How can I close off one side of the alfresco?

Hi,

I am looking for options to close off one side of the alfresco so I can set up the barbeque/outdoor kitchen against it. The height of the alfrsco is about 3 metres. So I need to go about 1.5 metres high.

I have been thinking about the following options:

- add a few studs and run some horizontal timber across then put an outdoor gybrock wall on it.

- build a brick wall

- do a privacy screen up

Any other thoughts or guidance on this will be much appreciated.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @AJ-DIYer,

Adding a few studs and running horizontal timber across the area to create a framed structure that you can then attach Gyprock or other materials to can be a cost-effective solution, but it may not be as durable as a brick wall. Building a brick wall is a permanent and solid option providing a strong and durable structure. However, it can be pretty expensive and time-consuming to build. You could also create a timber frame, cladding it with fibre cement and rendering it.

Privacy screens are made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and can be easily removed or replaced if needed and are now available in many patterns and colours. We have a variety of screening panels that will suit your project. I'm a great fan of the 1800 x 902mm Pre-Oiled Merbau Alternating Slat Fence Panel as they are sturdy, offer excellent privacy, and add warmth to the area with the beautiful timber. I've used them for a variety of screening projects around my home. They can also be cut down to your required size.

Another option might be to create a garden bed or use trough planters and screening plants to enclose the area.

If you could post some images of the alfresco, it might give our helpful members some other ideas on what could be used to enclose the area.

You might like to take a look at these other Outdoor kitchen ideas for your home that our talented members have contributed. You'll see a number of different ideas used by them to enclose areas. @weekenddiyer's Outdoor kitchen with Merbau feature wall is always a real winner and definitely worth checking out.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24522#Comment_24522

Thank you, please find below a photo of the alfresco side that needs to be closed off.

I will consider the options you shared.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74909#Comment_74909

I think @weekenddiyer's Outdoor kitchen with Merbau feature wall would look amazing in this space.

Please let us know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101115#Comment_101115

Thanks @MitchellMc

What do you think if we use besser blocks as a wall?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117483#Comment_117483

You could certainly use Besser blocks @AJ-DIYer. You'd be able to construct the wall significantly faster than using bricks.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126960#Comment_126960

Thanks @MitchellMc

There are a few types of Besser blocks, which one would you recommend?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133248#Comment_133248

There is just one type of Besser block @AJ-DIYer, but it does come in different sizes. The size will depend on the thickness of the wall you wish to construct.

We do have the Versaloc blocks, which could make the project easier if you haven't laid blocks before. They lock together, helping prevent the wall from heading off course.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137130#Comment_137130

What's the difference between this type and the other types in from the construction perspective? How is it better?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139803#Comment_139803

@AJ-DIYer,

One is a plain block where you, as the layer, have to control the direction of Besser blocks and the height of mortar between layers. You can get uneven layers and a wonky wall if you're not paying attention. If you've successfully laid blocks before, this likely won't be an issue. The Versaloc blocks are more forgiving as everything locks together for you and assists in controlling layer height and direction. As a first-time block layer, this would be a helpful product feature.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141645#Comment_141645

Thanks @MitchellMc

I think I might go with the stud and gybrock option as it seems less expensive and work required. Any guidance that you can provide in terms of what type of timber and water proof gybrock I can use? This is just to create a wall to close of the alfresco and also create a background for the bbq kitchen set later.

The only concern I have is the risk of fire as we are using timber structure here.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143036#Comment_143036

You'll need to provide a few more details on the BBQ and how close it will be to the wall @AJ-DIYer.

You should use H3-treated timber to build your frame and Aquacheck plasterboard. I'd suggest that for any parts of the wall that will be exposed to substantial heat, you use cement sheeting to provide a buffer between the BBQ and timber. Please refer to the BBQ manufacturer's specifications when placing it next objects. They likely have required air gaps you need to adhere to.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144007#Comment_144007

Thanks for the details.

How do we use cement sheet and where would it be placed in? Between the studs and the gybrock?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144754#Comment_144754

It depends on how you're building the wall @AJ-DIYer.

I suspect it might be easiest to install it over your plaster sheet. It will be like a heat shield preventing the plaster and studs from receiving direct radiant heat.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145307#Comment_145307

Ok thanks,

Are the instructions to install the cement sheets available anywhere? Can I use cement sheet instead of plaster sheet?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145740#Comment_145740

There are no specific instructions for installing a cement sheet per your project, @AJ-DIYer. You would follow the two below videos, and then for the area immediately behind the hotplates and firebox, you'd screw the cement sheeting over the plasterboard. You can use cement sheeting over your stud frame instead of plasterboard.

Mitchell

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