The Kitchen Build

This project has been on the back burner (so to speak) for the last few years.

After drawing up the layout and elevations, it was back to Cypress Sawmill for some more macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa) - this time three 600mm wide pre-laminated boards for the benchtops.

To create the L-shape in the benchtop, rebates were made in the underside for standard benchtop joiners.  This was done with a Forstner bit, and cleaned up with a router.  The trenches for the bolt shaft were made with a hand saw and chisel and a few biscuits were added to aid alignment.

We chose to round-over the edges with a 1/2" radius on the top and a 1/4" on the bottom to give a traditional look.

I did the engineering on a new factory for a kitchen company a few years ago, and so we came to an arrangement that they would build the basic cabinets for me.  It also worked out well that they made such a solid product compared to the standard offerings.  Hibiscus Kitchens make their cabinets with a rigid aluminium frame, which means that the hinges and panels are firmly attached to the carcase, not screwed to chipboard or MDF as is more common.  We are really pleased with the cabinets and they should outlast us with any luck.

Once Mike and the Hibiscus Kitchen team had installed and cabinets I then fitted the doors and drawer hardware and did a dry fit on the benchtops, masking them ready for silicone sealing and screwing down.  The benchtops were oiled with two coats of Danish Oil, and will be occasionally scrubbed and re-oiled as necessary, with an understanding that we will still get some staining and discolouration over time - all of which will add a patina of age and use.

I then fitted the sink and and connected the water and waste pipework for the dishwasher etc and we now finally have a proper kitchen! (Only 3 1/2 years after we moved in).

There is still a lot of finishing to be done - kick plates, tiling, extractor ducting etc, but overall we are pleased with the way it has come together.