How to build external wall on patio for privacy and outdoor kitchen?

[jordan1savage]

Hi there, I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to close out this section of my patio.  

 

wanting to have a wall to put an outdoor kitchen against, create some barrier between neighbour noise and also full privacy from windows that can see through that gap. The open soace is roughly 5.3m in length and 2.4m in height to the top of that bulkhead/soffit.

my current thinking was to use external structural timber to create the wall and attach it to the bricks and the soffit. Then use James Hardie Hardieflex cladding on the outside as it’s open to the elements. Then insulation. For the inside section I was wanting to do a wooden shiplap style like this photo 

Was thinking maybe 140mm merbau decking but not certain what would be the best and most cost effective as I don’t really care too much about the wood type, it’s going to be painted black regardless.

I will need to extend the patio by 350mm to allow a kitchen bench to be relatively flush with the brick pillar and not protrude out too much. 

hoping to hear some feedback on whether my plan is feasible (or if there are any concerns I should be thinking about!)

thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @jordan1savage,

Building the wall to close in that side of your patio should be fine, but extending it out towards the fence might cause you some issues. Most councils require a certain setback from the boundary for any permanent construction. Before proceeding with your planning, it would be worth contacting your local council to see what rules they have. If there are rules around setbacks, then you may have to reconsider extending out towards the boundary.

Adding the wall will cause lateral loads from the wind, so it is also likely worth contacting an engineer just to double check that by tying it in with the brick piers, you are not negatively affecting the existing structure. 

For longevity, H3 framing is an ideal choice as it will be resistant to the elements. 

Where the frame touches the concrete or brickwork, you should attach plascourse to create a barrier between the surfaces as they will wick moisture from the masonry surfaces. Adding the plascourse will create a waterproof barrier between them to prevent moisture transfer.

On the outside of the frame, you should add building wrap. This will add an extra layer of insulation and help to make the wall better resistant to the elements.

You can then install Hardieflex over the outside of the frame, following the Hardieflex Installation Guide.

Merbau decking sounds like a good option; however, you would need to let it weather to release its oils before painting and installation. For this reason, pine decking or a H3-treated lining board such as this 138 x 11mm LOSP Lining Board or 138 x 18mm H3 Treated Pine Primed Shiplap might be better options.

It sounds like a great start to the plan. Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @JoeAzza and @Dave-1 to see what they think and if they have any ideas to add.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @jordan1savage 

@JacobZ has pretty much covered all the key elements in both planning and construction. My only strong recommendations is to not extend past the existing slab, unless you have a building permit to do so. The other would be to ties the wall in at the house end and all the way to the post end and then into the slab itself for maximum structural strength.

Nailbag

[JoeAzza]

Hi @jordan1savage , I agree with @JacobZ  and @Nailbag , check with council if permits are required, also if installing a gas or electric bbq kitchen check how close you can have it to the boundary and ensure you use fire rated wall materials to.

[EricL]

Hi @jordan1savage

Please don't forget to post a photo update once you start building your wall. I'm sure our members will be keen to follow along.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[jordan1savage]

Thank you so much for the replies! That is definitely achievable.

its a smaller patio so was trying to maximise space but you all are probably right, it would need a fair bit of assessment around its do-ability if I were to extend. I will likely build on the existing concrete.

greatly appreciate all the guidance

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @jordan1savage 

Maybe go with a privacy screen at the fence, just the top part tho, not a solid wall, stretch the paving out so it goes from the patio to the screen (consider drainage as it will act like a dam)

With the kitchen Idea, maybe mount that cabinetry on wheels, and make it two thirds the width of the privacy screen, that way you can push it out against the wlal for parties, and then turn it so it fits under your patio roof when you arnt hosting a party? 

Here is an outside lounge I built that can spin the same way I am describing the kitchen idea. Outside timber lounge with wheels I commonly turn it 90 deg depending on wind or sun. 

Dave