about 8 feet long. I found them behind the local grocery store as they were doing renovations inside. The cash register stations were shipped on top of them as a unit.
My wife pried the top slats off and removed the nails while I lined the up on the counter frame and attached them with screws. After they were all attached, I scribed a straight line and trimmed them to final length with my circular saw from the 1960s. I then used another 2x4 board and attached it as a back-splash for the counter top.
Rinse and Repeat
It was the same process for building the smaller counter--frame, legs, top, backspash. The blade on my other saw became too dull to use, so I went BACK TO THE FUTURE and used my newer saw.
Grill Stand
By this time we had exhausted our matching pallets for making the counter tops and were out of 2x4s. To prevent from having to buy lumber for the project, I used an old table I built many years back for the grill stand. I trimmed the legs to sit level and added a 2x4 to the right side to attach the table to the legs of the other counter. This locked everything in very tight.
The Grand Reveal
And here you go! We realized that the canning burner would not work on top of a table, so we modified our original plans to fit. I think it turned out pretty awesome... and it was all free!
What do you think? We picked up a double stainless sink at a yard sale yesterday and will be working on adding that in shortly, along with other things. Be sure to stay tuned!
Smash that Upvote!
It is greatly appreciated and let's me know you like what I'm doing. Thanks!
See you in the comments below, and on the next post!
Until next time, @greenacrehome
