Cedar Mud Kitchen Build Guide

A custom outdoor mud kitchen sized for two kids to use at the same time. The design keeps things simple: a cedar frame, an Accoya benchtop, two basin zones, an upper shelf, and open slatted storage below.

Specs

• Overall size: 60" W x 24" D x 39" H
• Counter height: 25"
• Benchtop: Accoya, 60" x 24"
• Top shelf: cedar, 60" x 7"
• Basins: two drop-in sink/bin openings
• Top layout: 14" left basin / 32" center work zone / 14" right basin
• Lower shelf: open slatted cedar shelf
• Upper section: shelf only, no backsplash
• Frame: 6 vertical supports

Materials

Cedar - 4x4 posts/uprights - 2x4 rails and framing - 1x4 lower shelf slats - 1x8 top shelf

Accoya - main benchtop only

Construction Approach

The frame uses a straightforward butt-joint build.

• 2x4 rails butt into the 4x4 posts
• front and back counter rails are continuous 60" boards
• side rails connect front to back
• center support is tied into the middle of the frame
• main joints are fastened with exterior structural screws

This is the simplest and most practical approach for the build.

First-Pass Cut List

Cedar

4x4 posts / uprights - 2 pcs @ 39" rear outer uprights - 2 pcs @ 25" front outer legs - 1 pc @ 39" rear center upright - 1 pc @ 25" front center leg

2x4 counter frame - 2 pcs @ 60" front/back rails - 2 pcs @ 21" side rails - 1–2 pcs @ 21" center cross members

2x4 lower shelf frame - 2 pcs @ 60" front/back rails - 2 pcs @ 21" side rails - 1–2 pcs @ 21" center cross members

1x4 lower shelf slats - 10 pcs @ 21" left bay - 10 pcs @ 21" right bay

Top shelf - 1 pc @ 60" x 7"

Suggested stock: 1x8 cedar

Accoya

Main benchtop - 1 assembled top @ 60" x 24"

Basin Notes

The exact sink cutouts can wait until the bins or pans are chosen. For now, the layout assumes two 14" basin zones.

Good options: - stainless hotel pans - prep bins - removable utility tubs

Hardware

• stainless or exterior-coated structural screws
• 3–4 utility hooks under the upper shelf
• 2 drop-in sink bins or pans
• optional exterior-safe finish

Build Notes

• no doors
• no enclosed storage
• no canopy
• no backsplash
• open slatted lower shelf for drainage and easy cleanup
• upper shelf centered on the rear uprights

Vendor Quote Summary

Request pricing for:

• Western Red Cedar for the posts, rails, shelf, and slatted lower storage
• Accoya for one 60" x 24" benchtop

Rough member sizes

• cedar 4x4 posts/uprights
• cedar 2x4 rails and framing
• cedar 1x4 lower shelf slats
• cedar 1x8 for 60" x 7" top shelf
• Accoya for one 60" x 24" top