How to build a mud kitchen?

[TaylaB]

Hi everyone,

I am wanting to build a mud kitchen for my children. I have the design/plans done and know what I need to do to execute it. Just need some help with timber/screw selections.

I have some pallet timber already but need some more timber for the frame/legs and was hoping to find a solid piece that would be the bench top. Any timber suggestions would be appreciated. Wanting it to be pretty weather/water tolerant. Plan on using marine spar varnish also. 

pallet timber I have already is 19mm thick. 

Is there a type of screw that’s more weather/water friendly than just the timber screws?

Thank you. 

[EricL]

Hello @TaylaB 

I propose looking at using 90 x 19mm Merbau SpecRite Pre-Oiled Decking for framing and legs. For the benchtop, I suggest the 1200 x 596mm 12mm Plywood Pine Premium BC Grade. I recommend painting the top of the plywood to extend its service life. As for the screws to use, I suggest using galvanized or coated screws. These screws are designed for outdoor use and do not deteriorate easily. 

Here is a handy link for ideas and inspiration: 10 kids mud kitchen projects 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[TaylaB]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your response.

How will that plywood hold up in the elements and with working taps in the mud kitchen? 
Is there an exterior UV/water resistant ect  paint/primer that you could recommend? I was in store today and was told that the Dulux exterior paint probably wasn’t the best option because it will have kids playing with it, and to go with something that has less chemicals… I have the feast and Watson marine spar varnish already. 

Thank you 

[EricL]

Hello @TaylaB 

If you have the Feast Watson 1L Spar Marine Varnish that will be excellent for the top of the plywood. I suggest putting on a thick coat both at the back and front plus the sides as well. The plywood will last as long as the sealer put on it, it is difficult to say. But the main enemy is rainwater and moisture.

If you really want a strong benchtop for this mud kitchen, I suggest investing in a SpecRite 1200 x 405mm 18mm Timber Panel Merbau FJ Laminated or you can build the top out of strips or merbau decking panels.

Eric