If you love cookouts, then you know how important it is to select the right grill setup.  

Building your own BBQ grill station complete with storage, appliances, and cooking accessories allows you to prepare multi-course meals outside, without making trips back to the main kitchen. Beyond convenience, a stylish grill setup makes your outdoor living space feel more luxurious.  

Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or love hosting cookouts, this guide will walk you through how to build the ultimate BBQ grill station.  

In This Article  

• Why go built-in vs freestanding?
• Completing a ready-to-finish BBQ grill station  
• Customizing a modular grilling station
• Building a BBQ grill station from scratch    
• Easy outdoor grill station ideas  
• FAQs 

A Ready to Finish (RTF) or Prefab BBQ grill station is a pre-assembled outdoor kitchen frame that's structurally built but not yet covered with finishing material. 

It's designed to let you customize the exterior to match your style while saving time on construction. It typically includes cutouts for a grill and other appliances, and is ready for utilities (gas, electric, water) to be connected. 

Benefits of RTF/Prefab 

✅ Pre-Built Frame: Since the structure is pre-built, you can skip complex framing and start customizing right away — saving days or even weeks compared to building from scratch. 

✅ Customizable Appearance: You have the freedom to apply your own exterior finishes (stone, tile, brick, stucco, etc.) to match your home's style or outdoor aesthetic. 

✅ Professional-Looking Results: Because the frame is already assembled by the manufacturer, you’ll end up with a square, level, and structurally sound grill station, compared to a DIY frame.  

Project Steps 

Step 1: Purchase a Prefab Unit 

Select a Ready-to-Finish/Prefab grill island that fits your grill and outdoor space dimensions.  

Step 2: Prepare the Site  

Your grill station must sit on a stable, level base — usually a concrete slab or pavers. 

Step 3: Place the Prefab Unit  

Place your RTF/Prefab grill island in its final location.  

Step 4: Finish the Outside  

Apply finishing materials to the outside of your RTF/Prefab unit. Use sturdy, outdoor-rated materials, like concrete, stone veneer, stucco, and tile.  

Step 5: Install Your Appliances  

Insert your grill head and other appliances, like side burners, sinks, and refrigerators, into the designated cutouts. 

Step 6: Connect Utilities  

Have a licensed professional hook up gas lines, electrical wiring, and plumbing to the modules, if needed. 

Modular grill stations are very easy to put together. They’re made up of “modular” cabinets — you pick the cabinets you like and arrange them to form your layout. Some modular islands arrive fully assembled, making your project a breeze.  

Customizing a modular grill station is also more affordable than building a custom outdoor kitchen from the ground up. Plus, you won’t have to worry about purchasing separate parts and making sure they’re compatible. All the required (and optional) components in a modular grill station are designed to fit together.  

Benefits of Modular  

✅ Flexible Configurations: You can mix and match modules to fit your space and cooking preferences.  

✅ Variety of Looks: Modular grill stations are often available in a wide array of finishes and colors to match your personal style.  

✅ Simple Installation: All parts arrive ready-to-assemble with minimal construction work. 

Project Steps 

Step 1: Select Your Modules  

Select all your modules (parts of your grill station). Each brand will have a catalog of pre-approved modules you can choose from.  

Step 2: Prepare the Site  

Your grill station must sit on a stable, level base — usually a concrete slab or pavers. 

Step 3: Assemble Your Modules  

Unpack and place the modules according to your planned configuration, then secure them together with screws or brackets.  

Step 4: Connect Utilities  

Have a licensed professional hook up gas lines, electrical wiring, and plumbing to the modules, if needed.  

Step 5: Add Countertops 

If your countertops aren’t pre-installed, attach them to the modules.  

Step 6: Install Appliances  

Insert your grill head and other appliances, like side burners, sinks, and refrigerators, into the designated cutouts.  

A custom-built BBQ grill station is designed and constructed entirely from the ground up, tailored specifically to your vision, space, and preferences. Every detail of your project is customized, from the materials you use to the layout.  

We recommend working with a professional to build your custom BBQ grill station. An experienced contactor, architect, or designer can help you draft your plans. 

A pro can also help you determine if you need gas lines, water lines, or electrical connections, and get them installed safely. 

Benefits of Custom-Built  

✅ Personalized Design: You have full creative freedom with a custom outdoor grill island. You can tailor the layout to fit your space, choose custom finishing materials, and incorporate all the appliances and accessories you’ll need.  

✅ Built On-Site: Construction happens directly in your outdoor space using raw materials.  

✅ High-End Look: Custom-built outdoor kitchens offer a seamless, upscale aesthetic. 

Project Steps  

Step 1: Design & Planning  

Work with a professional to draft detailed plans, including size, shape, layout, appliances, plumbing, and electrical needs.  

Choose the material you want to use to build your custom BBQ grill station. Make sure all the building materials you select are durable and rated for outdoor use.  

The most common finishing materials include: 

• Concrete  
• Brick  
• Stone veneer  
• Tile  
• Stucco 

Step 2: Prepare the Site  

Your grill station must sit on a stable, level base — usually a concrete slab or pavers. 

Step 3: Build the Frame  

Construct the structural frame of your grill station with pressure-treated wood. Be sure to leave a cut-out for your grill. Cover the frame with cement board to protect it from high heat.  

Step 4: Install Utilities  

Hire a professional to install gas lines, plumbing for sinks and refrigerators, and electrical wiring for lights, outlets, or appliances. 

Step 5: Apply Finishing Material & Countertops  

Apply finishing material to your frame — such as stone veneer, tile, stucco, or brick — to create a clean, cohesive look that matches the rest of your outdoor living space.  

Complete your grill station by installing countertops made of granite, concrete, or another weather-resistant material.  

Step 6: Install Appliances  

Insert your grill head and other appliances, like side burners, sinks, and refrigerators, into the designated cutouts. 

Step 7: Final Touches  

Elevate your grill station even more with optional accessories and outdoor features, such as string lighting, seating, and decor. 

We’re Here to Help  

Do you have more questions or need help building your BBQ grill station? Reach out to our NFI Certified experts today at 800.919.1904. 

More Resources  

Compare and contrast each grill style to find the best option for outdoor cookouts.  

Discover the key differences between Ready-to-Finish and DIY BBQ grill islands.  

Find out what you need to know before installing an outdoor kitchen.