What cladding for BBQ batten under bench cupboard?

Jamison

Hi guys,

I’ve laid a concrete benchtop for by built in Weber BBQ. I’m looking to install a batten screen under the benchtop a la:

I’m wondering if you have advice about what cladding to attach the battens to. I’m using 42mm x 19mm hard wood battens. I was thinking a structural ply but I am worried about warping in the elements.

I guess there is also the possibility of formply?

Thanks,

Jamison

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jamison. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question cladding.

I'm sorry, but that link has not transferred correctly. Was it potentially this project: Alfresco extension with outdoor kitchen and deck?

Could you tell us a bit more about how exposed the cabinet will be to the elements? For example, will it be fully under cover, or is there a chance that rain will directly hit the cabinet and batten screen?

The level of exposure will have a big impact on the materials you can use. If the cabinet is likely to get wet, there aren't many timber-based sheet products that perform particularly well long-term. Products such as structural plywood and formply will swell, delaminate or deteriorate if they're regularly exposed to moisture. They have to be entirely encapsulated with multiple coats of paint to prevent water ingress. Any breaks in this coating will allow water to penetrate. That goes for Marine Ply too, which is likely the least susceptible. However, it still needs to be totally coated with either a varnish or paint.

This is one of the reasons you'll often see outdoor kitchen cabinetry constructed from stainless steel or other weather-resistant materials when installed in exposed locations.

If the area is well protected from the weather, then structural plywood or an exterior-grade plywood could be a viable backing board for your hardwood battens. If you can share a photo of the BBQ area, we'd be happy to suggest some more specific options.

Let me tag @keirs, @fcjoseph, @diynoob8282 and @marthaishka, to see if they have any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell