Do-it-yourself barbecue area in the country

Rest in the country is not conceivable without barbecue and other dishes cooked on a fire. But this requires a brazier and the corresponding arrangement of the adjacent area. Owners of summer cottages have the opportunity to show imagination by placing a barbecue next to the kitchen, in a gazebo or in an open space. 

You can limit yourself to a portable barbecue or build a fundamental oven that will last for many years. Depending on which barbecue area is chosen (open, closed, semi-closed), there are various design solutions that allow you to turn the cooking process into an exciting outdoor event.

The best projects of barbecue areas in the country with photos

To make barbecue cooking in the country a real holiday, you need to choose the project of the barbecue area that suits you. There are different options: a gazebo with a barbecue area, a terrace with a barbecue, a patio with a barbecue, an open area. Let’s consider these options in more detail.

Gazebo with barbecue area

Beautifully executed gazebo with barbecue can decorate any cottage. In such a gazebo, the following zones are distinguished: working, dining, a place to relax. For the construction of a gazebo, wood, brick or metal is most often used. The oven can be stationary or mobile, but in any case, the following rules must be observed:

• you should not place the gazebo too close to the house or a neighboring site, as smoke and noise will interfere;
• the walls and ceiling of the gazebo should be sheathed with non-combustible materials;
• the brazier is installed on a special foundation or a sheet of galvanized metal;
• inside the room you need a dome hood;
• the chimney is brought out 0,5 m above the ridge, and the pipe is covered with a visor.

Terrace with barbecue

The barbecue area is often attached to the house itself, in which case we will have a terrace with a barbecue. This design is very popular and can be done with your own hands. The extension can be both open and closed. 

The second option will allow you to cook food all year round, but its construction will require more effort and time. The open terrace also has its advantages. It is most often used in summer country houses and allows you to enjoy barbecue in the fresh air.

The arrangement of the terrace with barbecue has the following features:

• the stove should not interfere with movement along the veranda;
• already at the construction stage, it should be foreseen where firewood and coal will be stored;
• it is better to make the cooking grate removable and place it on the same level with the kitchen table, which will make the cooking process simple and convenient;
• around the furnace you need to consider the working area;
• an important part of the design is a chimney with good draft;
• furniture on the terrace is best placed at a sufficient distance from the barbecue.

Patio with barbecue

Patio – an open paved part of the courtyard behind the house, which is intended for summer recreation. If the terrace is a continuation of the house, then the patio is an open area. Sometimes a light canopy is installed here from the rain, and the zone itself is fenced off with hedges and climbing plants. The site will be complemented by a neat lawn, a small fountain, and a fireplace.

It is better to have a patio close to the house so that it is easier to cook. The site should be made at a slight slope so that precipitation quickly drains and the floor remains dry. The brazier can be stationary or portable.

The classic patio is a square or rectangular area with appropriate furniture. The entrance can be both from the yard and from the house. The floor is laid of decorative brick, tile or stone. A foundation is installed under the brazier.

There are various patio options: with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, hearth (fireplace), outdoor cinema. Since the patio is a foreign invention, it can be made in various styles: Greek, Italian, English, French, etc.

 When constructing a patio with a barbecue, the sequence of actions should be taken into account:

• prepare a patio project;
• it is desirable to place the patio away from prying eyes, creating an atmosphere of privacy;
• observe the optimal dimensions of the patio, depending on the area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe summer cottage;
• competently organize the patio space using appropriate furniture, plants, lighting.

open area

This version of the barbecue area is located in the country house in the open. The brazier is established on an equal firm surface. A seating area with a table and chairs is equipped with a light canopy. Such a site requires small financial and labor costs, however, weather factors can interfere with a pleasant pastime at any time. It should also be taken into account that the open area should be located away from buildings and flammable substances.

The base for an open area is most often made of paving slabs, bricks or paving stones. The order of work is as follows:

• site marking;
• removal of a layer of soil to a depth of 20-30 cm;
• compacting the base and falling asleep a layer of sand 5-10 cm thick;
• laying a layer of crushed stone in 5-10 cm;
• pouring cement and laying the final coating.

