How do You Build a BBQ Shelter?

In this article, I want to take you through easy and simple steps on how to build a wooden BBQ.

You may have thought it’s hard to build, but after you are done reading this article, you’ll know how simple it’s to build bbq.

Constructing bbq for your grill is easy and simple .

A BBQ plays an important role in protecting the grill against sun and rain.

Because I know how important the grill is, that’s why I want to show you the cost-effective steps build what protect it. 

BBQ help to protect grill against two major factors that causes rust, which are:

  • Sun 
  • Rain

Some people think building a bbq is a difficult thing to achieve. It’s not as difficult as they think. 

Even though you have not built bbq before, the information here will guide you to build durable BBQ for your grill.

In addition, if at all you have constructed a bbq before, this article will increase your skill.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Planning

Planning involves mapping out the area in your compound where you want the BBQ to be. 

After this, you choose the type of materials you want to use. Materials like wood, roofing sheet, nails, etc.

It’s important that you use good materials, because that is what will make it to last longer.

The materials may not necessarily be an expensive ones, but go for durable and affordable ones.

Here are materials to build BBQ. These are durable and cost-friendly materials.

A3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 104″ long, 3 pieces – 92 1/2″ long POSTS
B2 pieces of 2×4 – 43 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 65″ long, 1 piece – 69″ long RAFTERS
C2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 72″x24 3/4″ long roof
D2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 73 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 51 1/2″ long TRIMS
E30 sq ft of tar paper, 30 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
F6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41″ long, 3 pieces – 65″ long, 21 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 36″ long RAILS

These materials listed above will make your BBQ last long. Take advantage of local stores to get fairly used materials.

Use the tools listed below to construct bbq.

  • Safety gloves,
  • Glasses
  • Miter saw,
  • jigsaw
  • Chalk line,
  • Tape measure,
  • Spirit level,
  • Carpentry pencil
  • Drill machinery
  • Drill bits

Now that you know the materials you need and the tools you will use to build a BBQ, it’s important you get them before you start out to build.

Step 2: Begins The Construct by Laying Out The Posts

BBQ posts
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A BBQ frame begins with posts. Lay out the posts in squared form to get the exact size you want.

You can use a string and batter board to form the location you want the post to be. Ensure the diagonal or the four sides of the poles are equal. 

You can adjust any of the poles to make them be on the same line until they’re all equal. You might as well use 3-4-5 rules for the corners to be on equal sides. 

One of the best woods you can use is 4×4 lumber. Cut the top at 75 degrees and make it smooth. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges you cut.

Now the posts you need are ready, we proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Stand The Four Posts

To stand the posts of the BBQ involves two ways. Before the two ways you need to use hole digger to make hole.

Once you’re done with the holes. Then proceed to any of the two ways to position your post.

One of the ways is to set the posts into the holes and pour concrete for about 2-3 deep.

The second way, is to install tubes inside the holes and fill the tubes with concrete. This is done by using a digger to make holes.

Immediately you pour the concrete on the tube, install the post anchors. Ensure you align the posts anchor very well. 

Because it’s the anchor that will carry the posts when the concrete is eventually dried. The example is in the diagram below.

you can decide to place the post inside the tube and cast it directly. whichever way you choose goes well.

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Wait for 2 to 3 days to allow the concrete to dry before you start to fix the posts. Set the posts to the anchors and plumb them with a lope level. 

Next is to make a hole or drill a pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ anchor. This 2 1/2″ is the carriage bolts that will lock posts into the anchor. Make sure you tighten every side of the posts.

Since the posts are long standing on their position, you need to build the rim.

Use rafters of 2×4 lumber. Measure the rafter at 75 degrees and cut it. Smooth  them after cutting. Take a look at the picture below.

Put the rafters to the four sides of the shelter. Create pilot holes and use 2 1/2″ screws to hold the both side. Once you are done with this, install both front and back rafters. Ensure you secure the rafter at both ends.

Fit the rim rafter
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Drill a hole on the shelter grill at each side to use a rafter to support it or balance it at the top. Just as it shows in the diagram below.

Fitting the middle rim
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Use 1 5/8″ nails to hold the trim to the shelter. Also cover the top edge with  1×6 trims to the front and to the back. 

Step 4: Cover The Roof

At this stage you need to cover the roof. Use tar paper to cover it. Then use staples to secure the tar paper into it places. 

From the bottom up to the top install asphalt shingles roof. Put a ridge cap to waterproof the shelter. Take a look at the example below.

fitting and roofing
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Step 5: Attach Supporting Rails 

The supporting rails are met to make the structure strong. That is why they’re important. These rails are the horizontal rails. 

First, drill pocket holes at both ends. Then cut and attach 2×4 support rails to the structure. Then fit the components to the structure and lock them into place using 2 1/2″ screws.

Ensure the edges are squarely fit into the hole. This will solidify the shelter.

fit the support rails
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After the horizontal rails, the next one is the vertical rails. Attach the vertical rails to support the grill shade. Cut the vertical rails from 1×6 lumber. 

Drill a pilot hole at each end and get them locked to the supports end. Then, use 1 1/4″ screws.  Fix the vertical rail in an equal spacing.  

Now, fit the top rails to each side of the bbq shelter. Cut 2×4 lumber to construct the top rails and fit it to support.

Use 2 1/2″ brad nails to lock each side tightly. Take a look at the diagram below.

Fit the vertical rails

Next, is you should fill the holes with wood putty. Then smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

When you are done fitting the vertical you can either apply a few coats of stain or paint to enhance the look. The paint prevent it from decaying. Take a look at the diagram below.

At this point, you’re done with the construction of bbq. That’s exactly what you see in the diagram below.

Fitting the top rails
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See the diagram below to see how the grill looks inside the bbq. It looks beautiful.

Grill Shelter Plans
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Conclusion 

Building a BBQ is simple and easy. Mostly you don’t need to hire any labor to build it for you.

You can build it by yourself. The complete 6 steps on how to build bbq are here for you to study and put it into practice to build your bbq.

Your grill deserves to be protected from the rain and sun. That’s why it’s important you construct a BBQ to shade it off from these weather elements.

Get to work to construct a bbq. These steps are straight to the point. Follow the orderly from step 1 to step 6. You will have your bbq outline out.