How to build outdoor bench for bbq and pizza oven?

[milch92]

I’m looking for ideas on how to transform a bit of a dead space in my outdoor pergola. Ideally I’d turn it into a bench of some sort with the possibility of have a bbq and pizza oven sitting on top. I’ve also got a kegerator I could put there as well if I dug the dirt out.

The space is 950mm deep, 2100mm long & 700mm high. Looks like a brick wall with dirt, but I’m unsure if there is any piping or drainage underneath.

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @milch92 

Thanks for sharing your question about using your outdoor space. I propose digging the soil out first to determine if there is pipework in the area and if you need to rebuild that spot with a retaining wall. But if your driveway end is already supported with a concrete wall then there is no need to build a new retaining wall. Once you've determined that there is no pipework in the soil it would then be safe to remove all the soil in the area and prepare it become a spot for you pizza oven a few cabinets maybe and your kegerator. But it's also important to take into consideration if your appliances will get wet in the rain. If it looks like its going to get wet, you'll need to consider adding a roof extension to keep everything dry.

Another thing you'll need to look into is if the floor is still soil or is covered in concrete. If it is bare soil, you'll need to cover it up with similar pavers or cover it up with concrete. The type of pizza oven you purchase will determine if you will be getting a cabinet underneath it or not. A free standing pizza oven will have legs or stands which will not allow you to install a cabinet underneath. A power point will be necessary for your kegerator so that's something you'll need to add to your list.

If there is nothing in that area, then removing bricks and soil will be the major task and preparing it for use plus lining up the appliances will be the fun part.

Here is a link to ideas and inspiration:  10 barbecue stand and bench ideas

My best advice is to draw it on paper first to give you a definitive guide on what will fit and what steps you need to take to get it going.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Noyade and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @milch92,

I would remove all of that and do the BBQ bench/stand thing as @EricL suggested on a pad of large concrete pavers.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @milch92 

That is a nice handy area/bench space you have. 

I was thinking at first to just install a soild benchtop over the top of it and oil it (Hardwood benchtop over a pine styled one)

But looking at the way the corner of the brickwork is you have the potential to take down that front wall withouthaving to cut the existing bricks. (Not sure about the far corner)

I can just see the steps on the left which changes things a little. Nothing hot or sizzling next to it in case someone stumbles on the steps. 

How high is that kegerator? I still like the solid benchtop (tho you will need a middle support if you remove the front bricks) I would also go the route of a splashback of some kind, mainly to stop any breez coming through that privacy fence. @EricL has a valid point about stopping rain coming in from the side, You could go fo a clear patio blind, to shield it on the right.

What size of pizza oven are we talking about? A small low one or a heavier brick one? A cemen sheet might be better acros sthe top of the bench (you can use cheaper timber for the bench that way) to protect it from heat from the BBQ and pizza oven. Tho I would make sure you seal it as oil splatters will be a pain to clean as they will soak in.

Go slow with removing the soil and bricks. Just in case. asses the footing of the brook walls after you have removed the soil just to make sure it is solid and can carry the weight of the bench plus items.

Take a bunch of pics as it will be a nice project to complete

Dave

[Noyade]

"I was thinking at first to just install a solid bench top"

That would be my thought.

But what would I know - I even had to Goggle "Kegorator."

[Dave-1]

@Noyade 

lol same! I didnt know what a kegorator was either

Dave

[milch92]

Ok thanks Dave, I think digging the soil out is where I’ll start. It’s raining at the moment actually and that area stays nice and dry except the very corner which I’ll probably leave as garden anyway.

I like the idea of putting a wooden bench down however I want it about 200mm higher, with maybe a gap underneath for storing bbq tools, firewood etc.

any ideas on how to do this easily?

[EricL]

Hello @milch92 

If the brick wall is staying, I propose building a rectangular box frame made from 70 x 35mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine - 2.4m. This will serve as the base for the benchtop and can be anchored to the brick surface. Plywood panels can be attached to the frame to create an open shelf or build a drawer for the opening underneath. 

Eric