The barbecue area has always been central to Aussie family life, from the steel plates on a brick burner box of the 1950s to the firepits of the ’60s and ’70s and heat-bead flying saucers of the ’80s to the fancy multi-burners of the ’90s.

But the barbie is nothing without an area to prepare the rest of the meal, so it’s no surprise that the new exterior kitchen is becoming as sophisticated as our alfresco lifestyle.

Layout & Design
Installed under an existing awning, this steel-framed outdoor kitchen is made up of five modules and houses a four-burner Beefeater barbecue. Under the benchtop a cupboard, drawers and Husky bar fridge have a stainless finish with a powdercoated fascia.

The existing concrete slab under the awning was used as the foundation and determined the size and layout of the kitchen.

Assembling the Steel Frame
A galvanised steel frame system, costing about $1100, from Fresco Frames (www.frescoframes.com.au) was supplied flat-packed for construction. The modular steel box frames are joined together as the basic skeleton.
BARBECUE The base was measured and the adjustable telescopic horizontals adjusted to allow extra length for gas hose fittings then the frame was secured with screws.
FRAME A chalkline on the concrete outlines the shape and the frame was lifted into position, edges set flush and bridge connectors secured with screws that register the components as they’re tightened.

The assembly was checked and plastic packer shims positioned underneath any areas that needed levelling. A 10mm masonry bit was used to drill holes in the concrete slab and the frames secured with galvanised Dynabolt masonry anchor bolts.
CABINET FLOORS Three of the frames required floors made up of two halves, installed by fitting the outer edges then aligning the insides and dropping the panels in position.
TRADIE CONNECTIONS If fitting natural gas have a plumber supply the line and replace the LPG gas jets in the burners before attaching the cladding. If electrical wiring or a water supply is required, you need to have them connected after installing the steel frame but before the cladding goes on.

Assembling the Cabinets
The drawers and cabinets are finished in stainless steel with a powdercoated fascia to match the appliances.

DRAWERS AND CABINETS The modules were assembled for the drawers and cupboards, slotted into the frames and secured with screws around the front flange then the fascia was fitted. The drawers or doors and the appliances were installed after the kitchen surfaces were fitted.