Outdoor kitchen with Merbau feature wall

[weekenddiyer]

This eye-catching outdoor kitchen with vertical garden feature wall was put together in one weekend for $1500.

• The project
• Before and after
• How to build a plant wall feature
• More inspiration for outdoor areas

The project

We have a water tank at the end of our back deck where we keep our barbecue. I didn't find it unsightly, but I felt like we could do more with this space. I was keen to have extra storage, bench space for barbecuing and ideally a sink to wash hands and help with food preparation.

I built a simple frame made of 35 x 70mm treated Pine. I made the frame slightly higher than the water tank so that we wouldn't see it when finished. I also left space to include a vertical garden in the middle of the wall.

With 140mm Merbau decking installed over the frame, the wall started to take shape. We used marine grade plywood for the backing of the recess as it would be hidden by the vertical garden. Getting the team at Bunnings to cut the Merbau to size for me saved a lot of time and gave me cleaner cuts than I would have been able to achieve. 

I considered building outdoor kitchen cabinetry, but then saw some outdoor cupboards and thought they weren't bad for the price and would save me a lot of time. I opted for the ones with the stainless steel top, and then did a hack by cutting a hole for the sink and tap.

I added deck lighting to the Un-real Boston Fern vertical garden. I was impressed by how easy the artificial garden was to work with, and was able to cut it to size for the recess in the wall. I also used an outdoor weatherproof box by ARLEC to store the smart switch and powerboard out of the weather.

The cost of the wall, including framing, decking, the artificial garden, lighting and plumbing for the sink was $950. This also included about $40 of tool parts I needed such as a countersink bit for the drill, and blade for the jigsaw to cut through stainless steel, so you might be able to save your budget here if you already have these tools. The cabinets, sink and tap was $600, so all together it was around $1500 for this outdoor kitchen and feature wall set up.

Before and after

How to build a plant wall feature

Whether it's an attractive feature for your alfresco dining area or used to add colour indoors, an artificial plant wall can offer a low-maintenance touch of greenery around your home. Create your own artificial plant wall with this step-by-step guide.

 

More inspiration for outdoor areas

Bunnings Workshop member lcooksey88 used Un-Real hedge panels alongside Merbau screens for this attractive fire pit area.

Workshop member Nikkaz created this beautiful artificial plant feature for the plain brick wall at the front of the house.

Workshop member jmagnayon built this simple yet stylish outdoor kitchen for under $1300.

An outdoor screen is the ultimate concealer. You may want to hide something in your garden, add some privacy to an area or create an eye-catching feature. Check out our Top 10 most popular screening projects for more great ideas.

[CazDP]

Hello @weekenddiyer would you mind sharing where you got the cabinets from? They are exactly what I am looking for for some outdoor storage!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @CazDP It's sensational that you've joined us, and many thanks for your question on this amazing project.

In the original discussion, you'll find additional information on this project: Merbau feature wall with vertical garden.

You'll also find some other outdoor storage options on our webpage. 

We look forward to hearing all about your projects and plans around the house and garden and would encourage you to let us know if you ever need assistance or have something to share. You'll find plenty of inspiration within the community as our amazing members contribute their projects here every day.

Mitchell

[Effie09]

Thank you I'm going to try a merbau feature wall as a feature in front of my colour bond fence and screen the remainder with a leafy screen.  Can you use decking panels?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Effie09,

I can't see any reason why you couldn't use decking panels as long as you fix them securely in place. Were you going to create some type of frame to mount them on similar to what @weekenddiyer has done here?

It sounds like it will be a fantastic project, and I trust all our members will be excited to follow along. Make sure you keep us updated and reach out if you have further questions.

Mitchell

[Effie09]

Thanks @MitchellMc 

I bought the Whites Screen up (rear) which I’m going to attach to current posts as I also like the look of @Monika1 and use the spacers in between each panel.

The width is 2.3m do you think I should use another post/Chanel in the middle for support? iWill it warp in the middle over time if I don’t?

[MitchellMc]

@Effie09,

I suspect even a hardwood like Merbau will droop a little overtime in the middle if left unsupported. I know Pine will as I've done just that and it's dropped about 20mm in the middle. You'll likely need a Whites 1970mm Screen Up Joiner Post to provide support midway. 

Mitchell