More on old.reddit.com

I don't think stoves are good fit for islands because it's harder to contain the atomized oil/fat. Placing a grease sprayer in the center of the kitchen is the worst place possible. Having a stove against a wall eliminates 180 degrees of splatter and the wall helps direct vapor into the vent hood (which means it can technically be slightly quieter). Also vent hoods on islands are sort of a pain and kill the space. No vent hood over an island also means that you can place a skylight overhead instead. Sinks aren't great for islands because you don't want your dirty dishes piling up on such a visible location. One exception would be if an island sink allowed you to watch kids while you're washing dishes. I agree that a "dumb island" is the most attractive option because it allows for many different uses and should stay clean. More on reddit.com

I put my BBQ frame up on a tree type 1x6 so the metal frame wasn't directly on the concrete trapping moisture. Then the concrete board went pretty much down the the floor, and the brick face over that. I live in AZ, so the blowing snow I would have made that a bit more water tight. In one cabinet I put trex deck than so when you look in it looks like a deck. I store my outdoor cushions in there. We do get substantial rain so I cut drainage lines in the bottom. More on reddit.com

Concrete slab, no question. I wouldn't trust gravel out here where it doesn't freeze, let alone where you're at. And it looks lousy and is messy. Pavers will shift. Grass is a nonstarter. Floating... I think you're underestimating the work involved if you plan on making it solid. These kitchens aren't light once you get everything on it. And I'm not sure what it gets you other than not having to deal with a pad. On the flip side, you now have what, grass and mud underneath? animals living under there? Pads really aren't that big of a deal. Mine is just a straight 11' long counter, so it's just a 11 x 3 pad. I poured it myself in an afternoon. A pad also allows you to embed your gas and electrical conduit so it's not moving around and potentially failing later. And an opportunity to hone those concrete skills in a place where you're not going to see it. I also did concrete countertops, a main counter with just a grill cutout, then a "bar" pad that goes around the backsplash on all 3 sides. If you're planning on doing that, then you shouldn't flinch at pouring a pad. It's significantly less work, and you'll need to get concrete tools anyway, so you'll have a float and a screed. More on reddit.com