Transform a vintage dresser into a DIY grill station with shutters, barn wood, and a fresh coat of paint. This outdoor grilling project is perfect for small spaces, weekend warriors, and anyone who loves repurposed charm.
Looking for a creative and budget-friendly way to elevate your outdoor grilling setup?
This DIY grill station started as an old yellow dresser we found in the attic and became a fun weekend project at our coastal Maine home.
With a little paint, some reclaimed barn wood, and a pair of salvaged shutters, it was transformed into a functional and charming outdoor grill station—perfect for small-space cooking and summer entertaining.
Why We Built This DIY Grill Station
It was the early days of the pandemic, and like many people, we were staying close to home at our house in coastal Maine. With warmer weather arriving, we bought a small Solair portable grill to enjoy some simple backyard cooking—but quickly realized we had nothing to set it on. Still under stay-at-home orders, we turned to what we had on hand.
We found an old yellow dresser tucked away in the attic, some shutters from my parents’ gift shop over 35 years ago, and a few pieces of barn wood. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, we were building this charming DIY grill station using nothing but vintage materials, a bit of creativity, and a can of green paint. It’s not a fancy build, but it was a fun, meaningful project that gave us a little joy during a strange time—and it’s surprisingly practical too.
Before and After
What started as an old dresser tucked away in our attic has become one of our favorite backyard projects. With a little paint, some salvaged wood, and a few creative touches, this forgotten piece was transformed into a vintage-inspired DIY grill station full of character and charm.
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Designing and Assembling Our DIY Grill Station
This wasn’t a step-by-step build as much as it was a creative weekend project using what we had on hand. We combined pieces with personal history, salvaged materials, and a little bit of vision to turn an attic dresser into a functional and fun DIY outdoor grill station.
A Barn Wood Top with a Historic Story
We found a few weathered planks of barn wood in the shed—leftover from a farm table my father built for friends years ago when we lived in Connecticut. The boards came from a barn dating back to the late 1700s, and we knew right away they’d make the perfect top for our grill station. After a light sanding, the natural character of the wood really came through.
Next, we cut each board to fit the top of the old dresser with a little overhang on each side.
Painting the Dresser in Essex Green
We gave the old yellow dresser a fresh coat of Essex green paint to match our home’s trim and tie it into the surrounding outdoor space. This simple paint update helped the piece feel cohesive with the rest of the backyard.
Adding Shutters as Functional Doors
The orange shutters we discovered in the attic were originally part of a gift shop display owned by my parents. We hinged them to the front of the dresser so they could open outward and conceal the grill when not in use. Their quirky charm and history added even more character to the piece.
Materials We Used:
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Styling and Decorating the Finished Grill Station
Once everything was assembled, we styled the grill station with a portable tabletop grill, a few vintage accents, and outdoor-friendly touches. It’s since become a fun and functional addition to our backyard—and proof that a few old pieces can come together to create something unexpectedly useful.
This dresser is just an inexpensive veneer dresser that I picked up at a second-hand shop years ago for about $30. Perfect to paint and design with!
How to Weatherproof a DIY Grill Station Made from Repurposed Wood
Our vintage-inspired DIY grill station has held up beautifully for over three years, thanks to a few simple weatherproofing steps. During the summer, it lives outdoors and we cover it with a tarp during heavy rain. In the off-season, we move it into the garage to protect it from Maine’s winter weather.
To keep the base dry and prevent moisture damage, we placed the grill station on a few flat stones gathered from the woods surrounding our home. This raises the piece just enough to keep it off the ground and allow airflow underneath. You could use pavers, bricks, or patio blocks—anything to prevent direct contact with damp soil or standing water.
We chose not to stain the barn wood top, preferring to let it weather naturally, but if you want added protection, a clear outdoor wood sealer can help extend its life even more. With these easy adjustments, a repurposed DIY grill station like this one can stay stylish and functional for many summers to come.
Final Thoughts on Our DIY Grill Station
Repurposing old furniture into something useful and creative is always rewarding—especially when it holds memories like this one. Whether you’re working with barn wood, shutters, or an old dresser, this kind of project proves that budget-friendly DIY grill station ideas can be both beautiful and practical.
Have you ever turned an unexpected piece into outdoor decor or a functional backyard project? I’d love to hear about it—scroll down and leave a comment!
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Frequently Asked Questions About a DIY Grill Station
You can build a DIY grill station using wood, metal, pallets, or even repurposed furniture like dressers or cabinets. Adding elements like shutters, barn wood, or castors can make it both functional and full of vintage charm.
Yes—an old dresser is a great option for a grill station, especially when sealed with outdoor paint and protected from the elements. It offers built-in storage and surface space, and it’s perfect for tabletop grills or beverage service.
To protect your DIY outdoor grill station, use outdoor-rated paint or sealant, and consider covering it with a tarp during heavy rain. Bring it inside during the off-season to extend its life, especially if you’ve used repurposed or veneered furniture.
Absolutely! A versatile DIY grill station can double as a beverage station, buffet table, or outdoor prep area. It’s great for entertaining and adds functional charm to your patio or backyard.
Not at all! A small DIY grill station using vintage or secondhand materials can offer everything you need for easy backyard grilling. It’s a great solution for small spaces or anyone wanting a budget-friendly alternative to built-in setups.
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Great idea!! I’d like to do similar but as pool supply storage. What kind of paint did you use, and did you need a particular type of sealer? My husband is convinced any indoor furniture we take outside is going to disintegrate, lol.
We used just a regular outdoor paint that I had on hand that was used on the trim of the house, no sealer. This piece lasted 3 years outdoors, even in the wintertime. It was just an inexpensive veneer dresser. I would agree with your husband though, but we got a good 3 years out of it. I just recently replaced it though.