Install a grill in your outdoor island.
Installing a grill in an outdoor island with an existing gas line is a project that many do-it-yourselfers can complete without hiring a professional. With the proper tools, you can learn put a grill in an outdoor island in a weekend. Before you begin, check city codes about regulations involving gas line. Local code may require a professional to make the gas connection for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Make sure the grill is appropriate for your outdoor island. Because of the heat generated by an outdoor grill, composite countertops are not safe, while granite or marble countertops are safe.
2. Determine the location and direction to install your grill. Install it near your existing gas line but pay attention to the prevailing wind direction. The prevailing wind should blow towards the front of the grill. If the wind usually blows across or into the rear oven lid, the grill may overheat to dangerous levels.
3. Use your grill's installation guide, which comes with the grill at purchase, to find the dimensions of the cutout necessary for your grill installation. You need to know the height, width and depth to cut so the outdoor grill will fit in the island. Note the gas connection on your grill and how many inches it is from the edge of the grill. Write this down, because you will need to make a utility cutout using this measurement later.
4. Mark the area of your outdoor island where you will make the cut, using the dimensions provided by the manufacturer and the location you determined earlier.
5. Cut your heat-resistant countertop along your markings. You can cut granite and marble with a continuous diamond-cutting blade on a skill saw. Cut the height, width and depth, creating a three-sided box for the grill to sit in. Cut a small utility box inside the new grill enclosure you just created so the gas line can run down inside the outdoor island.
6. Lift the grill, with one person on each side, and lower it into your cutout. Make sure the gas connector lines up with your utility cutout. Turn all burner controls on your grill to the off position.
7. Connect the gas line, using factory-supplied parts from the grill manufacturer. Connect the regulator assembly to the gas connector through your utility cutout. The arrow on the regulator assembly should point towards the grill, meaning gas flows up towards the grill. Add a 1/2-inch nipple and a flexible gas line so you can access your existing gas line. Connect the flexible gas line to your existing gas line.
8. Turn on the existing main gas supply valve in your outdoor kitchen island. In a spray bottle full of water, add about five drops of dish soap and shake well. Spray the soap and water solution on the connections in your gas line. If you see bubbles, a leak is present. Turn off the main gas supply valve and try to reconnect the problem area until you eliminate all leaks.
Tags: your grill, existing line, outdoor island, your outdoor, utility cutout, your existing