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A much needed outdoor entertaining upgrade. Complete with concrete countertops, lots of storage, and a climbing vine wall.
Steps
Step 1
Planning and Framing: I like using SketchUp to visualise my projects. With this I was able to make a few design changes before it was too late. This area was a challenge to build in as the existing patio tiles are on a considerable slope. The frame was also wrapped to protect the timber. I have experience building furniture and cabinets but have never framed a wall or tiled before so this project is a lot of "firsts" for me.
Step 2
Fibro siding was used to match the house. Electrical wires for power points were placed at this point. Cabinet carcasses were then placed. If you can afford it, marine ply is preferred for cabinets exposed to weather. This area is covered but gets slightly wet when heavy rain comes in sideways. The cabinet base was heavily sealed to make it weather and bug proof.
Step 3
Onto the concrete countertop pour. This is an entire post in itself. I followed another post on here (somebody making a table top) very closely and got excellent results. However, DO NOT us silicone based lubricant for a form release if you plan on applying sealer to your countertops. Silicone and adhesives do not mix! I had to redo the top sealant three times to get the final layer to stick. I don't want to dredge up the memories but this was days worth of work lost and lots of money down the drain. Once you have your countertop height determined you can tile the splashback!
Step 4
A hardwood "bartop" was placed over the splashback, then wires were run to support a privacy curtain of star jasmine. Doors and drawers were built and installed, finally the backside was painted and planters added. The star jasmine has been in a few months now and have grown like crazy. I'll post updated photos when they are in bloom! Also, bonus shot of testing the LED lights under the bartop.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Wadsy1. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for sharing your project.
What an impressive transformation! You've done a fantastic job creating a space that's not only functional but also beautifully styled, especially with those concrete countertops. The climbing vine wall will add such a lush, green touch. It’s great to see how you adapted to the sloping patio and worked through so many first-time tasks with confidence. The amount of thought that went into planning, weatherproofing, and materials selection really shows.
Also, thanks for the heads-up about silicone and sealer—those kinds of lessons are so helpful for others tackling similar projects.
Looking forward to seeing those star jasmine vines in full bloom!
Mitchell
Are you looking to build your own outdoor kitchen @Girlfromgoldie1? Our collection of outdoor kitchen ideas for your home contains lots more inspiration.
What materials to use really depends on how protected your kitchen cabinetry will be from the elements. Do you want to hit the Ask a question button and share some photos and plans? We'd be happy to help.
Jason
The BBQ is a Ziggy Elite Triple Grill and the cabinets were made of plywood by myself 
Hello @Wadsy1
Thank you for sharing that extra information about your outdoor kitchen. Let me tag @Girlfromgoldie1 to make them aware of the information.
Eric
Hello @daniellongo
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.
It's great to hear that you've been inspired to build your own outdoor kitchen. I suggest having a look at this discussion - Concrete tabletop project by @markw. Some of the concrete products that were recommended are - MaxPRO 20kg Concrete Mix, Easy Mix 20kg 55MPa Super Strength Concrete and Easy Mix 20kg Supremo-32 High-Strength Concrete Mix 32MPa, but among the three the first two products have a higher strength rating. I propose calling your local store and seeing if these products are in stock or if they have an equivalent product with a 55MPa rating.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
That's certainly stronger than standard concrete and should be suitable @daniellongo. Just remember that it doesn't matter how strong the concrete is; it's how you support it that matters most. You need to have adequate reo-bar or mesh through it, and that is especially important with any overhangs.
Mitchell
