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Create a renter-friendly outdoor kitchen

By Bunnings magazine /

A besser block outdoor kitchen bench space with pizza oven, utensils, bowls of herbs and a timber chopping board with vegetables on it.

Overview

Finding practical ways to decorate a space when you’re a renter can be tough, but this savvy outdoor kitchen or bench is your portable solution when your lease is up. The beauty of this do-it-yourself outdoor kitchen is that it can be built in minutes with two people – no cutting or joining needed, just stack and go! It’s easy to disassemble and can be scaled to fit any space, which is a big bonus for renters. The materials used are all off-the-shelf, weather-resistant and non-combustible.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

A person holding a hanging basket with plants in it outside.

 

Steps

  1. 1

    Measure outdoor kitchen bench space

    Measure and mark the area where the bench will go, making sure to leave the recommended clearance from walls or fences for the pizza oven, here 61cm.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Choose FC sheets that fit the space to avoid having to cut them.
  2. 2

    Mark up besser block positioning

    Mark the location of the besser blocks, flush with the ends of the bench panels and aligned with the front and back. Then mark the centre blocks.

  3. 3

    Assemble outdoor kitchen bench

    Sit the five base blocks upright, lay an FC sheet on top and check for level. Position the remaining blocks and FC sheet, once again ensuring it’s level.

  4. 4

    Position decorative screens

    Position the screens behind the bench. We used two screens for extra rigidity, held together with cable ties, and repurposed the aluminium packaging channels as edging.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Use spare house bricks, besser blocks or gazebo weights to prop up screens, or secure to bench panels with angle brackets and fibre cement screws.
  5. 5

    Decorate with hanging herb wall baskets

    Fill wall baskets with potting mix and assorted herbs, and water in well. Use S hooks to hang baskets and cooking implements from the screen. Set up your pizza oven and gas bottle to start cooking!

  6. 6

    Outdoor kitchen bench pizza oven

    This hardworking outdoor kitchen bench set-up can be assembled in minutes using off-the-rack building supplies. There’s ample space for a pizza oven or small BBQ at one end and meal prep at the other. Add a decorative screen with hooks for herbs and cooking implements to pretty things up. Best of all, you can take it with you when you move house.

    Two hands hold a wall basket holding a variety of herbs and hanging on a decorative outdoor screen.
  7. 7

    How to hang a herb basket on an outdoor screen

    The screen behind the bench isn’t purely decorative – you can use it to hang baskets of herbs, ready to use in your cooking. Try a mix of pizza-friendly plants like thyme, basil and parsley. Rosemary and oregano are best grown in pots.

  8. 8

    Keep in mind...

    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your pizza oven. Position on a flat and clear, well-ventilated space outdoors and never leave a lit pizza oven unattended.
    • Before using a gas cylinder, check the gas hose – do not use it if it is crushed, kinked or cracked – and also that your LPG cylinder is in date.
    • Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
    • Check with your local fire service about using pizza ovens during restrictions such as fire bans, keep children and pets away from them and put matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
    • Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix.
  9. 9

    Want more easy renter-friendly ideas ?

    Create your own mini cloakroom with this step-by-step guide.

     

    Photo credit: Jonny Valiant.

    •FC sheeting varies by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

    Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. All other products, stylist’s own.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.