Build the Ultimate DIY Grill Island

Unity G+ Outdoor Kitchen Kit & Install Guide

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The Unity G+ walkthrough covers the complete lifecycle of a professional grill island build, from addressing minor foundation dips to the final drop-in of the stainless grill. Terry highlights the impeccable fit and finish of American-made Summerset grills and provides technical solutions for spanning large masonry openings without permanent supports.

The Unity G+ is the heavy-hitter of our modular grill islands. Designed to house a massive 32-inch Summerset Sizzler, this module provides a sprawling 12 square feet of natural stone countertop space. Whether you work left-to-right or right-to-left, the G+ is engineered to be the functional anchor of a high-end, professional-grade outdoor kitchen.

Project Duration: Half Day

Project Difficulty: Beginner

You Will Need:

  • Unity G+ Grill Island Kit: Includes precision-cut blocks and structural support irons.
  • 32-inch Summerset Sizzler Grill: Included as a standard feature with all Unity G+ kits.
  • 4ft Level with Plumb Vial: Essential for establishing a level first course, maintaining vertical plumb, and serving as a straight edge for long masonry runs.
  • Rubber Mallet: For fine-tuning block placement and ensuring tight, abutted joints.
  • Power Blower or Brush: Required to clean dust from block surfaces to ensure a permanent adhesive bond.
  • Natural Stone Countertops: Optional (Limestone slabs available; required if you are not sourcing custom countertops).
  • Stainless Steel Drawer or Door Units: Optional (Integrated mounting bucks included; choose based on whether your module is standalone or a return corner).
  • Play Sand: For minor foundation leveling (less than 1/4 inch).

Video Timeline

Timestamp

Step

Description

1:10

Grill Island Specs

A look at the 12 sq. ft. countertop layout and masonry durability.

2:55

Summerset Sizzler Features

Why the welded-and-polished 32" Sizzler offers the best value-for-money.

5:05

Easy-Clean Grease Tray

Demonstrating the fully removable stainless bottom tray for simple maintenance.

6:25

Correcting Foundation Rock

Using the sand-leveling method to stabilize a dipping corner.

9:32

Straight Edge & Alignment

Using a 4ft level to keep the long masonry runs flush and square.

10:11

Checking for Plum

Sighting down corners with the plum vial starting at the third course.

12:08

The Pro Shelf Tip

Using the counterweight method to slide shelf wedges into place.

14:32

Spanning the Opening

Using temporary stone stacks to support blocks until the slab is set.

17:39

Precision Grill Fit

Adjusting countertop tolerances for a perfect, gap-free grill drop-in.

18:19

Drawer & Door Install

Mounting the sleds and bucks for the stainless storage components.

Pro Tip:

The Counterweight Slide: When installing the extended shelf wedges, don’t struggle to hold them in place while gluing. Instead, prep the course above it first and scoot it back slightly. This allows the upper blocks to act as a counterweight, letting you slide the shelf wedges underneath them for a perfect, secure fit.

Professional Grade Masonry Without the Complexity

The Unity G+ is a full-masonry solution that eliminates the weaknesses of fiberglass or thin-walled metal carts. By using solid blocks and natural limestone, you create a “buy-it-for-life” structure that provides the thermal mass and durability of a professional kitchen with the ease of a one-day DIY assembly.

Solving Foundation Imperfections

A common challenge when building on pavers or concrete is finding a slight dip in the corner. Terry demonstrates a “Level 300” masonry trick: using a thin layer of sand (less than 1/4 inch) to eliminate block rocking. This ensures your foundation course is perfectly stable, preventing structural issues from “telegraphing” up through the rest of the build.

Precision Installation & Tolerances

The Unity G+ is designed with tight tolerances to ensure a seamless “built-in” look.

  • The 32-inch Sizzler: This four-burner powerhouse offers an optional infrared back burner and a fully removable stainless steel grease tray for easy cleaning.

  • Straight Edge Alignment: Use a 4ft level sideways against every course to keep your long runs perfectly straight.

  • Thermal Drainage: Terry recommends running two beads of adhesive (front and back) on the countertop slabs rather than a full perimeter seal. This allows for proper drainage during freeze-thaw cycles, protecting the longevity of your masonry.

Further Reading:

Ready to Expand Your Kitchen?

The Unity G+ is built to connect. Whether you want to turn a corner or add a dedicated prep station, explore these resources to finish your design:

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