Barbecue area made of bricks

A brick brazier is often used in summer cottages, because, unlike a metal brazier, it is more durable and convenient, does not get very hot and is less traumatic. Some summer residents, in an effort to save money, materials and labor, overly simplify the design of the brazier, which leads to the destruction of the walls. Therefore, you should strictly follow the instructions:

• preparation of a drawing of a brazier (the dimensions of the working area of ​​the brazier must correspond to the dimensions of the grill for coals and the ash tray);
• the construction of a reliable foundation, the dimensions of which are determined by the external dimensions of the brazier;
• construction of a U-shaped brazier; oven brick is used, a mortar is prepared for masonry: 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 1 part slaked lime;
• the first row is laid on waterproofing from 1-2 layers of roofing material;
• the laying of each row starts from the corners, the brick is laid in a checkerboard pattern;
• after the first 6-8 layers are laid out, the opening is covered with several corners (an ash tray will be installed on them);
• after another two rows, reinforcement is installed on which the grate will lie, the optimal distance from the coals to the skewers is 3 bricks;
• the last row of bricks will serve as the base of the desktop.

Barbecue area made of metal

Metal is the most common material for the production of barbecues. Such structures are easily transported and disassembled, as they are light in weight. The metal heats up quickly, retains heat well, which contributes to fast and even frying.

An important task is the correct choice of metal, since the brazier can be deformed during use from high temperatures. That is why stainless steel braziers are not very strong and durable. 

The best option would be a brazier made of heat-resistant steel. This alloy contains a high percentage of chromium, which forms a refractory coating at high temperatures. Such a brazier will be resistant to corrosion, to shocks and damage of weak and medium strength. Cast iron brazier is the best option, but it has a lot of weight and a significant price.

The main stages of making a metal barbecue with your own hands:

• development of a drawing of a brazier;
• cutting out the grinder of all the main parts from metal sheets;
• drilling holes on the side walls for air ducts (2 cm from the bottom, 1-1,5 cm in diameter, at a distance of 5 cm from each other);
• sawing holes for skewers along the upper edge of the side walls in increments of 10 cm;
• welding the bottom and sidewalls together;
• welding legs at the corners of the barbecue, the legs can be made from reinforcement.

Barbecue area made of wood

Wood is a natural eco-friendly material, so it is most often used for arranging a barbecue area. Unfortunately, it will not work to use wood to create the brazier itself due to the high fire hazard of this material.

Almost all options for barbecue areas (gazebo, terrace, patio, outdoor area) are created using wood. It allows you to create additional country comfort, as it fits very well into the natural environment.

An important element of the barbecue area is furniture, so it should be given increased attention. First of all, you will need a table for cutting food, storing dishes and serving details. If the size of the cottage is solid, then you will need a whole kitchen set. You can also not do without a dining table with benches, which can be made in a wide variety of styles. The recreation area also involves the use of various wooden accessories (bed, deck chair, bedside tables, etc.).

 The following work order must be observed:

• project development;
• laying the foundation;
• construction of a wooden frame;
• roof construction;
• Finishing work.

Budget options for a barbecue area

The most budget option for the barbecue area in the country is an open area. It is most often used in those dachas where the owners seek to save as much as possible, but, at the same time, to fully relax in nature.

The most economical is a factory-made metal brazier or made with your own hands. In order not to spend money on a canopy, you can even use a folding umbrella if the rain caught in the process of cooking barbecue. Dry firewood is used as a combustible material, which is not difficult to get in the country.

The site itself can also be equipped using a minimum of funds. It needs to be cleared and levelled. Lightweight metal brazier does not need an additional foundation.

Simple rustic furniture will add extra charm to a holiday home. A plastic table and a set of chairs are also not expensive at all.

Expert Tips

Marina Vorotyntseva, head of the Landstroyka company, landscape designer with 15 years of experience

The brazier zone is a place of your rest, and the requirements for it are the same: to create coziness. Therefore, it should be fenced off from prying eyes and noises. You can make a pavilion or an open area, you can build a canopy – it all depends on your financial capabilities. This zone is ideally located outside the walkway. If you plant a hedge around this zone, preferably from conifers, it will be just wonderful. Ephedra perfectly purify the air, fill it with healing phytoncides and are decorative at any time of the year. And if they have a pyramidal shape or a haircut, it will be a luxurious green wall. The place of the barbecue area must be approved by your family, and first on the plan. Otherwise, there will be constant alterations, disputes and so on. Everyone should love the place.

