I always felt the cage on the bottom was ugly and really not handy because it sits so far underneath. I don't put my char baskets down there anyway when I use them even with the cage , so I figured why not make it wider and more attractive
I used Western Red Cedar , a species that grows here in Idaho and goes well with the green bowl. I sent some of this wood to Brian for handles to match as well . Can't wait to get those
For the bottom
I spent about $10.00 for the wood , found the strapping in the road and had carpet tacks . The two bottom boards keep it from sliding and are cut to fit snug
The front piece is attached with heavy magnets , I removed the weber nameplate and inset it into the wood and drilled the back so I could attach the keeper for the nameplate . I screwed in the two magnets and done . The metal plate backs the wood and the magnets give a 1/4 gap as well so heat isn't a factor for the wood .
I used an interior clear as I didn't want any color change to the wood . I keep my grill covered and stored indoors so I'm not worried about long term water sealing or damage .
This mod is completely reversible as no holes or alterations to the original unit were made .