building a bar and a firepit...

[throttle]

trying to even out some thoughts.

Granite vs. formed concrete finished with tile?

Trying to keep it simple. The original plan is a u shaped bar area about 10'x12'. Using prefabbed granite tops and having them at different heights for hi top seating/standing and lower height for serving area or standard seating. Another reason for different heights is to minimize seams where the pieces come together.

Not sure if its would save on cost here in the end (by not doing granite), however... If we opted to do formed concrete finished with tile we could have any shape and would not be concerned with the different levels as much (the cost of labor and material in tile could still equal the same as the granite by the time its all done). I like the smooth finish and clean look of the granite and feel it would be the best option in the havasu heat and reduce the problems with grout and tile over time.

The fire pit will have to run on propane (a lot of it) as it currently is planned to have a 6' interior pit. A round 48" burner could put out almost 600K BTU's and have a second valve and supply for a square burner outside of that. Too big?

For you guys that have done this stuff before, anything you would do different that you thought of after you finished and wished you had done the first time?

 

[Carlson-jet]

" A round 48" burner could put out almost 600K BTU's and have a second valve and supply for a square burner outside of that. Too big? "

Are you building a foundry? :eek

 

[Demoman]

We tried to keep it simple for our river house bar. We just framed it out of treated lumber, sheated it with concrete wall board and put stack stone on the outside. Installed granite tops with a satin finish instead of the high gloss. Really fast project done on a three day weekend

 

[NicPaus]

They make prefab granite in islands that are finished on both sides. Block base stacked split face travertine and granite on top is the look I like best out of the ones I have built.

 

[elco]

Another option would be a finished concrete counter top. From what i have seen the shape and finish choices are pretty much endless.

 

[LHC Kirby]

Granite.... I would pass on the tile sure to grout.... Heat and dry air.. IMO would be a short life for the grout.

 

[Kbach]

I did finished concrete with rounded/bullnose edges. Found a form kit on eBay that was super easy, screw it to framework/pour/trowel then snap the forms off when finished. Went over it with a couple of different grit polishing pads and then sealed it. Pretty easy and I've been happy with it for the last few years.

I'll dig up some pics later on.

 

[Melloyellovector]

Granite and or solid surface counter for outside we typically avoid if exposed to elements.
Common problems are epoxies with stone tend to fail ( on bullnose faces )
That and the polished finish hold up great indoors, outdoors plan on yearly maintenance for sure
We usually do pour in place concrete and or concrete base with tile on top

And not sure what kind of burner ring your looking at 48in should be 150k btu range not 600k.
If it's truly 600k btu you'll regret it for sure that is A LOT of gas/propane. Are you attempting to have a gas bonfire?
A 6ft fire pit is large, plus walls, inside finish will be 48in max width likely smaller. Meaning your ring will actually be 36in ring, then use a high flow valve to get a higher flame if that's what your looking for.

Edit: just re read, you said 6ft inside diameter, that is an enormous fire pit. To big unless your have a fire pit show you do nightly for the entire neighborhood, lol

 

[Ultra247]

We're in the process of building the bar, BBQ and firepit. We're going granite but it got pricey fast. (I have a tile BBQ in California and it's not nearly as nice as granite)
I asked about how well granite will hold up in the outdoor Havasu heat and several people have it and said it shouldn't be a problem. I was warned to pick a granite that has minimum "fill" in it because they use epoxy to fill any irregularities and it will discolor in the heat.
We're working with Eric here on the boards. He's with Echelon stone in Fort Mohave. He came by and gave us a lot of input before we bought anything so I would give him a call. He will give you input into the design as well as the covering options(tile vs granite)!
We went "counter height" for the BBQ and Island. The bar is at ground level because it is on the side of the pool.
Different heights is a really good idea. I find that most people like to stand and walk around rather than sit by the fire. Most of my counters are set up for standing and talking.

Good luck with it and give us some pictures once you get it done!!

 

[throttle]

All good feedback, thanks. Sounds like I stick with the granite.

Need to do some more homework on the fire pit. The plan is to end up with a pit that uses propane (not on gas in Havasu). Big enough to take up some space and still put off some heat. Filling the interior area and covering burners with colored glass.

