How to build an outdoor kitchen bench?

mmryan

I’m building an outdoor kitchen bench to put our Ziggy cooker on.

For the top I’m planning:

• more timber supports
• Fibrecement sheet
• Waterproof primer (Bastion)
• Final step: rendering

I also will add 4 doors to the front but want the hinges hidden. I’m unsure what to use to make the doors?

I wanted some sort of paneling (like Jams Hardie) but it’s not thick enough to add the concealed hinges as in this picture. I also looked at aluminium panelling but they are only 300mm wide and I’ll need to do lots of cutting/attaching which I feel may be above my skill level.

Any ideas? And does the bench top sound like it’ll work?

MitchellMc

Hi @mmryan,

Your benchtop build sounds generally solid. Using timber supports with a fibrecement sheet, waterproof primer like Bastion, and a final render should create a durable, weather-resistant surface for your cooker. Just make sure the timber framing is strong and level, as fibrecement can be brittle if unsupported over long spans.

For the doors, if you want concealed hinges, you’ll need panels that are thick enough to screw the hinge plates into. Standard fibrecement sheets or thin panelling won’t hold them securely, so you could use marine plywood (sealed properly) and cut to size. Another option is to build a timber frame door with a panel infill—this gives enough thickness for concealed hinges while allowing flexibility with finishes. Aluminium panelling could work, but as you noted, the cutting and attaching could be tricky if you’re not comfortable with metalwork.

Essentially, a timber-framed door with your preferred infill panel will give you the strength for concealed hinges while keeping the exterior look neat and durable.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell