From Habitat magazine - issue 27, spring/summer 2017 /18
Make this nifty fold-out bar and cupboard for your outdoor living space.
You will need: dressed pine
Before you start assembly, lay out the various pieces in formation to double check you have the right lengths. Keep checking as you go as some lengths may need easing or sanding to slot into place.
3 x 2.2m lengths of 180mm x 19mm planks – cut 3 at 940mm for the bar top; 2 at 1080mm for the box sides and 2 at 542mm for the box top and bottom.
1 x 1.6m length of 135mm x 19mm plank – cut 1 at 940mm for the divider and 2 at 260mm for the shelves.
1 x 1.8m length of 65mm x 19mm – cut 2 at 445mm lengths for the top and bottom of the bar top frame. Cut 2 x 350mm lengths for the top and bottom of the leg.
2 x 1.8m (or 4 x 1m) lengths of 45mm x 19mm – cut 2 at 940mm for the sides of the bar top frame. Cut 2 at 810mm for the sides of the leg.
You will need: tools and paint
A great solution for any outdoor area. The unit is finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Resene Seachange and Resene Half Dusted Blue. The weatherboards are Resene Sea Fog and two of the herb pots are Resene Seachange and Resene Half Dusted Blue.
Step one
Use the four wider pieces of boards to create the box frame. Attach the bottom piece first, then attach the top piece, 100mm down from the top of the sides. The opening between the top and bottom piece should be 940mm. Note: if you are using a whitewash finish make sure you carefully fill the screw holes so that they are not so obvious, or use liquid nails.
Paint the inside of the box frame in Resene Seachange. Paint the shelf pieces in Resene Half Dusted Blue. Coat the outside and all other pieces of timber in Resene Colorwood Whitewash and Resene Aquaclear. Or if exposed to the weather and direct sunlight, use Resene Woodsman Whitewash.
Step two
Attach the divider inside the box frame, making sure it is centred, then attach the two shelves. We put ours at 300mm from the bottom on one side and 300mm from the top on the other.
Step three
Assemble the bar top frame, placing the shorter 65mm wide pieces inside the longer 45mm pieces. Attach the boards for the top onto the frame, using liquid nails and making sure the edges are flush with the frame.
Assemble the fold-out leg, placing the shorter 65mm wide pieces inside the longer 45mm pieces.
Attach the leg to the bar top and frame, using the continuous hinge.
Step four
Attach the bar top and leg to the box frame using the T hinges (below).
Use the brackets to attach the unit to the wall. Install a timber toggle or sash lock to keep the bar top flush with the frame when the unit is closed. Also attach a safety catch or similar between the leg and the frame so that the leg can’t be accidentally kicked closed when the unit is open. If the unit sits above a deck, attach a bolt to the bottom of the leg, and drill a hole into the deck to keep the leg secure when open.
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Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.
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