How to build an outdoor pizza oven bench using porcelain tiles?

[Fro007]

Looking to build an outdoor kitchen bench to use portable cooking appliances on. 
eg pizza oven, portable bbq etc. 

It will wont be undercover so looking to use some outdoor porcelain pavers as the bench top. 

What could I use to layer the tiles on..?

was thinking some cement fiber board or marine plywood with some type of adhesive n grout in between…??

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Fro007. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a benchtop.

I’d recommend using compressed fibre cement board as your base rather than marine plywood. Despite the name, marine ply isn’t actually ideal for long-term outdoor exposure. It deteriorates quite quickly once moisture starts getting into it. In true marine applications, it’s completely encapsulated in fibreglass and resin to prevent any water contact. While it’s more water-resistant than standard plywood thanks to its waterproof glues, it’s still not something I’d suggest using outdoors unless it’s entirely sealed and protected. Compressed fibre cement board, on the other hand, is much better suited to outdoor environments. It’s rigid, durable, and provides an excellent surface for adhering tiles. It will also stay stable in varying weather conditions and won’t swell or warp like timber-based products. 

Do you already have an existing frame for the fibre cement board to sit on, or are you planning to build one from scratch?

Here's a helpful guide: How to lay tiles.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Fro007]

Building it from scratch but have got plans that I will use that has all the measurements. Just have to re adjust some measurements to suit the tile base. 

[MitchellMc]

Keep us updated, @Fro007, and please reach out if you have further questions.

Mitchell

[Fro007]

 

Can I use these pavers

 

[MitchellMc]

I can't see any reason why you couldn't @Fro007. However, as with any tiles or surface that could be affected by heat, you'd need to follow the cooking appliance's directions regarding what surfaces it can be placed on. If the device outputs a lot of heat directly below it, you could risk cracking the pavers. The same goes for tiles, stone benchtops, etc.

Mitchell