Hi friends! Remember the DIY storage ottoman that I built with my besties at Simpson Strong-Tie? Well, I just made a DIY Kamado grill table to go with it! Can you believe that I won this awesome Kamado grill from The Home Depot last year? I know, I couldn’t believe my ridiculous good luck either – please don’t hate me. I love you. I will cook things on this grill for you.
I’ve been crushing hard on these black powder-coated Outdoor Accents™ that Strong-Tie just came out with and now I want to build ALL THE THINGS with them! They are truly beautiful and functional. Who knew hardware could look this good? Simpson Strong-Tie, that’s who. Can you tell who’s sponsoring this post? 😉
But seriously, I am super excited to be sharing my newest DIY Simpson Strong-Tie project with you. This build has been on my list for over a year now. Way to get things done, Jen. #winning
I chose to use rough cut cedar for this project. I ripped and planed all of my boards before building. Even though cedar fares well outdoors, I applied a couple coats of exterior finish to preserve that beautiful wood tone. If I left the wood untreated, it would weather to a gorgeous grey color. Okay, so are you ready to build your own DIY Kamado Grill Table for your outdoor space?
I wanted to make this DIY Kamado Grill Table design as simple as possible. There are a lot of DIY grill tables floating around the interwebs that have all the bells and whistles, but there’s something to be said about simple, classic design. I tend to overthink things, so when I was drawing up several different designs, some included drawers, cabinets, and even one with a sliding barn door, but I kept going back to basics and stripping the design down to the bare necessities.
My two main concerns with building a wood table for a grill that can get to upwards of 800º F was 1) would it be strong enough to support a 220-lb. ceramic grill? and 2) would it spontaneously combust and burn the whole house down? After extensively researching googling these concerns, I came to the conclusion that folks have already built these DIY Kamado grill tables and have lived to tell the tale. Wood Kamado grill tables are also commercially sold, so I figured my chances of spontaneous combustion or disintegrating tables were pretty slim.
Another factor that intimidated me was the fact that I was working with cedar which is more expensive than regular old pine. If you were to build this table out of pine, the cost would run about $100, but because I chose cedar, my cost doubled. Even still, $200 is hundreds less than what I would have paid had I bought my table from a store. Also, I was able to design it to fit my space. Just two of the many reasons why I DIY: cost and custom.
I’ve included all of the instructions in the building plans, but I wanted to share how I was able to draw an oversized circle using a makeshift compass. First, I measured the circumference of my grill, then decided to make the opening 24 inches in diameter – ample clearance for the grill. If you have a different size grill, you’ll want to measure the widest part of the grill and allow for a couple inches of clearance.
After constructing the table top, it was time to mark where the circle cut out would be. I found the center of the circle and drilled a screw into it. Then I tied a string to a marker and drew the circle. *Tip: keep the marker perfectly perpendicular to ensure the most precise circle.
All of the measurements are in the plans: the diameter of the circle is 24 inches, the radius is 12 inches. How ya like me now, seventh grade geometry?
Now let’s take a peek under this table and see what’s going on with this situation. Because this lower shelf would be supporting the full weight of the grill (all 220 pounds of it!), I wanted to make sure it was plenty strong. I added these 2×4 cross supports underneath for strength and stability.
I used these exterior Simpson Strong-Tie® Deck-Drive™ DSV Wood Screws to attach the lower shelf boards to the table. Alternately, you could use pocket hole joinery here, but I chose to simply drive the screws from the top of lower shelf into the 2×4 supports and aprons. Because cedar is super soft, I didn’t have to use a separate countersink drill bit to countersink the screws. I just up’d the torque on my drill and drove the screw slightly beneath the surface of the wood. I’ll fill it with wood putty to hide the screw head during the finishing process.
Now let’s conduct a very scientific strength test, shall we? Between my hubby and me, we’re putting about 300 pounds on this table. And confession time: I’m hiding behind him because I didn’t want to bother with putting on a bra because it is so stinkin’ hot here in Texas. Was that TMI? My apologies. But seriously, ain’t nobody got time for that. I’d build naked if I could, but I think that’s frowned upon. Howdy neighbors!
Okay, so Main Concern #1 has been put to rest. My grill didn’t come crashing through the table. Here’s another helpful tip – and this may seem like a no-brainer to you, but I honestly had to think this through. I wondered, how in the world am I going to lift this heavy-ass grill onto the table without busting a hernia?
Take the thing apart. Unscrew the hinge, take the top off, remove the inner basin and guess what. The grill gets so much lighter! Duh. I know.
