The Backyard Evolution: One Room Challenge Week 6

Photo: @onechiclook

One of the best things about making over our backyard has been the increase of quality time with the family. Our quality of life at home has drastically improved and we are loving it. It’s week 6 of The One Room Challenge. We are only 4 weeks away from completing our backyard makeover. Currently enjoying the benefits of having an outdoor grilling station. The family and I have been grilling vegetables alongside jerk chicken. What do you like to grill? Just 6 weeks ago we were living with dirty stained concrete, old furniture, and a less than desirable backyard to hang out. We knew we wanted a place to entertain, host friends, and relax. If you do not know by now, we are renters. We live in New York were more than 70% of the population rents. Being able to have a backyard we can call our own without making permanent changes was the ultimate test. We did not want to jeopardize our security deposit or create a space that could damage the backyard. 

Photo: @onechiclook

The view across the yard is really taking shape. With decor items purchased from Macy’s Backstage and Homegoods really brought the grilling station to life. While shopping, I sought items of natural material such as wood, sisal, or a textured weave. Adding fresh herb plants such as lavender, mint, basil, and thyme was the finishing touch the grilling area needed. Here’s how you can build a grilling station in your own backyard.

DIY GRILLING STATION 

Materials

• 6×8 fencing panel
• 2×3 pressure treated wood 
• 1×8 pressure treated wood
• 1/2″ sheet plywood
• shelf brackets
• corner braces
• 1 box 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 box 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 box 5/8″ screws
• level

1. Locate a level surface to build your grilling station.
2. Make a frame for tabletop and grill enclosure using 2x3x8 pieces of pressure-treated wood to stabilize the tabletop and give the entire frame strength. 
3. Attach the frame to the back wall panel. Use the level to ensure the entire build is level before attaching the frame to your panel backing. 
4. Cut the second fence panel to the height and width of the frame.
5. Cut the wood panels to enclose the frame. Screw it onto the frame to finish it off. 
6. Build a second frame. This frame will give the grill the enclosed look once panels are added.
7. Cut wood panels to enclose the frame.
8. Place one frame to the left of the grill.
9. Place one frame to the right of the grill.
10. Enclose your grill to check the fit. Next, build a door to connect the left frame to the right frame.
11. Add finishing hardware. 

Photo: @onechiclook

*I do not recommend using the grill while enclosed in the grilling station. We built a platform on casters that the grill sits on top of. We remove the grill each time we use it.

Next week I will focus on finishing the seating zone. I will be shopping for more decor items such as pillows, a rug, and more plants. Finding the perfect rug can be a real challenge. I can really use your help. Be sure to follow my One Room Challenge journey over on Instagram. Be sure to support all the designers and guest participants of the One Room Challenge here.