Felix Aliskerov, Sales Consultant, Leroy Merlin Sholokhovo Hypermarket

It is not easy to determine the best project for a barbecue area, since the evaluation would have to take into account such a subjective criterion as design. It is difficult to compare different designs of barbecue areas, since each of them is created taking into account the general style. For this reason, it is worth talking not about the best project, but about a project that meets a set of objective criteria. The barbecue area must meet three main criteria: safety, convenience and versatility.

Safety plays an important role, as a fire is made in the barbecue area. The stove or brazier should be located at the maximum distance from the house, other buildings, trees and bushes. It is also worth considering the location of the zone relative to the neighbors’ plots. If possible, it is better to equip the barbecue area as far as possible from the houses so that the smoke does not interfere with the neighbors.

If a brazier or charcoal grill is used in the zone, the device must be located on the ground or on a floor made of non-combustible material and sheltered from the wind by a wall or fence. The fence is optimally at least one and a half meters in height to protect the flame from the wind.

In the construction of barbecue areas, certain standards have developed that should be taken into account when developing your own project. Most often, the barbecue area is a kind of gazebo with three walls and an equipped floor, combining the functions of a summer kitchen and places to relax. As a rule, taking into account the climate, an indoor pavilion is chosen for construction in the country.

There are a wide range of floor designs to choose from, depending on your budget and personal preference. Combustible materials such as wood should be avoided. If the site combines a barbecue area and a recreation area, it is preferable to choose a floor made of non-combustible material for installing a brazier or stove. In the recreation area, it is permissible to use wood flooring. Most often, a solid foundation of concrete is equipped on the site for the brazier. This is justified by the fact that many stoves and stationary tandoors are heavy.

Evaluating the project in terms of comfort, it is worth considering, first of all, the location of the stove, work table and kitchen furniture for storing firewood, coal, means for lighting and maintaining the flame, dishes and other utensils. In the layout, you can adhere to the classic principle of the “triangle”, placing the table and storage furniture to the right and left of the stove or barbecue. The distance to the table and furniture should be calculated so that you do not have to reach for the things necessary in the cooking process.

The versatility of the gazebo lies in the combination of recreation areas and barbecue facilities. The dimensions of such a gazebo are calculated based on the number of people who can gather in the zone at the same time. It is necessary to proceed from the norm of two square meters per guest. So, for six guests it is better to build a pavilion with an area of ​​12 square meters. Here it is necessary to add another 2-4 square meters for the installation of a barbecue and kitchen furniture. The most convenient are universal rectangular arbors in the perimeter.

With such a layout, the barbecue area is located at one end of the pavilion, and the dining table is at the other, and with a favorable wind direction, the smoke from the barbecue does not prevent guests from relaxing. When choosing a stove, this factor does not play a role, since the smoke from the stove exits through the chimney.

How to make a barbecue area in the country with your own hands

1. Choice of location

First of all, you should start by choosing a place. In this case, the following conditions must be met:

1. Safety. The brazier should be located at a sufficient distance from the house and flammable materials. It is recommended to build a protective wall along the brazier with a height of 1,5-3 meters;
2. Ease of location and use. There should be a fairly wide passage to the barbecue with good visibility. The brazier can be located next to the kitchen, where all the necessary utensils and water are available. The best option would also be to place a barbecue next to the bath, since there is also water and a place for dinner. 
3. Wind protection. The flame of a fire should be protected from strong gusts of wind, for which natural barriers can be used. In addition, smoke should not interfere with neighbors.
4. Beautiful environment. Being in the barbecue area, the vacationer should be able to enjoy aesthetic views.

2. Preparation of the drawing

When a place is chosen, you can begin to develop a drawing. The project depends on the size and type of the barbecue area: open, semi-closed or closed.

It is easier and cheaper to design an open barbecue area, since it can be located in any area without a roof. The main thing here is the brazier, which can be represented by a metal barbecue or a simple stove.

The semi-closed barbecue area is closed with a canopy or fenced with poles. The brazier itself can be made by hand or purchased in a store.