Okay, so let’s address Main Concern #2: spontaneous combustion. From what I read all over the interwebs, do not – I repeat – DO NOT place the grill directly on a combustible surface (i.e. combustible surface = wood). I picked up a paver stone from Home Depot and set the grill on top of it to absorb some of the heat and protect the table. Just be sure whatever surface you use to absorb the heat, that it doesn’t prop up the grill too high so that you’re still able to access the pull-out ashtray below.
We haven’t grilled out yet (still too stinkin’ hot!), but as soon as I do, I will report back with my findings. My assumption is all will be well based on my research googling.
*UPDATE: We grilled out on this table and lived to tell the tale! Our grilling experience went off without incident. The ceramic grill retains heat so well, the table didn’t even feel hot. Huzzah! I shared the real time experience via Instagram Stories – are we friends on Instagram? Let’s be!
So there you have it: DIY Kamado Grill Table. Aren’t those Outdoor Accents gorgeous? They can be used structurally, but in this case, I’m using them decoratively because they’re that pretty. They’re like the jewelry for my table because let’s be honest, we can all use a little bling in our lives, amiright?
Don’t forget to download the building plans above so you can build your own Kamado Grill Table! Thanks for reading, friends! Happy grilling!
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Thanks a lot , I appreciate all your plans and designs, please, send me more.
Enrique.
If you love to cook or do outdoor party activities, this diy grill table is a perfect help. This won’t make things messy while you are grilling something. The table also makes it comfortable. It’s best to use for barbecue party and outdoor bonding time with family or friends.
Jen, any problems if i made the hole in the center?
Not at all! I just placed mine off to left so I had more counter/prep space on the other side.
Did you sand the wood yourselves or buy finished cedar for the table?
Hi Clark,
No, the cedar came rough cut, so I had to run every face through the planer.
Thanks! For the 1×6’s did you rip those down to size from a 2×6? Seems hard to find cedar 1×6 that you aren’t paying an arm and leg for.
Hi Clark,
No, I bought the boards off-the-shelf and didn’t have to mill anything on my own.
Jen, would rolling casters present any problem? Also, the decorative black hinge ware isn’t listed in the plans, where did you get that from?
Hi Mark,
I don’t see a problem with using casters – it would just raise the height of the table up. I’d recommend locking casters. The black hardware is made by Simpson Strong-Tie and is sold on HomeDepot.com.
Hi Jen,
I am planning on using 6 inch x 2 inch wide locking casters with a total height of 7 inches. Do you think I should be concerned about tipping?
Jen, is that the original kamado joe or the big joe?
This is the kamado grill made by Vision.
jen, in step 1 of the kamado grill table, are the 65″ 2×4’s flush with the outside of the 4×4’s? If not, how far in are they? the directions do not say
Hi Mark,
No, the aprons are not flush to the exterior edge of the 4/4s. They are slightly inset, about 3/4″ I believe. This is just an aesthetic choice. Hope that helps!
HI Jen, does anyone make a cover for this grill table to protect it?
Hi Mark,
Great question! I did a quick search on Amazon and found this, although it accommodates tables only 60″ long: http://amzn.to/2iFrhVP
ouch, about a foot too short. Do you cover yours?
Hi Mark,
No, I don’t have a cover for mine, but I have it sitting under a covered patio, so it’s somewhat protected from the outdoor elements.
Hi Jen, Is the measurement from the bottom of the 4×4 to bottom of the lower 2×4 , 14in ? It seems like from your pictures that the bottom shelf is lower. Dane
Hi Dane,
I believe I did follow the plan – the bottom of the lower shelf should be 14 inches from the ground.
Jen, in step 5 your saying join the top with pocket holes but in step 9 your saying use the 2 1/2″ wood screws to secure the top? I can see using the wood screws on the bottom shelf and filling with putty but why mess up the top that way?
Hi Mark,
It’s a matter of preference. I did drive the screws from the top on mine and I don’t mind seeing the screw heads. I did, however, make sure I countersunk them so they sat just below the surface of the wood.
What kind of wood putty did you use?
Jen, what are those black hinges called by Simpson strong tie? I can’t find them at Home Depot
Hi Mark,
The corner brackets are called “Outdoor Accents” and are available on HomeDepot.com: http://www.homedepot.com/s/outdoor%2520accents?NCNI-5
Hi, Jen,
Thanks for the plans. The table looks great! Question about your specific grill: can you still access the electric starter opening on your Vision? Thanks
Curt
Thanks Curt! Yes, our Vision has a flip up lid and it flips up just under the apron to allow us to light the grill, although we usually just use our Electro-Light fire starter from the main basin.
