BBQ area setup in Exeter
Professional bbq area setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
BBQ area set up properly for summer cooking. Level base sorted, furniture arranged, gas connected safely if needed. Get your outdoor space ready for those first sunny evenings.
Get Your BBQ Area Actually Usable
You've got the BBQ. You've got the garden furniture. But the BBQ's wobbling on uneven ground, the table's too far away, and you're not 100% sure about that gas bottle connection. Sound familiar?
💡 Pro tip: Position your BBQ where prevailing wind blows smoke away from the house and seating area. In Exeter, that usually means not on the south-west side. Check which way smoke blows on a normal day before deciding.
Set Up Properly vs Bodged
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Common Mistakes |
|---|---|
| Level, stable base (slabs or paving) | Wobbling on grass or uneven patio |
| 1m+ clearance from fences and plants | Right next to the fence (fire risk) |
| Gas connected properly and tested | Loose connections or perished hose |
| Furniture positioned for easy access | Table miles away, everything awkward |
What I Sort Out
🔧 BBQ Area Setup Includes
| Task | What Gets Done |
|---|---|
| Level base | Paving slabs laid if needed, or existing area levelled |
| BBQ positioning | Safe distance from fences, under no overhangs |
| Gas connection | Connected properly and leak-tested (gas BBQs) |
| Furniture layout | Table and chairs positioned sensibly |
| Safety check | Clear of trip hazards, stable and secure |
📦 You Get
- BBQ on stable, level ground
- Safe clearances maintained
- Everything positioned for easy cooking
- Gas connected and tested (if applicable)
Pricing Guide
| Setup Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple setup (existing level area) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Level base + setup (few slabs needed) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Full area setup with furniture | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Paving slabs extra if needed (usually £2-3 each).
Perfect For...
✅ New BBQ - get it set up right from the start
✅ Uneven patio - BBQ keeps wobbling, driving you mad
✅ Gas connection worries - want it done safely
✅ Garden makeover - rearranging the whole outdoor space
Why Choose Us for BBQ area setup in Exeter?
BBQ positioned on level, stable ground
Safe clearance from fences and plants
Seating and table arranged properly
Gas bottles connected and tested safely
What to Expect
Step 1: Check the Space
I'll look at where you want the BBQ, check it's level (or if we need to make it level), measure clearances from fences and plants, and plan the layout.
Step 2: Prep & Position
If the ground's not level, I'll lay slabs or adjust what's there. Position the BBQ securely. For gas BBQs, I'll connect the bottle properly and test for leaks.
Step 3: Arrange & Check
Set up your table and seating where it makes sense for cooking and serving. Final check everything's stable and safe. You're ready to fire it up.
🔧 DIY Tips
Setting up your own BBQ area? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spirit level (essential)
- Spade and rake for levelling ground
- Paving slabs (if laying a base)
- Sand or gravel for bedding slabs
- Tape measure
- Adjustable spanner (for gas connections)
- Soapy water in spray bottle (leak testing)
📐 Creating a level base
- Mark out the area slightly bigger than your BBQ footprint
- Dig out grass if needed, create a level surface
- Add sand or gravel base, compact it down
- Lay slabs level - check with spirit level both ways
- Make sure it's completely stable before putting BBQ on
🔥 Safe positioning
- At least 1m from fences, sheds, or overhanging plants
- Not under trees (sap drips, fire risk)
- Not under washing lines (smoke taint)
- Away from kids' play areas
- Where smoke won't blow into house or neighbours
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Sitting BBQ directly on grass (sinks in, unstable, kills grass)
- Too close to fences (heat damage, fire risk)
- Gas connections not checked for leaks
- Wobbly setup because ground isn't level
- Furniture too far away to be useful
💡 Pro trick: For gas BBQs, test connections with soapy water spray. Turn gas on (BBQ off), spray connections. If it bubbles, you've got a leak - tighten or replace the connection. No bubbles = you're good to go.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Need slabs? I can pick up what's needed from the builders' merchant. Usually 2-4 slabs creates a stable base for most BBQs. Concrete slabs are fine - they're cheap and do the job.
Gas bottle past it? I'll check the date on your gas bottle. If the regulator or hose is old and perished, I'll let you know so you can replace it. Safety first - a new regulator is cheap compared to the alternative.
Garden furniture assembly? If your new table and chairs are still in boxes, I can assemble and set them up as part of the same visit. Much easier to do it all in one go.
Old Exeter gardens often have uneven patios from ground settlement. If yours is bad, we might need to relay a small section properly or just create a level pad for the BBQ. I'll advise what makes most sense for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BBQ area setup actually include?
I'll level the ground where your BBQ sits (using paving slabs or similar), position it safely away from fences and overhanging plants, set up your seating and table if needed, and connect gas bottles properly if it's a gas BBQ. Basically, get the whole area ready so you can start cooking.
Can you set it up on grass or does it need paving?
BBQs are safer and more stable on a hard surface. If you've only got grass, I can lay paving slabs to create a level base - stops it sinking in when the ground's soft and keeps it stable. Much better than wobbling on uneven turf.
How far from the fence does a BBQ need to be?
At least a metre if possible, ideally more. You don't want heat damage to your fence or your neighbour's. I'll position it somewhere sensible - away from overhanging trees, not under the washing line, and where smoke won't blow straight into the house.
Can you connect a gas bottle for me?
Yes - I'll connect it properly, check for leaks with soapy water, and make sure everything's tight and safe. If your regulator or hose is past it, I'll let you know so you can replace it.
My patio's uneven - will that be a problem?
It's not ideal but we can work with it. I can shim the BBQ legs to make it level, or if it's really bad, lay a small level area with slabs just for the BBQ. Can't have hot fat pooling to one side.
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