The closed barbecue area is a separate small building with a roof. Here you can cook food at any time of the year and keep warm from the cold. A closed area requires a more complex project, as it will have to lay the foundation, build walls, roof, etc.

3. Choice of materials

When constructing a mangal zone, wood, brick and metal are most often used. The stone is used mainly for decoration. 

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, wood is the most in demand, because it is environmentally friendly, attractive, does not have a large weight, but is fire hazardous, which requires additional fire prevention measures. In addition, wood decays faster.

Brick and stone are more reliable materials, as they are less susceptible to fire and adverse weather conditions. Maintenance of such buildings is not burdensome. You can use various design solutions for arranging the barbecue area, which will look elegant. 

An additional material here is special glass. At the same time, brick and stone are more difficult to work with, have significant weight, and the price of such a building will be much higher than that of wood.

The most expensive option is forged metal construction. It is durable, fireproof and attractive because it is made by forging. However, it is quite difficult to build such a structure with your own hands, besides, it requires constant care (painting, corrosion control) and does not protect from wind and precipitation.

4. Foundation preparation

Metal braziers can be installed directly on the ground or on a platform lined with stone. If it is a brick oven or a heavy metal brazier, then a foundation will be required. It can be made with your own hands.

For this, markings are made on the ground according to the size of the barbecue and 10-15 centimeters are added around the entire perimeter. It is best to make a concrete foundation for the entire base, which can withstand temperature extremes and swelling of the soil in the spring and winter. 

First, a pit is dug with a depth of 60-70 cm, its bottom is rammed, a layer of crushed stone about 10 cm high is poured, which is also compacted with a rammer.

After that, a formwork with a height of at least 10 cm is made. Concrete is poured from cement grade not lower than M200 along the perimeter of the recess into the pit to the upper edge of the formwork. 

For one to two weeks, the structure is left to solidify, after which two layers of waterproofing are laid with roofing material or roofing felt and lubricated with liquid waterproofing mastic. After that, you can proceed to the laying of the barbecue.

5. Building a canopy

A canopy over the barbecue is needed to protect from the weather. It must meet the criteria of safety, aesthetics and comfort. The canopy consists of supporting vertical pillars and a roof. Its size directly depends on the size of the furnace. Canopies are wooden, metal (forged) and brick (capital).

Roofs for a canopy can be of various designs. The easiest way is to make a single-sided and arched canopy with your own hands. A small roof does not protect well from heavy rains, but from light rain it is completely, so its size should be at least 1 m in each direction from the barbecue. The optimal height of the canopy is about 3 m. This will minimize the risk of it catching fire from an open fire, provide the space with natural light and make the cooking process more comfortable.

6. Barbecue or barbecue?

The brazier is a rectangular brazier in which coals smolder, and the meat is cooked on skewers on top. A barbecue is a round brazier, and the meat is cooked on a grate located on it. So the difference lies in the cooking methods.

A barbecue differs from a barbecue in that the heat is easily regulated thanks to a special device, so it spreads evenly. In addition, by raising or lowering the grate, you can adjust its distance to the coals. There are different types of barbecues: portable and stationary, heated by coal, gas or electricity, with or without various additional devices. On the barbecue, you can cook a wide variety of dishes: meat, fish, seafood, a whole chicken or part of it, various vegetables and fruits.

Expert Tips

Marina Vorotyntseva: 

You can easily equip the barbecue area with your own hands. Decide: a stationary oven or a mobile one, how many seats your table will have, how to accommodate your guests and family. Of course, first on the plan.

If possible, it is better to purchase a ready-made glass pavilion, or install a canopy, then you can gather in this place even in wet weather. But in the absence of funds today and now, think over the space so that in the future you can put a pavilion in this place without alterations (removing seedlings). Believe me, your opportunities will only grow, and, accordingly, you will equip your barbecue area with maximum comfort. So do it in perspective. And if today there is no money for all your Wishlist, then you can even get by with the stumps of old trees, a rustic version of a fence made of branches, planting climbing plants near them. The main thing is the hearth.

And another important detail: coverage. Even if you have a beautiful lawn, wonderful grass, make paths, albeit step-by-step, but it is better to pave the patio. The most cost-effective option is laying natural stone. It will be objected to me that tiles, bricks, and other materials can be laid. But believe a landscape designer with 15 years of experience: we measure the cost of materials not at the time of purchase, but distribute them over the entire service life. Therefore, there is nothing better than natural stone for a patio. 

