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Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

DoSimpleBetter
Having an Impact

Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

121735322_426233538776916_1604950674555497157_n.jpgHi everyone, 

 

I thought I'd share a few photos of a project my Dad and I completed when I first moved into my apartment. Air-conditioning units like this one are very common on apartment balconies, so hopefully this can inspire someone! 

 

When I first inspected this apartment, one of the first things that stuck out to me was the gigantic eyesore of an aircon unit visible through the largest window of the living room. This, coupled with the Weber I received as a housewarming present - convinced me the space was crying out for a custom piece of furniture. 

The aircon unit

121822381_2821523208078911_2350984591268132400_n.jpg  105494413_330130238032529_481550054974469415_n.jpg

 

My concept served two purposes - hide the aircon from sight (without harming efficiency), while creating a great spot to place the Weber, store a gas bottle, and entertain. 

 

My Dad had put together countless Merbau table/chair settings over the years, so I knew he was the man for the job to help bring my vision to life. 

 

I did some research online and in store, and found examples that worked as BBQ stands, and examples that worked as aircon covers. I drew upon a combination of these when creating the concept designs below. 

 

Inspiration

104240877_188349432602275_419624615426142554_n.jpg  121618782_812127622884047_8742836116734469026_n.jpg  121645009_352557875810831_6341894578133419746_n.jpg

 

Original concept designs

121705223_1233043853723660_5318978886374887619_n.jpg  105994870_595680294431542_577889897892497070_n.jpg

 

Size of aircon marked, dictating width of tabletop and placement of legs 

121704996_847055116035016_6439776919185768423_n.jpg

 

Construction

104496126_848264165662927_4294873555311737331_n.jpg  121962365_403594190637669_3577901455061022777_n.jpg  105497131_267892140957772_8828811740061489646_n.jpg  121813745_4767635839945671_8280533480857364095_n.jpg

 

To hide the aircon even further, I decided to paint it a dull grey colour. 

Prepping the aircon unit

122040771_2797419090514527_404365987557743589_n.jpg  121785602_401712961222180_8366903226277105938_n.jpg  121702471_3692094394157177_3757567266937768059_n.jpg

 

Staining

121688646_816455089181103_2429732525121983724_n.jpg

 

Test fit

121687867_727021241493609_659907501035851436_n.jpg

 

The finished product

121735322_426233538776916_1604950674555497157_n.jpg121802585_1070436100081973_2830410455962477280_n.jpg

DoSimpleBetter
Having an Impact

Re: Aircon Cover / BBQ Stand - Custom Bench for Apartment Balcony (Finished Project)

Hope this project can inspire someone else to do the same! Feel free to message me with any questions. 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

Hi @DoSimpleBetter,

 

Many thanks for sharing your project. As you have mentioned many apartment residents face a similar air-con unit and I trust they will take great inspiration from your project. The aircon cover is really well designed and suits the area perfectly. I don't think you would even notice it was there until someone told you. You've created a perfect space to enjoy some outdoor cooking.

 

Since you included the picture looking inside, I'd like to say I really enjoy your apartment styling as well. Keep up the great work, with all your plans for the outside I am sure it will soon be looking as spectacular as the inside.

 

We look forward to seeing what you will contribute next.

 

Well done.

 

Mitchell

 

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Aussie-Garden
Becoming a Leader

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

Very nicely done @DoSimpleBetter👍

 

The finish looks great and the whole unit does not look out of place at all.

You must be very happy looking out and seeing this, rather than an air conditioning unit.

Well done!

123Susan
Just Starting Out

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

@DoSimpleBetter 

 

Hi there.
I'm just wondering what timber you used and the sizes?
Looks great and love your sketch for the concept idea.

I'm going to get started on mine soon and I hadn't thought about incorporating hiding the gas bottle.

Thanks for uploading.

Susan

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community Susan (@123Susan). It's great to have you join us and many thanks for jumping into the conversation.

 

I trust @DoSimpleBetter will be able to answer your questions.

 

There are a couple of Merbau panels which you could utilise in your build: SpecRite 1800 x 902mm Merbau Slat Screen Panel and SpecRite 1800 x 600 x 33mm Merbau Garden Fence Panel. They can be cut down to suit your sizing and are very versatile. I recently built a backyard fence and gate from them but I can see them being useful for you too.

 

We look forward to hearing more about your project and would encourage you to let us know if you need any assistance or would like to share it with the community. I'm sure you'll find loads of inspiration within the community as our creative members are contributing their ideas here all the time.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

Hi @123Susan - 

Glad this design was of some use to you! 

I see @MitchellMc has already provided some great suggestions - 

In this case, we used 70mm Merbau decking. The top, structural supports and legs were all built using standard decking boards cut to length. (We actually used scrap timber for this project, but I'm sure a similar product is available at Bunnings). 

The skinner slats on the sides were also 70mm Merbau decking - stripped in half to form the 35mm rows you can see in the pictures. 

Thanks, 

Nic

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

That looks great, well done! Great eye for design/function. 

mich1972
Kind of a Big Deal

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

That looks sensational !!!!!!!!

Aishjadhuni
Just Starting Out

Re: Aircon cover / BBQ stand - Custom bench for apartment balcony

Hi ! This is a fantastic idea! I am looking to do the same for the air con in my balcony. Is it possible to provide a list of tools used. I am a newbie but would surely like to give this a go. I have managed to source some wooden pallets. I am sure I don't have all the tools at home, would like to buy them before the long weekend and hopefully have this done. I more specifically want to know if you Gul the wood pieces (the legs to the top) or nail them ?Thanks so much in advance. 

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