Latest project: BBQ Table

[phylodog]

I decided things were looking a bit sloppy outside and I didn't have a decent area to work or storage for all of my BBQ crap. I used Google Sketchup to design a table that would surround both my Big Green Egg and my Weber grill. This is what I came up with:

I had planned to build it entirely from cedar but since I tend to have my moronic moments and couldn't find the cedar 4"x4"x8' beams at Menards (they were outside) I ended up going with the cheaper Douglas Fir for the framework. I didn't want to just bolt it together so I decided I was going to use half lap joints. You basically slice a bunch of cuts through the area you need notched out-

Then break the remaining slivers loose-

Before removing them altogether-

Then I cleaned up the surface with a chisel. This took a lot more work than I had anticipated and I ended up with some nice blisters on my palm, thumb and fingers from running the circular saw and chisel.

This was the first dry fit of the legs after I finished the first 20 half lap joints-

Another dry fit and another 20 half lap joints completed-

The joints started getting a bit more complex when I started making the posts which connect the front and back legs-

First complete dry fit of the framework-

Then it was time to begin making the top sections. I made them using cedar 2"x4"s-

Cut a hole for the Egg-

Make the other top section-

Cut a hole for the Weber and finished the perimeter with cedar 1"x6"s-

I was initially going to leave the base open but I've decided to enclose it, I just don't know how I want to go about doing that. I don't want it anywhere near air tight as both the Egg and Weber need decent airflow to work well but I'd like to obscure what is under the table.

 

[Bruenor]

Nice job on this. When is the INGO picnic?

For air flow, how about some wooden latice? Or maybe add vertical boards, but leave 1 inch gaps for the air flow? Or maybe keep the back more open for air flow, but the front done up to look nicer. Just some thoughts.

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

I presume there is sufficient clearance between the grills and the wood; be a shame if it went up in flame. Perhaps some bushings or heat shields could be worked out.

 

[LEaSH]

Impressive Phylodog! You are a multi-talented kind of guy.

I can't build a bird house, myself.

 

[ctbreitwieser]

I was initially going to leave the base open but I've decided to enclose it, I just don't know how I want to go about doing that. I don't want it anywhere near air tight as both the Egg and Weber need decent airflow to work well but I'd like to obscure what is under the table.

Maybe try putting some lattice or something similar around it.

 

[jblomenberg16]

Great work!

I second the lattice work, or perhaps something else custom made. You could even hinge the sides such that you can open them up for airflow when in use, then close them when not being use. What might be even more slick is to have "pocket" style doors that could slide open again allowing airflow, but can be closed when not in use to make a nice tidy grill area.

If done cleverly, you could even store your tools inside when not in use.

 

[phylodog]

The two center areas are for storage and I still have to install a shelf or two in there. I was thinking about lattice but my wife decided against it for me.

I may try to find a decorative sheet aluminum or something like that, frame it and attach it somehow so they can be popped off of there when I need to gain access to clean out ashes or get to my accessories.

I appreciate the kind words. I started this thing on Monday and probably have 25 hours in it so far. I'm finishing it off with a coat if reddish tinted Thomson's water sealant but I'm considering something a little more resistant to staining for the tops. I'm sure I'll get juices from the meat on there and it'd be nice if I could wipe it off without staining up the tops.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

How about adding a "L" to the end of the taller end for prep space? You have room?

 

[Lumpy76]

How about a sheet of stainless in the middle? Then you can have a nice clean prep surface. Keep all of it right by the grill. No staining of the wood either. Looks great, can't wait to get an egg.

 

[Benny]

*golf clap*

 

[Fenway]

Very cool phylo!!!!

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

Got a router? You could fixture it up and run lines at 45 degrees on opposite sides. Works the same as lattice, but much more attractive.

 

[phylodog]

I don't have a router but I'm planning on borrowing my Dad's so I may give that a shot.

 

[Outlaw]

Looks great!

I'm thinking about building one out of pavers on the back patio and making my brinkman built-in and maybe a sink if I get adventurous.

 

[Thatguythere]

Nice job!

 

[williamsburg]

That looks awesome. Great job.

 

[phylodog]

Got the panels to cover the front made this weekend. I'm thinking about leaving the back open for good air circulation.

 

[Ricnzak]

That's a first class job. Very well done. I bet that bad boy weighs a couple of pounds. Now you're going to have to build a killer picnic table to match.

 

[Expat]

Nice. Wish I was that handy.