How We Built a Handcrafted Outdoor Grill Platform for a Kamado Joe and BBQ Pit in Garrison Park neighborhood of South Austin

​Discover how we handcrafted a safe, heat-resistant outdoor grill station with limestone and concrete for a Kamado Joe and BBQ pit in Garrison Park neighborhood of South Austin. Full project breakdown, tips, and materials.

If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a custom grilling station, a durable and fire-resistant platform is a must. We recently completed a handcrafted BBQ platform for a client in Garrison Park neighborhood of South Austin who wanted a safe, attractive space for their Kamado Joe and traditional BBQ pit. From consultation to completion, this project combined expert planning, quality materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
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Here’s a full look at how we brought this outdoor feature to life—with the details that matter most to homeowners.
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🗺️ Onsite Consultation & Design Concept
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​Every project begins with an onsite estimate and client meeting. We walked the property to:

• Assess the terrain, grade, and surrounding structures
• Determine optimal placement for the grill station
• Discuss materials, measurements, and the client’s overall vision

This face-to-face consultation allowed us to evaluate practical considerations like smoke flow, access from the house, and safe distances from the wooden fence.

✏️ Custom Design Concept

​Once we understood the space and needs, we developed a custom design concept, including:

• Layout sketches
• Material recommendations
• Safety clearances
• Aesthetic finishes

​Only after client approval did we prepare a detailed quote, ensuring full transparency and alignment.
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🔥 Safe Clearance for High-Heat Equipment

​Ceramic grills like the Kamado Joe can reach extremely high temperatures, so it’s critical to maintain safe spacing from flammable structures.

• We built the platform with a 1-foot clearance from the existing wooden fence
• This spacing allows for:
  • Fire safety
  • Proper airflow
  • Easy maintenance access

​📏 Pro Tip: Most fire codes recommend at least 12–18 inches between high-heat appliances and combustible surfaces. We always follow or exceed these standards.

Crafted with Care – Our skilled crew meticulously custom clean-cuts each limestone block on-site, ensuring perfect alignment and a seamless, high-quality finish

From Raw to Refined – Our team transforms rough limestone into precisely cut blocks, tailored to fit each build with craftsmanship and accuracy.

​🧱 Handcrafted Build Using Fireproof Materials

Limestone Block Half Wall

​We constructed a 3-foot-tall wall using 6-inch face limestone blocks. Each block was:

• Clean-cut for a sharp, uniform appearance
• Hand-laid for precision and durability

Why Limestone?

• Fire-resistant: Limestone doesn’t combust or emit fumes under heat
• Heat-tolerant: Withstands close proximity to grills and flames
• Weatherproof: Handles moisture, frost, and heat with minimal maintenance
• Aesthetic appeal: Neutral, natural stone that adds elegance to any backyard

Limestone is ideal for outdoor kitchens and grill platforms—not just for safety, but also for timeless curb appeal.

2'x2' Concrete Slab Platform
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​We installed 2-foot by 2-foot concrete stepping stones as the grilling surface.

• Provides a level, heat-resistant base
• Strong enough to support heavy grills and smokers
• Easy to clean and modular for future changes

Concrete pavers are the perfect foundation for BBQ stations, offering both performance and flexibility.

aying the Groundwork – Careful planning and precise layout set the stage for a flawless half wall installation, ensuring strength and symmetry from the ground up.

Foundation First – During ground prep, we ensure the center bubble is perfectly aligned, laying the groundwork for a level and structurally sound half wall.

⚒️ Site Preparation: Strong Foundation = Long Life

​We take pride in thorough prep work. Here's what we did:
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1. Cleared and Prepped the Ground

• Removed grass, roots, and debris
• Ensured natural drainage flow to prevent pooling under the platform

2. Perfect Leveling

• Used spirit levels to confirm center-bubble accuracy in all directions
• This prevents grill wobble, pooling water, and uneven heat distribution

3. Base Layer Installation

• Crushed limestone for drainage and compaction
• Masonry sand for a smooth, level finish under the pavers

4. Weed Fabric Installation

• Installed a weed barrier under the platform
• Prevents unwanted growth while allowing drainage

​🌿 A clean, weed-free base keeps your grilling area sharp and low-maintenance year-round.
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📅 Project Timeline: What to Expect

Here’s a typical project schedule for a handcrafted BBQ platform:

Phase Timeline 
Material Procurement 24–48 hours
Site Prep & Groundwork Day 1
Limestone Wall Construction Days 2–3
Concrete Slab Installation Days 3–4
Finishing & Cleanup Day 5
Total Duration3–5 business days

🛠️ Note: Weather, grading conditions, and custom features may adjust the timeline slightly.

💲 Project Cost Breakdown

​While prices vary by project size, site conditions, and customizations, here’s a general cost range for a platform like this:

Component Estimated Cost
Design & Consultation Included with project
6" Face Limestone Blocks (Wall) $600 – $1,200
2'x2' Concrete Slabs (Platform) $400 – $800
Crushed Limestone & Masonry Sand $150 – $300
Weed Fabric & Site Prep $100 – $250
Labor (Handcrafted Installation) $1,200 – $2,000
Total Estimated Range $2,500 – $4,500

​💬 Want a custom quote? We offer detailed, no-pressure estimates after your design concept is finalized.

Built to Impress – A close-up look at the clean lines and tight joints of our custom-cut limestone half wall, where detail meets durability.

✅ Final Touches & Project Completion
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Before wrapping up, we:

• Aligned all stones and slabs for clean lines
• Ensured the platform was perfectly level and visually balanced
• Cleaned the area for a polished, ready-to-use look

​The result: a fire-safe, weather-resistant, handcrafted grilling station built to perform and impress.
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🔧 Thinking About Your Own Outdoor Grill Platform?
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​Whether you're cooking on a Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg, gas grill, or smoker, we can design a platform that’s:
✔️ Heat-safe and code-compliant
✔️ Durable in all weather
✔️ Beautifully crafted to match your home

​Contact us today to schedule your onsite estimate and custom design concept. Let’s build your dream grilling space—crafted with care and made to last.
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