How to build curved cabinetry for pizza oven counter?

[bow2021]

Hi there,

looking at building a countertop in my courtyard to place our Gozney arc pizza oven on. Going to build from timber and covering with cement board and most likely going to tile or possibly use battens. I’ve used mdf as bottom plate when framing a office desk I made for the study but I’m thinking this would be a terrible idea outdoors, what other way could I curve cabinetry outdoor where it’s open to the elements?

thanks. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @bow2021,

Instead of using MDF like you have in the past, which would not stand up to any water, I'd suggest using plywood in the same fashion, and coating it with a sealer such as exterior paint or varnish.

MDF is much more susceptible to swelling from moisture or direct contact with water than plywood is. As long as it is well sealed, you shouldn't have any issues with moisture getting inside.

If it is in direct contact with a concrete slab or masonry surface, you should also consider protecting the bottom edge with plascourse like you would with a standard bottom plate on concrete.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Jason]

Sounds like a fantastic project @bow2021. Please keep us updated as you make progress. I'm sure other members will be inspired by what you create.

Jason

[bow2021]

Thanks @JacobZ that sounds like a good idea. Will update some pics when done 👍🏻

[JacobZ]

Can't wait to see it @bow2021.

Good luck!

Jacob

[bow2021]

I did have one last question before I begin. We have a freshly laid slab in the courtyard. I was going to build the counter before I laid pavers (going to be doing crazy pave with 20mm porcelain tile) so the frame is going to be sitting under that 20mm, is this okay? I’m thinking of the water sitting inside that area. Could I build it up with half height besser blocks and use the them as a base for the frame to sit on possibly? 
cheers. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @bow2021,

It would be better if the base of the frame sits above any floor coverings. As you have mentioned, there is the potential for water to sit below the level of the pavers and slowly rot out the base out of sight.

Building up a base to build the cabinets on and then paving up to that base would be a good way to mitigate this issue. 

Half-height besser blocks would be a good option as long as they were core-filled with concrete so they can support the bottom plate along its full length so that it doesn't bow.

I'm excited to see you get underway.

Jacob