Metal studs for outdoor BBQ island??

[SouthVirginiaPool]

I plan on building an outdoor kitchen island for the BBQ grill etc. I picked up some galvanized steel studs from Lowes, but in retrospect they seem kind of flimsy when considering putting heavy concrete or granite counter on top of the island. I know the concrete board will help brace this, but am now wondering if I should use wood instead? Just wanted to see people experiences, especially if they used studs from Home Depot or Lowes.

 

[Gorilla83]

I used metal, but heavier gauge product from bbqcoach.com. Definitely more expensive, but significantly stronger as well.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

I used metal, but heavier gauge product from bbqcoach.com. Definitely more expensive, but significantly stronger as well.

I also used BBQ frames and have a Primo XL sitting in it as well as granite tile across the top with zero concerns on strength

 

[Randrx2]

Use the metal studs. Yes they seem "flimsy", but they are engineered to work as a system. Most commercial construction is using them. Once you tie them all together, you will have a great system. You could always go with a heavier gauge or use 2x6's instead of 2x4's.

I have seen some of my neighbors having theirs built by contractors using regular wood studs (not treated, no water proofing or termite treatment like a house). There is no way I would do that on an outdoor bar.

At a bare minimum, you could use wood studs for the verticals and top horizontal and then use a metal stud on the bottom where it contacts the ground.

Don't give the termites any more food!

 

[jimim]

i went hybrid with my build out. pics in my build. i did it all wood but where the grill was went metal for combustion.

 

[SpringPool]

I’ve used the metal studs from Lowe’s and put a granite top on it. Once secured with self tapping screws and then add the concrete board it will be solid. on the back wall or anywhere you don’t have cut outs or doors you can always add extra studs.

Two tips, first make sure to have enough ventilation cutouts to keep it vented, 2nd don’t put the metal direct on the concrete You need a barrier. I used composite decking as the base And place my frame on top of that.

 

[Arizonarob]

Use PT (pressure treated) studs for your bottom frame where it comes in contact with the ground. Then use steel everywhere else, and once it’s framed it will be solid and bug resistant.

 

[Randrx2]

There is no reason you cannot use the metal stud as the base. Millions of feet of walls are constructed with the base being metal. You can put a vapor barrier or break where the metal stud contacts the concrete (use tar paper or some sill plate gasket). If you really want to make it bullet proof, you can zinc paint any of the cuts and screw holes.

 

[jimim]

I was wondering the same. The metal can be right on the concrete. What can happen?

 

[Arizonarob]

I was wondering the same. The metal can be right on the concrete. What can happen?

Corrosion.

Metal studs are used in commercial construction on interior walls. They can rust if they come in contact with water and in humid environments.

You can use steel on concrete if you want, but I wouldn’t. I use PT as the base, then tar paper, the steel on top of that.

 

[SouthVirginiaPool]

Thanks for all the input! I'm using Trex type composite board under the steel channels and studs. Slow progress but it is coming along. The top is perfectly flat; the paver floor not so much with a slope to the right to also towards the pool. Every stud was slightly longer than the neighbor.

 

[SpringPool]

Thanks for all the input! I'm using Trex type composite board under the steel channels and studs. Slow progress but it is coming along. The top is perfectly flat; the paver floor not so much with a slope to the right to also towards the pool. Every stud was slightly longer than the neighbor.View attachment 139637View attachment 139638

That’s looking really good. I like the addition of the L bracket for added support. What type of grill do you have? I’m in the process of researching a grill and not sure what to go with yet.

 

[SouthVirginiaPool]

That’s looking really good. I like the addition of the L bracket for added support. What type of grill do you have? I’m in the process of researching a grill and not sure what to go with yet.

I have the BLAZE 44 - I honestly was blown away by the construction of the burner tubes - it is like a tank. And the burgers and hotdogs cook in minutes (if I want to) and smell GLORIOUS - the grill can get really hot and you can get a searing unit to replace one of the conventional burners. Mine is natural gas. Keep an eye for scratch and dent sales where you can get it for much less (not sure we are allowed to mention websites but if you google BLAZE 44 grill you will find their website - I also got all my island doors and vents from them too). Mine came on a cart with awesome drawers - I didn't want to loose the drawers by placing the head into the bar as a builtin, so I'm keeping it on the cart but making a space for the cart and grill on the left of the L-shaped island.