 

[NicPaus]

That glass adds up quickly. Built a 5' pit for a customer last year. To fill it would of been over a $1000. We used lava rock and topped it 2" with glass. They wanted the biggest burner I could get. Ran a 3/4" line natural gas. Had to recess it lower in the glass was to hot on top. Starting a bathroom at there house tomorrow I can get a picture and there feedback on size.

 

[mjc]

I am thinking of doing a stainless steel countertop when I build mine. Not sure but should hold up pretty good.

 

[Icky]

I am thinking of doing a stainless steel countertop when I build mine. Not sure but should hold up pretty good.

Once you scratch it, it'll be hard to make it match the rest of your countertop. Think of a stainless fridge. Also the calcium deposits in the water will leave a film on it if you don't keep up on the cleaning. Having it passivated will help, but sounds like alot of upkeep

 

[Kbach]

I did finished concrete with rounded/bullnose edges. Found a form kit on eBay that was super easy, screw it to framework/pour/trowel then snap the forms off when finished. Went over it with a couple of different grit polishing pads and then sealed it. Pretty easy and I've been happy with it for the last few years.

I'll dig up some pics later on.

Found a couple of build pics on my pc...of course I don't have a single shot of it all finished up I can find! Pretty modest compared to what most people have but it works perfect in he space we have. The concrete has been great with basically zero maintenance.

 

[cofooter]

That's really nice, what concrete did you use and where did you buy the forms?

 

[Kbach]

That's really nice, what concrete did you use and where did you buy the forms?

Thanks, the concrete was just low dollar off the shelf stuff from lowes. All of the websites I looked at said you had to use their special $50 a bag secret mix but I figured I was just doing a simple outdoor counter not fancy kitchen countertops so it wasn't a big deal if the finish wasn't perfect.

The forms were from a place called Z-form or something like that. I found them on eBay but there were a lot of places that sold them online. They have different edge details but mine were just simple bullnose.

 

[SoCalDave]

All I can say is you better have a BIG propane tank for that fire pit.

 

[SoCalDave]

Here's mine I built last year.
Pressure treat 2x4's, redwood siding and finished with granite.
Water, natural gas and electrical. I use this thing all the time now!

Area that I decided on.












My fire place is for wood though

 

[charlyox]

I built a "U" shaped bar and tiled it. I would like to redo it in concrete someday.

 

[NicPaus]

All I can say is you better have a BIG propane tank for that fire pit.

The ring i used has a max 296,000 BTU. On high a 5 gallon bbq tank might last a hour but I doubt it.

 

[Mandelon]

I used slabs of random shaped flagstone for the countertop on my outdoor bar and BBQ area. I put on a few coats of sealer before I grouted, as a grout release, then recoated the grout. No real issues with grout, but next to the BBQ the counter has stained a little bit from getting sloppy with sauces and marinades.

It was pretty cheap and easy to lay. The base is CMU with a wonderboard base for a thick mortarbed with a little reinforcing steel.

I did a much smaller fire pit. It fits 8 people around it easily with the bench and chairs. Lava rock is cheap and helps to radiate the heat around more than the glass.

 

[oldschool]

Built mine out of block, bar and fire pit. The tile has actually held up well, both about 15 years old. If you can, plumb the fire pit with gas. I screwed up and used 1/2" line, should have used 3/4-1".

 

[kevnmcd]

Did mine about 12 years ago now and it has held up great. Bar is block with a smooth coat finish. Top is polished concrete.

Fire pit is block with smooth coat finish and a concrete top that is acid washed. Not the best pic but all I have right now.

 

[Deja_Vu]

We put in a built in BBQ at the last house in Temecula.
Block constructed frame with poured concrete counters and finished with tile.
This is a pic after about 10 years of use. Still looks like new.

 

[Havaduner]

Cam, are you going to build a cover/cabana over the bar area? A granite slab or concrete will stay warm for hours after sunset if you are going to leave them uncovered to the sun.
That being said, I would go with finished concrete (no tile on top) over granite. You can add a stain to concrete for color if you like, and polish. Then finish with a stain guard and it will be virtually maintenance free for years. I say almost cuz I know you. Which ever way you go let me know I'll hook you up on maintenance product.

 

[mjc]

With all these islands what did you all use for the BBQ? What are the good brands to get? I have a Jennair that I was going to take the cart off of and use in an island but right now it sux and not sure it is worth rebuilding.

 

[Deja_Vu]

With all these islands what did you all use for the BBQ? What are the good brands to get? I have a Jennair that I was going to take the cart off of and use in an island but right now it sux and not sure it is worth rebuilding.

