Planning an open space for cooking is not just a desire to decorate a summer cottage, but a necessity for those who value comfort and cleanliness in the house. Summer kitchen made of blocks is one of the most rational solutions, combining the availability of materials, speed of construction and high fire safety. Unlike wooden structures, stone buildings do not require complex antiseptic treatment and last for decades without loss of functionality.
Choosing this type of construction allows you to create a full-fledged work area, protected from wind and rain, where you can place a massive stove, barbecue, or even a full-fledged kitchen set. Building blocks (be it aerated concrete, foam concrete or expanded clay concrete) have excellent thermal insulation, which is important for maintaining heat indoors on cool evenings. However, in order for the structure to stand for many years, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the technology of masonry and foundation preparation.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of creating an autonomous culinary area, starting with choosing a location and ending with finishing. You will learn how to correctly calculate the load, what tools you will need and where you can save money without losing quality. The main advantage of a block kitchen is the ability to install it yourself without the use of heavy special equipment. Get ready for an exciting process that will turn your yard into a favorite family vacation spot.
Selecting a project and location for construction
The first and critical step is to determine the location. Summer kitchen should be located at a sufficient distance from septic tanks, compost pits and places where animals are kept to prevent odors and insects from entering the cooking area. The optimal distance to the main house is 5-10 meters: this is close enough for convenient serving of food, but far enough to comply with fire safety regulations.
When choosing a project, you should decide on the type of structure: it will be an open terrace with a canopy, a semi-open veranda, or a permanent structure with windows and doors. For block structures, a combined option is most often chosen, where the stove area is protected by walls and the dining area is open. Summer kitchen project should take into account the wind rose in your area so that the smoke from the barbecue does not go towards the house or guests' recreation area.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to build a summer kitchen with a stove or barbecue under hanging tree crowns or in close proximity to flammable outbuildings. The minimum distance to wooden buildings is 10-15 meters.
It is also necessary to take into account the presence of underground communications. Before starting excavation work, make sure that there are no gas pipes, electrical cables or water pipes laid in the area where the foundation is being dug. If you plan to supply water and light to a new building, the route must be laid in advance, before pouring the concrete base.
Calculation of materials and preparation of foundation
The basis for the durability of any block structure is a reliable foundation. Since foam concrete blocks or aerated concrete are relatively light in weight, a shallow strip foundation is often sufficient for a one-story summer kitchen. The depth of the trench is usually 50-70 cm, which avoids soil heaving in winter.
To calculate the amount of materials, you need to know the exact dimensions of the future structure. A standard wall block has dimensions of 600x300x200 mm, but the thickness of the walls can vary. For a summer kitchen, where permanent residence in winter is not expected, a wall thickness of 200 mm (one block) is sufficient. This will significantly save on material and reduce laying time.
☑️ Preparation for pouring the foundation
When pouring concrete, it is important to use a grade of at least M200-M250 to ensure the required strength. Reinforcement is performed with steel rods with a diameter of 10-12 mm, connected into a single frame. After pouring, the concrete should gain strength within 28 days, but you can start laying the first row after 7-10 days in warm weather.
| Material | Purpose | Approximate consumption per 1 m³ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete M250 | Foundation | Depends on volume | Requires vibration |
| Aerated concrete block | Walls | 27-28 pcs. | Lightweight, can be cut with a hacksaw |
| Block glue | Masonry | 25 kg per 1 m³ | Fine-seam, economical |
| AIII fittings | Reinforcement | According to the project | Diameter 8-12 mm |
Don't forget that foundation should be wider than the thickness of the wall to create overhangs to protect against moisture. Usually this is done 10-15 cm on each side. Before starting masonry, the concrete base must be waterproofed with two layers of roofing material or bitumen mastic so that capillary moisture from the ground does not rise into the walls.
Wall masonry technology and openings
The masonry of block walls is significantly different from brick. Here we use a special adhesive composition, which is applied in a thin layer (2-4 mm) using a notched trowel or ladle trowel. This allows you to create an almost monolithic wall without cold bridges, which are inevitable when using cement-sand mortar.
The first row is the most important: the geometry of the entire building depends on its evenness. The blocks of the first row are laid on cement mortar, which allows you to even out possible differences in the height of the foundation. Each block is checked by a level horizontally and vertically, as well as by a stretched mooring cord. Subsequent rows can be placed on special glue.
The secret to straight corners
To get the corners perfectly, use a pattern or make a template from a wooden beam, which will set the straight edge of the corner when laying each row.>
When forming window and door openings, it is necessary to use U-shaped blocks or install metal lintels. Jumpers must rest on the masonry at least 25 cm on each side. For a summer kitchen, large panoramic openings are often made, which can be covered with transparent curtains or left open in the warm season.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use blocks with visible chips or cracks for laying load-bearing walls. Defective elements can be used on internal partitions or trimmed for addition, but not in corners or under lintels.
