Bar using transformed brick toilet room

JudyPickard

🖼️

The project:

Our project transformed a neglected outdoor brick toilet into a unique and functional entertaining space. Using a grinder with a diamond blade, we cut a bar window and installed a lintel using timber framing repurposed from the original house, installed live-edge blackbutt timber bench and floating shelving, laid floating floorboards, added a beautiful Moroccan copper sink, shiplap lining and feature lighting. The exterior was refreshed with a whitewashed finish, while the roof and gutters were replaced. At the rear, we installed an outdoor shower that is screened by timber framing repurposed from the house. Blending craftsmanship, sustainability and creative design, we’ve created a welcoming backyard retreat that celebrates our home’s history.

- Materials:

VJ board https://www.bunnings.com.au/easycraft-easyvj100-general-purpose-9mm-900-x-1200mm-mr-mdf-e0-primed-white_p0330843?store=7368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9SLSOf2Xq0uTFdOqbBJ9Jp3&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P-2W109XMVEMBSE20zEr54IuSFde2hUqonqTJqwrVcSS84enDa0mVhoCDrgQAvD_BwE

Floating floors https://www.bunnings.com.au/floor-select-8mm-2-13m-elysian-oak-laminate-flooring_p0336751?store=7368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21112196286&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB-oJ6hJUOsiBorXqkqBuMtkg&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P9yqDJyE_-Ho48ljGsbq1pRVeawrg0tmSCM7zUCwRTxlUBQmOV6fixoC_LgQAvD_BwE

Lights https://www.bunnings.com.au/brilliant-bloomsbury-11-5cm-diy-vintage-style-glass-pendant-light_p0277202

paint https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-15l-vivid-white-low-sheen-wash-wear-interior-paint_p0638909

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-vivid-white-low-sheen-weathershield-exterior-paint-4l_p0144763

Melamine https://www.bunnings.com.au/customwood-3mm-1200-x-600mm-white-mdf-backing_p0610151

flexible hoses https://www.bunnings.com.au/enduraseal-250mm-silver-premium-flexible-braided-extension-water-connector-2-pack_p0422528

power point https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-x6-white-double-powerpoint_p4331856

Light switch https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-white-1-gang-single-vertical-switch_p4330979

No more gaps https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-475g-no-more-gaps-interior-multipurpose-gap-filler_p1230010?store=7368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB-Qph3f52gtw4hsR2rvgCJtg&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P2fMy4QrxGcZ7k69E1TBbx2DduCCT6tehlpNe5aIyZqXiqCtc_NxhxoCXckQAvD_BwE

Screws https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8g-x-40mm-zinc-plated-hinge-long-thread-countersunk-head-timber-screws-100-pack_p2434150?region_id=117368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9SLSOf2Xq0uTFdOqbBJ9Jp3&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P68F3NcpAlZXSEoEsxCh2Xbrc_2Q_UL7Z0GwHvvcqM36b8J9bUyN2RoCScoQAvD_BwE

- Tools:

9 inch grinder https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-230mm-9-angle-grinder-ga9060k_p6240349

Cordless drill https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-18v-brushless-2-piece-combo-kit-dlx2283sm_p0090871

Tape measure https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-8m-tape-measure_p5660379?store=7368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB80hDn1nSEuo5lQircwnJrSZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P38g_CyTCLDnKCfUbFwykYax6aNsf1i3zCo_823XVgT0YuRrX9UA5BoC2HcQAvD_BwE

Level https://trade.bunnings.com.au/stanley-1200mm-high-impact-abs-resin-spirit-level_p5660383?region_id=117368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23991061348&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB-GUq7Nm-aVNRze5sfpWefzV&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5PywDiHXD9hdA5zm0P_wDqbhM1vWlXQsU6x1ERof-dsrP0ZK5hytPQBoCYeIQAvD_BwE

Screw driver https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-2-x-100mm-phillips-head-essentials-screwdriver_p0127145?region_id=117368&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB80hDn1nSEuo5lQircwnJrSZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P1w6G-JO-DiyyXXDuLk-UgCce_N58QNyy8v0hDrN85z_KyNuwuzVGhoCZkEQAvD_BwE

Paint brush https://www.bunnings.com.au/freeform-63mm-all-purpose-paint-brush_p0472233

Paint roller https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-230mm-10mm-nap-budget-roller-kit_p0328957

Club hammer https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-1-1kg-steel-club-hammer_p0131373

- Step 1:

1. We cut out the window and installed a timber lintel from repurposed 75x35 mm hardwood from original house frame.

- Step 2:

2. We framed up windows and installed them as an opening over the bar bench.

- Step 3:

3.We installed the timber bench and floating shelves.

- Step 4:

4. We installed the floating floors.

- Step 5:

5. We installed the VJ board and painted the inside of the bar area.

- Step 6:

6. We connected lighting overhead and installed a USB charged light system underneath the floating shelves.

- Step 7:

7. We replaced the existing roof tiles and gutters.

- Step 8:

8. We white washed the exterior of the outside bricks to refresh the area.

- Step 9:

9. We installed a sink inside and an outside shower on the rear wall of the building

- Step 10:

10. We screened off the outdoor shower by using repurposed timber hardwood framing from the original house.

EricL

Hello @JudyPickard

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your thunderbox bar project.

This is such a creative transformation! Turning an old outdoor building into a stylish backyard bar is a fantastic idea, and the combination of the whitewashed brick, live-edge blackbutt timber, VJ panelling and warm lighting gives it so much character. I also love how you've repurposed timber from the original house, adding a meaningful connection to its history while creating a space that's both beautiful and inviting.

Thank you for sharing the detailed steps behind your project it’s a wonderful example of thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Eric