Outdoor Kitchen (Built in BBQ) - combustible materials

Hi there

This is my first post in this forum so treat me kindly haha :)

Basically I am looking to create an outdoor kitchen in the coming weeks with a built in BBQ.

For the kitchen frame, I will be looking to use 70x35 treated pine as it's easy to work with and I'm definitely an amateur.

For the kitchen bench (including the bbq cutout), I will be using one of the below:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-merbau-fj-laminated-panel_p8330163
https://www.bunnings.com.au/interbuild-2200-x-610-x-26mm-oiled-karri-laminated-panel_p8330042
https://www.bunnings.com.au/interbuild-2200-x-600-x-26mm-oiled-golden-hardwood-acacia-panel_p8330065

The BBQ will be sitting in a cut-out and will be sitting on one of the above materials (the entire cut-out will be covered in the material and the bbq won't come in any contact with treated pine).

I then found there is an Australian Standard around this (AS 5601 from memory) and it basically says:

"Do not install the bbq closer than 430mm on the sides or 430mm in the back to any combustible surface or less than 1 metre beneath any overhead combustible construction."

So my question is:

1. Are the above hardwood materials non-combustible? I thought being hardwood they should be ok?
2. If the answer to my first question is yes and it is ok to use, does this mean the 430mm is now redundant (as the material would be forming a barrier between bbq and treated pine)? Or is the 430mm still active?
3. If the 430mm is still active, what are my options? Would I have to put some kind of sheeting between the treated pine and hardwood panel?

I just want to make sure I 100% meet regulations when doing this and I'm in some dire need of some assistance/feedback in this space.

Thanks everyone!!

Agent009

Merbau is an approved fire rated timber as per BAL (bushfire attack level), the others aren't.

Refer to section C https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...E0JhSFM6WVtzL_

Welcome to the forum.

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Originally Posted by old1955

Welcome to the forum.

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Thank you :)

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Originally Posted by rwbuild

Merbau is an approved fire rated timber as per BAL (bushfire attack level), the others aren't.

Refer to section C https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...E0JhSFM6WVtzL_

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Thanks very much. How does fire rated timber compare to the immense heat a bbq would disperse at close range?

Regardless to your answer above, it sounds like the Merbau piece would be the best so I'll rule out the others.

But even if I use the merbau panel pieces to completely conceal the inside of the cut-out (for the built-in bbq), there will still be treated pine directly below the merbau and to the side (as part of the underlying structure). Will that not be an issue as the bbq will only be touching the merbau? Does the 430mm distance no longer apply?

I just want to be 100% sure as I don't want to have a fire risk. Thanks!!

The 430 distance relates to the naked flame, and since heat rises (and conduction through metal) the greater proportion of the heat is ie the flame is upward. Conducted heat through metal to timber is usually ok so long as the metal isn't at metal working temperature ie: blueish up to red hot.
Think of it in terms of fry pan straight off gas cook top onto timber chopping board, everyone does it no problem unless of cause the pan is glowing red hot in which case charcoal chops for dinner :rolleyes:

Non combustible is non combustible, e.g. brick, concrete, steel..... Timber of any type is combustible, BAL rated timber is resistant to springing into flame from ember attack, it is still combustible and probably shouldn't be adjacent to a potentially red hot metal surface.

Your built in BBQ should come with some information about other clearances that may also be required for even noncombustible supports to make sure burner ventilation is sufficient.

Thanks rwbuild and fuzzie.

This is why I am so confused because some people are saying merbau hardwood will be fine...others say definitely not.

If there is any doubt at all (which at this point, there certainly is) I may have to forfeit the outdoor kitchen idea and just go a freestanding bbq :(

Any other thoughts?

What about treated pine structure, merbau benchtop but have 5mm carbon steel box in the cutout for the bbq?

All you need to do is line the BBQ cutout with cement sheeting (or similar) and if possible have an air gap between the BBQ and surrounding surfaces. It's cheap and easy.

I have arranged the certification of many BBQ's and written more Installation/Operating Instructions than I have had picnic lunches.

Thanks cava...you sound like a man who knows what he is talking about. When you say air gap between bbq and surrounding surfaces, I just want to make sure I understand what you are saying.

If the bbq says the cutout should be 820mm (w) x 520mm (d) x 230mm (h), are you saying I should make the cutout 5mm bigger (825mm x 525mm)? And the bbq would sit directly on the fibre cement sheeting? (Or steel enclosure if I choose to go that route).

Thanks mate

The bigger the spacing the better. Personally, I would go for 10mm at a minimum.

Thanks mate. If I went steel box for the cutout, any idea on steel thickness? Would 5mm be suitable?

I am glad I can use treated pine for structure and merbau hardwood laminated panel for benchtop :)

Anything from 1mm up is acceptable. Remember the key is ‘non-combustible’.

Thanks cava. I wasnt sure if a 1mm steel enclosure would be enough to prevent heat getting through to treated pine and if 430mm still came into play. That's the whole bit I am getting confused about. If it is, I will go a 1mm steel enclosure as 5mm would weigh quite a lot. Thanks mate!

For clarity it may be best if we talk.
If you care to PM me your mobile number, I will get back to you ASAP.
George

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Originally Posted by cava

For clarity it may be best if we talk.
If you care to PM me your mobile number, I will get back to you ASAP.
George

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PM sent :)