Firstly, it is easy to lay it yourself on a sand cushion, secondly, it is easy to repair, and thirdly, lawn grass can be sown between the stones – it grows beautifully, it is cut like a regular lawn. You do not come to admire the paving, but the grass. Fourth, over time, this material does not collapse. And finally, the cherry on the cake: in winter, natural stones do not get such frost as concrete. In summer, the stones are heated and it is very pleasant to walk barefoot on them.

Now many are making stationary large ovens that are multifunctional and look amazing. In my opinion, over such furnaces, without fail, there should be a canopy. And if you have a small mobile stove, a canopy is not necessary at all.

Felix Aliskerov:

The order of work largely depends on the choice of type of construction and material. The easiest way is to arrange the site with your own hands and purchase a finished pavilion. Assembling the gazebo if you have the skills, you can do it yourself.

You can equip a platform or flooring in different ways. When creating a solid monolithic foundation, a number of preparatory work is performed at the first stage. They include the creation of a foundation pit, taking into account the depth of soil freezing in the region and the level of groundwater, the creation of a cushion of sand and gravel that prevents deformation of the foundation, the creation of drainage and a waterproofing layer.

If you have skills and experience, a project for the independent construction of a monolithic foundation can be done with your own hands. In the absence of experience, it is recommended to prepare for the project. You can do this with the help of articles or videos. Information on building a foundation for garden buildings is available on the websites of retail chains in the DIY segment, offering everything you need to equip a summer house.

As an alternative, it is possible to recommend the creation of a monolithic foundation for installing a stove and erecting a deck for a recreation area made of wood on screw piles. This type of foundation is easier to equip than a monolithic concrete slab. For the installation of piles, special equipment is not required, and for the construction of a gazebo on piles, only a standard set of tools and a welding machine are required.

A foundation is not required to install a light mobile barbecue or charcoal grill. The easiest and simplest option for execution is a pavilion without a foundation on screw piles. In fact, this is a roof or a kind of awning that protects an equipped and leveled earthen platform from the weather.

How to arrange a barbecue area?

When designing a barbecue area in a summer cottage, you can fully show your own imagination, but there are some recommendations. First of all, you need to decide on the type of barbecue area (open area, gazebo, terrace, patio).

Zoning is important. The brazier zone should be clearly divided into a working and dining part. The working area is always located next to the brazier. Proper arrangement of furniture will allow you to separate it from the place of eating. For example, a dining table or sofa can serve as a partition. An artificial or natural fence is also used.

For an outdoor area, it is better to use light garden furniture that is adapted to weather changes, easily folded and carried from place to place. In the case of a closed barbecue area, you can stock up on massive wooden furniture.

Combined lighting helps design the barbecue area. The main light should be combined with decorative lighting. Spotlights should be placed in the place of cooking. Ceiling chandeliers can be hung in the closed area. In an open area, solar lanterns and lamps look good, which are charged during the day and shine at night. This allows you to save energy.

Expert Tips

Marina Vorotyntseva: 

When designing a barbecue area, it is important to separate it from the rest of the space, to create backstage. In addition to hedges, you can use trellises, hedges, ridges – your imagination is not limited to anything. In addition to separating the area from the outside, you should think about decorating the inside of the area. The lower tier of plants under conifers can be very spectacular: bright bushes of barberries, hydrangeas and similar plants will create a special flavor inside the zone. Therefore, do not plan a small area, let it be more spacious. 

Felix Aliskerov: 

The design of the barbecue area depends on the overall stylistic decision of the site. When arranging the zone, it is best to adhere to those solutions that have already been used in the design of a house or other garden buildings. So, when choosing a material for the roof of a barbecue pavilion, you should give preference to the material and colors that are used on the roof of the house.

When choosing a material for a fence that protects the brazier from the wind, you should also pay attention to the design of the house. However, if the house is made of wood, it is better to choose a different material. The most popular material for building a pavilion wall in the immediate vicinity is brick. It is presented for sale in a large assortment, and there is always the opportunity to choose the type of brick that best matches the color of the walls of a wooden house.

Popular questions and answers