Barbecue entertaining area with pergola

A unique outdoor entertaining area using pallet timber to frame a barbecue, cement countertops and spoons as handles.

The project

I originally started this outdoor area to enjoy Easter with the family at my place. It suddenly became a space where we would honour and cherish my mum's memories. I made use of free pallet wood for all exterior panelling, pinched a few spoons from her kitchen for handles and got creative. This is my first project, so I’m a newbie when it comes to building anything!

I had an existing concrete slab so I built a pergola to suit these dimensions. Post stirrups were cemented in place and I created the pergola with sawn treated Pine 100x100, sleepers and treated Pine timber. I cut the pieces with a circular saw and jigsaw and sanded to round off the profiles. The Mumme Reno Bar was a life saver for dismantling the pallets. It was money well spent.

I measured the existing frame and constructed a new frame with small countertops. I lined with cement sheeting and made cement countertops.

I attached a retractable outdoor blind for some sun blockout. I added thin 2mm wood off cuts in the corners of the barbecue area and sprayed them black to break up all the pallet wood.

Tools and materials

Some links for the main materials used for my project:

Treated Pine sleepers for the rafters

Treated timber posts

Post anchor stirrups

Bolts.

I also used a circular saw and jigsaw to cut my rafter profiles. To achieve this I measured the overhang I had. I used cardboard to draw the shape I wanted and cut out.

More pallet projects

For more clever projects using recycled pallet timber, check out our Top 10 most popular pallet projects.

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Tools and Materials

Building and Construction

Barbecue

Recycling and Upcycling

Outdoor

Accepted answers

All comments

Ange11

Hi Guys I've just joined as I'm hoping to build a pergola but I can't seem to find the materials list. I know its in red above but it brings me back here. I think I'm right for materials but I'd love to be able to cross check mine with someone that knows what they are doing LOL. Thanks Ange

EricL

Hello @Ange11

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining us and sharing your question about building your own pergola.

Let me tag @sandy_d so that they are made aware of your question. It's great that this pergola project has inspired you to make your own. Would it be possible for you to list the timber pieces you've already purchased? I'm sure our ever-helpful members will be able to provide you with advice and information concerning the build.

Let me tag our experienced members @Brad, @woodenwookie, @woodalwaysworks, and @tom_builds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

sandy_d

@Ange11 @EricL good morning. I have added some links for the main materials used for my project. * treated pine sleepers for the rafters.

* Treated timber posts

* Post anchor stirrups

* Bolts

I also used a circular saw and jigsaw to cut my rafter profiles. To achieve this I measured the overhang I had. I used cardboard to draw the shape I wanted and cut out. I hope this helps

Ange11

Thanks for that @sandy_d & @EricL. Sandy did you just check in the boards on the top or did you screw them down too? One side buts up to the house where I've put a whaling board so I'm thinking of using universal brackets there & I got some cheap tin so I'll use that on the roof. Any recommendations on the best size roofing screws to use to hold the corrugated iron down & what distance apart should each screw be please guys? Its 2.4d x 3.6 w x 2.3h thanks in advance. Ange

EricL

Hi @Ange11

I recommend screwing down the boards at the top for safety. You don't want any of the boards to slip and fall. To answer your questions, I would need a little bit more information. How big is the tin you're referring to? Are they big sheets that will go over one another? If you're drilling into timber how thick is it?

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

KatieC

@sandy_d What a great project, I love those little thoughtful touches. I am sure you are thrilled it is finally almost summer and you will be using our outdoor space endlessly! Have you done anymore projects recently?

@Ange11 how is your pergola coming along?

Katie

pats6182

Hi @sandy_d

Awesome! Love the look of the recycled pallet wood. How did you attach the retractable blinds?

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @pats6182,

It appears that @sandy_d has mounted the blind on the beams using the two standard wall fittings included in the blind kit. They've secured the end pull ring to the other side of the gazebo with a Coolaroo Shade Sail Turnbuckle.

I'm sure Sandy will let us know if I've got anything wrong.

Mitchell

sandy_d

@pats6182 @MitchellMc Yes Mitchell is 100% correct. The blind was a perfect size for the pergola. I used the fittings from the pack and also used the turnbuckle as mentioned to secure it.

pats6182

Hi @MitchellMc @sandy_d thanks for your response , much appreciated. What kind of outdoor blinds was it?

Thanks

sandy_d

@pats6182 from memory, I purchased the windoware retractable blind in black. I had already purchased a while ago for a window but moved it for the pergola. I have added the link below for you. I hope this helps

https://www.bunnings.com.au/windoware-oasis-black-retractable-hdpe-blind-180-x-210cm_p0253444

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