Hi folks. I have been lurking here for about the last 3 weeks after I accidentally found the site when searching for Island building help. I must say the level of info shared here is outstanding and i really wish I had found this before I started building my island. I would like to start my build story and at the same time ask a few questions of those who may have some insight.
I sketched out an initial design for my island about a year ago. I just could not find myself willing to pay the $5K+ contractors were charging just for the island so decided to do it myself. After much debate and internet searching I found a couple of sites, youtube videos and articles on concrete block building & steel frame building. I decided I couldn't do the concrete block b/c seemed too much work to do vs. the framing (after finding this site, I am glad I figured that out). In my searching i came across a site that helps homeowners like myself start a project like this by providing "moduled" kits for building an island. For my basic design this kit met my needs so I went ahead with it. Even after all the reading on this site I am glad I used that b/c it helped speed up my learning curve. Although now I feel like I wish I had done more, I am sticking to my design. So without further adieu, here is an intro to my plan.
I am building a "L" shaped Island that is 10'x5'. I will NOT have a gas grill but only have my Kamado Joe (Big green egg is a competitor) b/c we now only cook with that. I do have a NG side burner I plan on putting in too b/c I do have a gas stub out ready to go. The island will have 1 set of double doors and also a single side door. At this point i am done with the main frame construction. The picture attached is not complete b/c i have not yet taken the completed frames picture, but still gives you guys an idea. Next step is the hardibacker skin and trex feet then on to thinset & tile top. I am planning on stucco'ing the rest. I do have some questions on that below.
At this point I am looking for your feedback/advice. I know Dr. Dave really is pushing for vents and I plan on putting them in even though I only have a gas burner and no gas grill.
here are some questions I had and if you could help me out that would be great.
1. I am thinking of putting in a 6" backsplash but don't want to tear up the island. Do you guys think if I create a 6" frame box and attach it to the top of the island it should work? or do i need to rip the island apart to do this now? (crappy picture of what I am asking is attached.)
2. The 2 attached pictures of stucco & concrete glue from HD are what I found yesterday when there. Are these the right items for me to do stucco? Or does anyone have a specific name/brand I should use? If so why?
That's all I can think of for now. I'll keep posting and updating my progress as much as possible. Most in AZ are telling me I am nuts to do this when it is over 108+ in AZ everyday, but hey at least I'll be ready to enjoy it in the great winter months...right?
Thanks in advance for your help
Sam
I sketched out an initial design for my island about a year ago. I just could not find myself willing to pay the $5K+ contractors were charging just for the island so decided to do it myself. After much debate and internet searching I found a couple of sites, youtube videos and articles on concrete block building & steel frame building. I decided I couldn't do the concrete block b/c seemed too much work to do vs. the framing (after finding this site, I am glad I figured that out). In my searching i came across a site that helps homeowners like myself start a project like this by providing "moduled" kits for building an island. For my basic design this kit met my needs so I went ahead with it. Even after all the reading on this site I am glad I used that b/c it helped speed up my learning curve. Although now I feel like I wish I had done more, I am sticking to my design. So without further adieu, here is an intro to my plan.
I am building a "L" shaped Island that is 10'x5'. I will NOT have a gas grill but only have my Kamado Joe (Big green egg is a competitor) b/c we now only cook with that. I do have a NG side burner I plan on putting in too b/c I do have a gas stub out ready to go. The island will have 1 set of double doors and also a single side door. At this point i am done with the main frame construction. The picture attached is not complete b/c i have not yet taken the completed frames picture, but still gives you guys an idea. Next step is the hardibacker skin and trex feet then on to thinset & tile top. I am planning on stucco'ing the rest. I do have some questions on that below.
At this point I am looking for your feedback/advice. I know Dr. Dave really is pushing for vents and I plan on putting them in even though I only have a gas burner and no gas grill.
here are some questions I had and if you could help me out that would be great.
1. I am thinking of putting in a 6" backsplash but don't want to tear up the island. Do you guys think if I create a 6" frame box and attach it to the top of the island it should work? or do i need to rip the island apart to do this now? (crappy picture of what I am asking is attached.)
2. The 2 attached pictures of stucco & concrete glue from HD are what I found yesterday when there. Are these the right items for me to do stucco? Or does anyone have a specific name/brand I should use? If so why?
That's all I can think of for now. I'll keep posting and updating my progress as much as possible. Most in AZ are telling me I am nuts to do this when it is over 108+ in AZ everyday, but hey at least I'll be ready to enjoy it in the great winter months...right?
Thanks in advance for your help
Sam