Outdoor kitchen worktop

[JuanCarlosFandango]

Year 5 of my outdoor kitchen build and it is ready to move beyond the idea phase. My plan is to build a bench with some cupboards underneath it and a sink on top.

I liked the idea of making a concrete one myself but realistically it means I won't get around to it this year.

Buying a concrete one (about 10ft/3m long) for ~ £500 seems a bit steep.

One thought I had was to put paving slabs on a sheet of OSB or ply, but I'm pretty sure this would fall apart in a year.

A wooden one of any sort is going to let water into the cupboards and will warp and rot quickly.

So does anyone have any ideas for a cheap, durable worktop for someone of limited time, means and ability?

[Rough101]

Solid corona, hymacs or whatever, but it’s expensive, failing that, a high pressure laminate, but these don’t have finished edges.

You can maybe get on offcut?

[Promised Land]

Compact laminate tops, 12mm thick but hard as concrete, I’ve fitted 2 kitchens in the last year with these, it kills saw blades, router bits instantly. But should be fine for outdoor use.

[Rough101]

Promised Land said:

Compact laminate tops, 12mm thick but hard as concrete, I’ve fitted 2 kitchens in the last year with these, it kills saw blades, router bits instantly. But should be fine for outdoor use.

That s the high pressure laminate stuff I was referring to, needs TCT tools and kills them!

[Desiderata]

I've got a lump of granite worktop for mine. Second hand on Facebook marketplace . There always seems to be some on there sometimes given away for free. I don't fancy second hand worktops in the house, but I don't have a problem for an outside kitchen.

[DonkeyApple]

Desiderata said:

I've got a lump of granite worktop for mine. Second hand on Facebook marketplace . There always seems to be some on there sometimes given away for free. I don't fancy second hand worktops in the house, but I don't have a problem for an outside kitchen.

Or reclamation yards. Usually plenty of old stone tops that are perfect.

[paulwirral]

Or face book for an old snooker table with a slate bed , it’s only a grinder disc away from a perfect fit if you’re careful for a slate worktop talking point ?

[Philplop]

I got a pair of granite worktops from Facebook marketplace for £50, then made my cupboards the appropriate size. Works well and nice and easy to wipe down.

[EmailAddress]

Any pics of setups?

[21TonyK]

As above, I'd look around for second hand granite/quartz tops and consider adapting the design to accommodate. Cutting yourself is not fun unless you have the right kit, space etc etc

Wood outside, of any type is going to have a limited lifespan. Stone will last... well, forever.

[Philplop]

This is mine. Both spans are the same. Cupboards house charcoal and tools, and really useful boxes containing my cast iron pans. 5 of the cupboards have bottoms in them but one is open to the patio, and my outdoor-bin-converted-into-a-tandoor lives in there as it’s on castors. Only used it once.

[EmailAddress]

Nice

[BigRickus]

You can also get concrete style large format porcelain slabs which may be an easy option if you can support every 400-600mm on a frame.

[Simpo Two]

JuanCarlosFandango said:

A wooden one of any sort is going to let water into the cupboards and will warp and rot quickly.

How about adding a roof to your outdoor kitchen?

[JuanCarlosFandango]

Some great responses, and a nice pic Philplop. Thanks.

I do keep an eye on market place etc but haven't found the right thing yet, and looking at other options.

Good to know about HPL,though doing a good job might be a bit beyond my abilities.

Pool/snooker table is an interesting idea.

Thanks!

[JuanCarlosFandango]

Simpo Two said:

How about adding a roof to your outdoor kitchen?

I have thought of that, but that's how these things grow and grow. Anyway where we are with wind and rain it would have to be quite a roof to protect wood.

[Simpo Two]

OK, how about a tailored cover to protect it when you're not using it?

[JuanCarlosFandango]

Simpo Two said:

OK, how about a tailored cover to protect it when you're not using it?

Possible, but I know myself and I'd forget to put it on, leave it a mess.

[DonkeyApple]

It's certainly easiest to build it to survive the elements. A stone top with a good overhang to shelter the cupboards etc.

If you fit a roof you'll get sent out in bad weather to do dinner.

[JuanCarlosFandango]

DonkeyApple said:

It's certainly easiest to build it to survive the elements. A stone top with a good overhang to shelter the cupboards etc.

If you fit a roof you'll get sent out in bad weather to do dinner.

Haha I don't mind that. Basically now until about October is barbecue season. If it isn't tipping it down I'd rather cook outside.