Last summer I built a BBQ cooking center on my deck. It looks fantastic with a great grill, sink, surfaced on all sides with Italian Tile. On the front are two openings that I have made doors for. I want a wood door for appearence, so initially I made flat doors by edge glueing cherry that I had left over from a previous project. That was a disaster as they warped so badly that 1 inch angle iron could not contain the wood movement. The second effort was to build the same style doors, this time from 20 year old cyprus that I assumed would be stable. Well, it has not worked out either. So the questions are…what should I try next? Should I try a frame/panel door? Is there some great idea lurking out there that will contain the warping and look good? Not sure that my bride is going to trust my judgement much longer!
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The doors and most of the rest of this deck cabinet are simple mortise and tenon frames made from western red cedar, and the centers are waterproof plywood. I made it about two years ago and it's experienced no warping under every kind of weather for over two years. The finish is Xyledecor.
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Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
Being a Raiders fan, I am not entirely sure I should share this! LOL
I built a similar BBQ/counter for outdoor on my patio. I also finished the tops and sides with tile. I made frame and panel doors out of Oak and birch plywood. Made sure everything had several coats of exterior verathane. Nothing has warped for the past three years. I live in the Oakland hills, where we get a fair amount of fog.
The cedar should work equally well with a frame and panel door.
Good luck
Michael
Being a Chiefs fan I hate to consider the possible downside of taking advise from a Raider fan. But I would have to think your construction consept has a better chance of being successful in the second half of the season than your team.
I wouldnt be so mean spirited if they had clobbered the Rams like they should have, but then look at my team...the only NFL team playing with no defence.
Thanks for the help. I was wondering about plywood but afraid of the impact of moisture but probably a bunch of coats of poly could do it.
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