How do I make a strong retractable when in use yet walkable cover for a sunken pit?

Sree_DIY

Hi ,

I am looking to make a Merbau top retractable landing/cover for my sunken pit build. Up for a challenge?!

Clearly my first attempt to make a cover for the sunken pit in the far corner of the backyard has failed miserably. 

I have tried to make the cover with marine plywood screwed below with merbau (truly really heavy) on top to sit flush at ground level and currently on a very long hinge x 2,  I got from bunnings but through weather (rain and sun) has warped and does not sit well. So used support beams below for support to keep it flush. still No luck.

I was thinking of incorporating a metal frame perhaps with a gas lift piston so that it would sit inside the square and be flush and when needed can be lifted easily. 

Now the rest of the Merbau top+marine ply sits in the Alfresco area.

Any ideas?

Thanks 

Nathan.

Open Sunken pit for gatheringsClosed Sunken pit for gatheringNOT flush to the GroundSupport beams X 4 (two shown)Ready to trip "lawsuit" pictureNovelty make do option

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Sree_DIY. It's amazing that you've joined us, and many thanks for your question.

As impressive as a cover that is all one piece is, as you've found, it will be cumbersome. If you were to use four SpecRite 1800 x 902mm Merbau Slat Screen Panels, then you could have them concertina with hinges. Instead of making them all go to one side, I'd recommend two panels on each. You'll need an internal ledge for the perimeter of the panels to sit on. The panels come with additional frames on their backs, but you might still like to incorporate your stands to support them in the middle. Alternatively, you might just like to have these four panels sit on the ledge and lift them out when needed. This would save creating the hinge mechanisms.

Let me mention @redracer01 to see if he has any suggestions.

Mitchell