🖼️
The project:
The existing outdoor kitchen consisted of an OP Shop sideboard and folding camping table. Wanting something more substantial I planned my perfect weatherproof kitchen. With retaining walls holding back moisture and the Queensland weather I needed something significantly waterproof to keep the kitchen dry. It also had to appear floating above the stone area. Above are the results with EVERTHING purchased from Bunnings. From the materials utilised, the very tools to secure and cut cladding, measure, saw and fix timber and finally the paint and stain to finish the project. (with a little bit of Bunnings power products thrown in)
- Materials:
Treated Pine Sleepers (2400 x 200 x 50 8 total)
H2 Treated pine framing timber (70 x 35 8 6m sticks)
James Hardie cladding (2400 x 900 x 4.5 2 pieces)
James Hardie Woodgrain HardiePlank (4200 x 300 x 7.5 2 pieces)
H3 treated Pine decking (90 x 22 $4.40 plm)
Intergrain Charred Black stain 4L
Arlec IP55 6 point outdoor poweboard
- Tools:
De Walt radial arm drop saw
All below cordless battery units
Ozito Drill & Driver PXC
Ozito Detail sander PXC
Ozito Grinder PXC
Ryobi 95 piece specialty metric drill and drive set
Various galvanised treated pine screws
- Step 1:
Cut and secure sleeper frames with appropriate galvanised screws. Consider rubbing screws with soap to make drilling easier.
Set frames in place and square from wall due to potential movement of sleeper walls.
Level in place and fit blocks with cemented brick below to aid in preventing base movement
Spray interiors and exterior of frame with black spray paint to aid in making internal and lower areas invisible and assist with "floating" appearance.
- Step 2:
Cut and build frames for cladding. Recommend screwing frames to assist in strength and ensure there are appropriate cut outs for doors. Ensure a permanent gap at top with holes on non visible side of kitchen to allow for air flow around gas bottles.
Cut and clad faming. Ensure proper PE gear in particular mask and eye protection from the dust. Secure with galvanised screws ensuring that the screw sits below the surface for filling and eventual paint.
Insert door for check fit before removing to assist with painting.
- Step 3:
I recommend 3 coats of the Charred Black stain on the cladding as it can be somewhat patching and requires a number to obtain the appropriate variation of texture and shading.
Check fit of the decking to and then mitre ends for clean look waterfall end. I only did one end to not only save money but also liked the look of the single side waterfall. I have placed a single coat, at this stage, on the top to allow for final adjustments but 2 coats on the waterfall side which i think is sufficient.
I expect to place a least 2 to 3 coats on the top for durability and if 3 will continue that onto the waterfall for a consistent look.
- Step 4:
Cut small grove to allow for the power board cord to access the power with the hole being siliconed to ensure waterproof. i have added battery chargers for my Ozito blower vac units to assisting in keeping the area clean.
Changed over the handles on the doors. Nothing wrong with the door handles I just preferred to keep with my black theme across the whole project.
I will finalise with 2 black 95% roller external roller blinds at the rear of the covered area and have just purchased a grid connect Arlec 5 metre LED strip to run across the base of the frame for a soft feature light finish.