An important point is the reinforcement of the rows. Typically, reinforcing bars with a diameter of 8 mm are placed in grooves cut in blocks every 3-4 rows. This prevents cracks from appearing when the house shrinks. Pay special attention to the corners: here the reinforcement should be bent at a right angle and overlap.
Installation of roof and roofing system
The roof for a summer kitchen made of blocks can be single-pitch or gable. A single-pitch design is simpler to implement and cheaper, but requires the correct slope for water drainage. A gable roof looks more aesthetically pleasing and allows you to organize attic space for storing equipment.
To create a mauerlat (support for rafters), the top row of blocks must be filled with armored belt. The blocks themselves may not withstand the point load from the rafter system, especially if the roof is heavy (for example, made of natural tiles). The armored belt evenly distributes the load along the entire perimeter of the walls.
Corrugated sheeting, metal tiles or ondulin are often chosen as roofing materials for summer kitchens. These materials are lightweight, durable and quick to install. The under-roof space must be ventilated so that condensation does not destroy the wooden structures of the rafters.
The roof overhangs must be wide enough (minimum 50-60 cm) to protect the walls made of porous blocks from slanting rain. If you are planning to make an open terrace, a light canopy made of polycarbonate or corrugated sheet on metal columns can be a continuation of the roof.
Interior finishing and installation of the stove
The interior of a summer kitchen should not only be beautiful, but also practical. Block walls can be left without plaster, if they are done carefully, and simply painted with facade paint. However, for the cooking area it is better to use materials that are resistant to high temperatures and easy to clean, for example, ceramic tiles or artificial stone.
The central element of any summer kitchen is the oven or grill. If you are planning to install a heavy brick stove, the foundation for it should be provided at the stage of designing the house. For light metal barbecues, a reinforced section of the floor or a separate concrete slab is sufficient.
- 🔥 Cooking area: must be made of non-combustible materials, with mandatory insulation of the walls with thermofoil or DSP board.
- 💧 Washing: requires a water supply and the organization of high-quality drainage into a septic tank or drainage ditch.
- 💡 Electrical: All sockets and switches must have a protection class of at least IP44 (moisture protection).
- 🪵 Storage: Provide cabinets or shelves for firewood so that it is always at hand and dry.
The floor in a summer kitchen is best made of porcelain stoneware, clinker tiles or decking boards (for open areas). It is not recommended to use linoleum or laminate here due to changes in temperature and humidity. Flooring should be non-slip even when wet.
Properly organized ventilation in an enclosed summer kitchen with a stove is critical for removing carbon monoxide and combustion products.
Communications and engineering systems
Comfort in a summer kitchen is impossible without electricity and water. It is better to lay the electrical cable underground in a protective corrugated pipe, so as not to spoil the landscape with hanging wires. Lamps should be chosen taking into account the style of construction: forged lanterns for classics or minimalist LED panels for high-tech.
The plumbing system requires special attention in the autumn. To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, it is necessary to provide a water drainage system or use a heating cable. Water can be supplied from the general house water supply or using a storage tank installed on an elevated surface.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a gas stove or connecting a gas cylinder, be sure to invite a specialist. Self-installation of gas equipment is prohibited and deadly.
Use different scenarios to illuminate the work area and dining table. Above the stove you need bright directional light, and above the table - soft, creating comfort. Place sockets at a height of at least 90 cm from the floor and away from sources of water and fire.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to insulate a summer kitchen made of blocks?
If you plan to use the kitchen only in the warm season (from May to September), then major insulation of the walls is not required. Enough quality masonry. However, if you want to cook there in the off-season, it is worth insulating the facade with mineral wool or polystyrene foam 50-100 mm thick.
What height should the ceiling be in the summer kitchen?
The optimal ceiling height for a summer kitchen is 2.5–3 meters. A lower ceiling in a room with a stove or barbecue will create discomfort due to heat and smoke, and also increase the risk of fire in wooden roof structures.
Is it possible to build a summer kitchen in winter?
Laying blocks on glue can only be done at positive temperatures (usually above +5°C). In winter, construction is possible only with cement-sand mortar with the addition of anti-frost additives, but this requires experience and is not recommended for beginners.
Is it necessary to make a blind area around the summer kitchen?
Yes, a blind area 60-100 cm wide is required. It removes rainwater from the foundation, preventing erosion of the soil under the base and dampness in the lower part of the walls, which is especially important for hygroscopic block materials.