What timber for external storage compartment?

[aledlloyd123]

I have been building a DIY outdoor kitchen. On the right I have a 2700mm long seating area with storage below. Most of the cladding is PVC composite however the seating area which lifts to access the storage was done in marine grade plywood. In the recent weather the plywood has expanded and bowed out of shape. What would people recommend I replace this material with? Size is about 2400x510 

[EricL]

Hello @aledlloyd123 

Since your marine plywood has expanded and bowed, a better replacement would be a material that is more weather-resistant and stable. The 92 x 18mm 2.7m Antique White PVC Composite DAR would match your existing cladding and resist moisture without warping. It will need to be joined together to form a wide enough panel to make a seat. Fibre cement sheet, like James Hardie, is another durable option that won’t swell but will need to be sealed and a timber frame to support it. 

If you prefer a timber look, hardwood decking boards like spotted gum or merbau are more stable when properly sealed. These panels will also need to be joined together to form a seat.

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

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evening @aledlloyd123 

Wooooo I didnt think Marine ply bent too easily 😕 I like @EricL's suggestion with the composite DAR tho havnt used it. Maybe one of the ecodeck composites you could lay close enough to seal (with something waterproof underneath so things in the strorage box dont get wet, such as a tarp type material)

Other then that maybe a waterproof cover that extends over the whole lot when rain is expected and back to the Marine grade ply with extra waterproofing sealer is all that comes to mind.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @aledlloyd123 

Have to admit I am surprised to hear that the marine ply has bent out of shape. My best guess is due to the single continuous length of the material and possibly the thickness.

I would be inclined to redo the seat in 3-4 equal sections again in Marine ply with a supporting frame under each one, which is then sealed and painted. If you were to use say 25mm box tubing under each seat section, this would ensure long term rigidity and shape.

Alternatively you could consider a composite material, like decking boards. But I would still divide the seat down and use a, aluminium support frame.

Nailbag