Years ago, I was one of many people who melted the siding on the their house by having the grill a little too close. Not my proudest homeowner moment for sure.
I learned my lesson and built a grilling station. It has been awesome. Burgers flame up and my fire-resistant barrier handles the heat while protecting my house. You may want to create a grilling station, too.
Here is my tutorial on how you can do it using a faux stone product from AirStone. I love this stuff; made from recycled wine bottles! This is easily a weekend DIY project. Get your supplies Friday night and you will be enjoying a nice juicy steak in time for Sunday dinner!
Weekend DIY Project: AirStone Grilling Station
Materials
- Two 4×4″ pressure-treated posts
- One sheet cement board
- One bag quick-setting cement
- Galvanized screws
- Construction adhesive
- Two boxes of AirStone or other heat-resistant stone veneer
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Grilling Station
- Decide on a location for your grilling station. Leave 12″ or more between the station and your house.
- Mount the two posts in the ground using Quickrete. Dig the holes roughly 24″ deep. Level the posts vertically and let set overnight.
- Attach the cement board to the back side of the posts with the galvanized screws.
- Attach a ledger board between the posts along the bottom of the Durock.
- Cut stones with a wet saw or hacksaw as needed.
- Apply adhesive to the back of the stones using vertical lines.
- Apply the stones in a random pattern.
- Move your grill in and fire it up!
You can watch this full step-by-step tutorial in action here:
Grill Safety Tips for Summer
If you are not ready to create a custom grilling station, you can take the following precautions to protect your siding, deck or patio:
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Ensure that your grill is positioned at a safe distance from the the house. A general guideline is to keep it at least 10 feet away.
- Use Heat-Resistant Mats: Place a heat-resistant mat under the grill. These mats are designed to withstand high temperatures and protect your decking from heat damage.
- Install a Heat Shield: Consider placing a heat shield or heat-resistant barrier on the exterior wall near the grill. This can be made from materials like sheet metal or cement board.
- Opt for Gas or Electric Grills: Gas and electric grills tend to produce less heat than charcoal grills, reducing the risk of melting siding.
- Monitor and Control Grill Temperatures: Keep a close eye on your grill and adjust it as needed. Avoid using excessively high temperatures that can cause the siding to melt.
- Inspect and Clean: Regularly inspect the siding around your grill area for any signs of damage or potential melting. Clean the area to remove grease, oil, or any flammable materials that could pose a risk when exposed to heat. Keep the grill itself clean of greasy residue to prevent flare ups in the first place.
- DO NOT LEAVE A GRILL IN USE UNATTENDED.
Enjoy your summer by being safe and smart at home. If you have any questions about the grilling station, reach out. One DIY HIP Chicks YouTube subscriber sent me a photo of his finished grilling station. He was just so happy with the outcome–and I was happy for him!
I’d love to see yours, too. If you make one, send pics to support@diyhipchicks.com.
