BBQ Island Build

[chewbakarox]

Hi all - great forum here. I've started a BBQ island build - it's an L-shaped island with the BBQ/smoker on one leg, and bar seating on the other. So far I'm about 75% through the framing (20g metal studs) and will be installing Hardie, concrete countertop, and stone veneer.

I'm about to frame out my grill opening based on the manufacturer's specs for the cutout. Here's my question: Is the weight of the grill supposed to be supported by the countertop, or by the framing beneath the grill? Seems to me that it would be very difficult to get the framing set up to support the weight of the grill without knowing your countertop thickness first.

Hope this question make sense - thanks in advance.

 

[rphpool]

Are you installing a slide in grill? If so the grill has "lips" which will sit on top of the counter. So the grill is supported by the counter which is supported by the frame. This is how mine was built.

 

[chewbakarox]

Thanks for the response. Yes, it's a slide in grill - I wasn't sure if the "lip" on the edge of the grill could support the weight of the entire assembly. But I did a test fit over the weekend and everything worked out just fine. Again, I appreciate the input!

 

[menace]

pics???

 

[chewbakarox]

I'll try and post some pics soon. I have the framing all done and I'm about 75% through the Hardie Backer.

My next question is pretty basic: Generally, does it make more sense to install the concrete countertop first, and then add stone veneer? Or vice versa? Not sure it even matters....