I had an infrared TEC Sterling II built-in unit.

I am considering these pre-built modular units from Lowes. Instead of spending $12-$15k, I can get the whole thing for under $3k.
I'd rather spend the $10k on my boat.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Master-Forge-5-Burner-Modular-Gas-Grill/3511543

 

[NicPaus]

With all these islands what did you all use for the BBQ? What are the good brands to get? I have a Jennair that I was going to take the cart off of and use in an island but right now it sux and not sure it is worth rebuilding.

I have used a number of different ones. You get what you pay for with s bbq. The Costco one made by Bull was the better of the cheap ones. The rest are $5K plus but at another level. One of the island we used Lynx. It cost around $15K for me to build it. Grill was $5500 + tax alone.

 

[kevnmcd]

With all these islands what did you all use for the BBQ? What are the good brands to get? I have a Jennair that I was going to take the cart off of and use in an island but right now it sux and not sure it is worth rebuilding.

Mine was from Barbecue Galore. It was their top of the line 4 burner all stainless steel at the time. We use it a lot all year round and in 12 years the only thing I have had to replace is the ceramic briquettes.

 

[SoCalDave]

I purchased a Weber Geneses S-310 natural gas BBQ, left the side shelves and wheels off. Built the opening to slide it in on and wallah, it fits the order for just under $1k and has a 10 year warranty.
I'm pleased with the whole thing except the block wall background...gonna have to work on that next. Total project cost was just over $2,500 and I did all the work.

 

[oldschool]

I purchased a Weber Geneses S-310 natural gas BBQ, left the side shelves and wheels off. Built the opening to slide it in on and wallah, it fits the order for just under $1k and has a 10 year warranty.
I'm pleased with the whole thing except the block wall background...gonna have to work on that next. Total project cost was just over $2,500 and I did all the work.

View attachment 536587

Cover the block wall with reed fencing.

 

[NicPaus]

Here is a pic of fire pit. They chose the glass said it was about $500 2" over lava rock. The grill they went with is Twin Eagles from BBQ galore.

 

[throttle]

Here is a pic of fire pit. They chose the glass said it was about $500 2" over lava rock. The grill they went with is Twin Eagles from BBQ galore.

this ^... very similar to what we will end up with... :thumbup:

 

[throttle]

The past couple weeks there has been a lot of prep work. Irrigation for planters, electrical, water line for bar sink, more drains, footings dug for some steps, planter areas, fire pit and outdoor bar/bbq.

It's always good to see things progressing. Concrete and block set earlier this week. I should have a new view of things when I get there tomorrow. [emoji3]

 

[throttle]

This should work [emoji3]

 

[throttle]

 

[NicPaus]

Looking good.

 

[FreeBird236]

Just a heads up, not sure exactly why, but have seen a concrete bottom fire pit blow up, luckily it was late and everyone had moved away. When I built a wood burning fire pit I just left the bottom dirt. I think the the one that blew up may have had a void with air trapped inside.

 

[Sigus]

granite going in outdoor kitchen this week. Considered poured in place but was concerned with cracking. Granite will have some maintenance to keep it looking good and not losing the binder for the edge.

 

[throttle]

 

[throttle]

 

[Beerme]

This should work [emoji3]

View attachment 543546

I have the same sink. Have not had any problems with it, but the spicket is plastic. Always through me for a loop, you pay so much money for the item and it comes with a plastic faucet. It still works, but everytime I use it I feel like I'm going to break it. It should be an easy fix in the future if it does break.

As far as grills, I went with summerset and have not had any problems. One of the keys to keeping a good working bbq ( I use mine 1-2 a week) is cleaning. Meat fat can play havoc on the metals in the grill. I always clean the grates after every use and try to clean the inside and burners every few months. You pay soo much for the grill, it pays to keep it in good working condition.

And yes, even though my area is covered, the granite can stay blazing hot for a while after the son has passed, but I think it looks rich.

 

[throttle]

The plan is for granite, I will have a cover built for bar area after we get past this phase and before the deck (pavers) get put down.
I was shown the summerset line for accessories and like them, bummer to hear about the plastic faucet tho, might need to change that out sooner in the heat.
As for the grill area behind the bar, for now that area is being built up to add the built in grill later as I currently just don't see it getting used to its capacity. So, it will be a granite counter all the way across.