British BBQ Society Forums

With Xmas just been and gone I asked the missus to gather funds from anyone wanting to give me a "present" so that I can build the perfect area/shelter for smoking in the kind of rubbish weather we regularly get in the UK. So the question I throw to the floor is what should my perfect BBQ area contain? My carpenter (I suck at all forms of DIY before any of you suggest doing it myself) needs very specific instructions so I need to get a pretty clear idea before getting him involved.

Initial thoughts are that it needs enough roof to cover my ProQ, me and a small wood/charcoal store. It needs shelving at a good height for the maverick (which I haven't purchased yet) and it needs some hooks to hang utensils and somewhere to hang a light.

What am I missing?

what size area?

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Well, we are in the same boat, I am planning just this, and possess the same DIY skills as yourself. Add to this equation a total lack of money on my part, so mine will be cheap and shoddy looking

As to what it should contain, your list has some good essentials, but may I suggest considering the following:

-comfortable chair
-large table that is stable enough for large cuts of meat
-outdoor power socket for lights, forced air etc (I'm thinking a string of clear outdoor fairy lights would be nice)

What are you thinking in terms of construction? All wood, with walls etc, like a shed, or a lean-to type affair, or something else? I'm planning on keeping mine very simple to begin with, using beach wind breaks for walls, a couple of upright support pillars, and a lean-to corrugated plastic roof.

The bar...................

Well my brother is a sparky so outdoor sockets should only cost me materials and a few beers. It did occur to me that at some point I will want a forced air system so that is a great shout.

In terms of area, this something I am currently in negotiations with the other half over. I think it will likely be quite modest but the more I think about it the more I think a sheltered prep area is pretty key.

Anyone have problems with what they have in the recent storms?

I'm going semi permanent and cheap as I can just in case wrt storms!

Hi
I think you need to decide on some fundamentals -
Is the area for your bbq and equipment only or you as well? several folks here have modified log stores and sheds that are a great home for the kit but the human interface is still left in the rain.

If you are going with the custom built affair then I would be looking at an dutch barn styley arrangement as big as the missus will allow, solid roof and 2 sides made of sturdiness, would then make the other 2 sides some kind of canvas based arrangements that can be rolled away in the clement weather, and rolled back to protect you for the other 11 months of the year. If headed in this direction then I would be looking at decent built in storage, powed and light, solid worktop in some kind of stone, fridge under breakfast bar style arrangement for sitting at and taking an ale, reckon you could do the lot all in for less than £5k

I have the plans mentally ready for the larger of my 2 bbq areas but just need to sneak the plans past Mrs Tiny, my rationale that we need such an area because we have so many barbecues seems thus far to have not swayed the purse strings to open, so I am wishing you better luck

Tiny wrote:Hi
reckon you could do the lot all in for less than £5k

I think if I approached Mrs G with a £5k budget for putting a roof over my barbecue, I would get laughed at!

My structure will have to cost me £50 or so. Whilst it might not be perfect, it's achievable fiscally and practically. Something to keep the elements off is priority #1, electrics #2, furnishings will come last, as money allows.

Hehe I won't be spending £5k. Budget is likely to be £300-£400 region. I reckon that probably buys me a converted wood store with a couple of sockets.

Thanks for all the input though guys !

are garden sheds and toolsheds expensive in england? I brought a small shed in october! Plus 2 side wall racks! A hand full of S Hooks and U hooks! put a large rear air vent in so can cook in there! put large pavers down for the base! all up $340! Would of been cheaper if I brought 2nd hand, but the wife said it had to be green colourbond sheeting

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