frou ...you & DH have done it again! WOW! Another great project & more recycling! That cupboard probably would have been burned or in the dump! Love the mosaicing you did with "samples." WOW! That counter top is GORGEOUS! Ok, DH should be happy with his outdoor kitchen & you can both admire your GJ from here! Nice TS sink, too! TFS! Jeanne S.

cork2win- If you like patina and the "aged" look, consider zinc, it's been used in bars and bistros in France for ages and is a low maintenance, non-shiny finish. Pewter is another option, tho it's much pricier than zinc. And copper is an option too. What are your colors? There's also glass for a shinier, more high tech look or concrete, which can take any form or a glass/concrete combo with glass embedded in concrete. Sounds like a fun project. sandyponder Here is a link that might be useful: Handcrafted Metal website

Several red flags with your plan. First, plywood/spar(marine) varnish for a horizontal surface is about the worst combination possible. Not only would that combo need recoating almost yearly, it will warp within 12 months or after the spring rains. Solution? Use exterior ply for the top and overlay tile with waterproof grout. Or use metal sheeting(a single piece) bent over the edges. Or concrete cast in place. Or another water proof idea. That means a 2x3 constructed frame is too light weight. Needs to be 2x4 with bracing/construction sufficient to support whichever top you choose. As long as you install the siding properly, regular construction lumber is fine---your(or a neighbor's) house is built the same way. Contact with the ground. Does that mean concrete patio? Or does that mean dirt? Two completely different means of construction. Concrete patio installation could be PT lumber base installed with Tapcon screws(using a hammer drill for the necessary holes). Or powder actuated nails. In dirt means digging piers to the frost line and a much different base design. It may sound as if I am making the project unnecessarily complicated, but long lasting construction has to be done so the structure will withstand nature.

Wow, that's absolutely beautiful! What a lovely thing to have in your back yard. I think you'll be spending a lot of years taking in compliments. Great job! I love how you designed the top and love the colors!