Jen, did you use a protective finish on your table after you finished it? There’s so many products to choose from: penofin, teak oil, tung oil, varnish, epoxy, can you recommend one. I live in Michigan and it can get pretty hot here but i will also have it covered when not in use.
Hi Mark,
For outdoor projects, I usually choose an exterior-grade spar urethane. Hope that helps!
Hello, im building a variation of this table today for my vision classic and noticed that there isnt really a clear measurement offered for the distance between the counter top and bottom shelf. Do you happen to have that measurement handy? Its possible Ive overlooked it, but that certainly would be nice to have.
Thanks for the great plans!
Matt in Tampa Bay, FL
Hi Matt,
I would recommend measuring your grill and determining the height of the bottom shelf that way. You don’t want the grill to be set too high or too low – you want to still be able to access the electric starter component and have the grill set high enough to clear the main basin hinge. Hope that made sense. I placed my bottom shelf aprons 14 inches from the ground. Best of luck!
jen, did you have to drill pilot holes for the Simpson strong-tie hardware? If so, what size bit did you use? The box does not say
Hi Mark,
When using Strong-Tie fasteners, you usually don’t have to pre-drill, as they’re self-tapping. I still pre-drill though, just in case. I use a bit that’s slightly smaller than the screw.
I love this self-built kamado grill table you made for yourself! I can’t believe you found a way to get a wooden table that would hold your grill at upwards of 800 degrees F, very impressive! Unfortunately I am not a very hands-on guy, but I will be looking online to see if I can find something similar to what you made for yourself.
Hi Luke,
Yes, the kamado grills retain heat very well, so the surrounding area doesn’t get hot. There are several grill tables on the market, but they’re pretty expensive. Building your own can save hundreds of dollars, and you can build it to your specific dimensions and space, so there’s no compromising. Best of luck!
Not sure I completely understand the accents, are they strictly for looks? Also would you have a recommendation for scaling? I have a Kamado Joe Big Joe which has need for a 28″ opening, 4″ in rear and 3.25″ up front clearance area. I have the top shelf figured out but the bottom shelf is difficult to scale properly.
Also the pocket holes on the top, did you put those facing up or facing down? Seems like facing down would be best unless you were going for rustic.
Hi Matt,
Yes, in this installation, I’m using the Outdoor Accents purely for aesthetics, however they are capable of being used structurally. As for building the table for your Big Joe, take a measurement from the ground to the bottom of your Big Joe and that’s where you’ll place your bottom shelf (don’t forget to account for the paver stone). Pocket holes are placed underneath the table top so they’re hidden. Hope this helps!
jen, the simpson strong tie accents screws are hitting each other when i screw them in and thus i can’t get them flush, any suggestions? i tried drilling one up on an angle and the other slightly down on an angle but the head won’t flush then. Their hitting each other because of their length and angle their going in on.
Hi Mark,
The Outdoor Accents corner brackets are actually offset, so the screws don’t hit each other. You shouldn’t have to angle the screws up or down to make them work. The holes in the Outdoor Accents are offset intentionally so that there shouldn’t be any hardware collisions. What screw and length are you using?
i used the only ones i found on the HD website, 3 1/2″, my brackets were not offset but i got it to work by just drilling the holes slightly bigger then hand tightening at the end, thanks jen
Jen, thanks so much for the inspiration and especially the detailed plans! I just finished copying your kamado grill table and my wife is thrilled. We bought the Char-Griller Akorn and I was able to mount it to the top shelf.
Thanks again!
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely note, James! I’m thrilled to hear it!
I worked from your plan, very useful – thanks!
I just wish I could get a copy of the plans, all the links I have tried don’t take you to plans
thanks for the link to the plans, one question, how did you attach the top and bottom tables to the 2×4, I don’t see any plugs in the tops. . I like the look of no screws. TIA.
She said she used screws and countersunk them further down in the comments. They have tan deck screws that blend in pretty well.
How can I get a link to the plans? I tried to put my email address into the field, but I never received them.
same here, I’d love to build this thing!
Yes, it’s they’re still available would love to give this build a go
Same here. I love the table but the link for plans doesn’t work.
https://jenwoodhouse.com/plans/SST-Grill-Table.pdf
I just received this now! Can’t wait to build!
Yes please