Unilock Ucara Kitchen

Possibly the most difficult aspect of our Hardscaping industry ( Kitchens ), has just become the easiest of installs, and probably will be the most profitable install, per minute. More profitable than anything else we could have imagined in our careers.

I'd like to say per hour, but.....Im not sure it will take that long !

Comparison analysis:

In 2017 Unilock released the Ucara panel clad walling system.

Anxious to try it out, I pledged one large contract to run it through its paces.

I then built seat walls, fire pits, retaining walls and was also facing the ultimate challenge of an outdoor Ucara kitchen.

I actually spent 8 weeks building this multi level kitchen. Much trial and error in making all the openings correspond to the clients needs.

I poured a full house foundation to hold up a massive Ucara walling structure that housed this fitted culinary center.

The Ucara walling concept, as a retaining wall system, is beautiful. It is challenging in that, for once, a contractor actually builds this wall, as opposed to stacking concrete blocks.

It also provides a real pleasure for installers to stand back and say...

"I really built that".

Our clients loved it too....

However................

Does an outdoor kitchen really have to be built with such structural integrity, to still be using materials and techniques that are deemed suitable for a structural retaining wall ?

My mind kept saying no. So.......

I played with the concept of just using vertical pillars and horizontal grab bars to hold my Ucara clad panels.

By eliminating the required retaining backer block I saved almost 9" of internal space, preface wall, thus ensuring I could purchase traditional grills , fridges and also narrower counter tops. Plus, tt would eliminate trial installations to ensure it will all fit.

If I could just eliminate the concrete strip foundation, backer blocks, use less countertop, and install the new system in a fraction of the time, my concept would make perfect sense.

I presented my consultancy thoughts back to Brad and Dave at Unilock Chicago Corporate, and we encouraged each other to explore and experiment more with this kitchen concept.

After visiting with manufacturers, Unilock, spearheaded by Bruce and Auggie, commissioned a few prototypes that offered interesting variations of this theme.

The result was, last week on July the 25th, 2019, I picked up the very first order of a base kitchen that Unilock is now providing to the Hardscaping industry, utilizing the Ucara clad system.

I was so proud and enthused to go back and add it to the existing Ucara kitchen project that we first built in 2017.

So what was my first impression as a contractor ?

So so light.

One person can position the 4 sides, construct the frame, even clad it with the Ucara panels. One person !

Better still, I built my first base kitchen, fully clad within 55 minutes !!!!!!!!!!

Allowing half a day to install and fill concrete Sonotubes for the base, this was a huge success. It makes an outdoor kitchen more attainable and truly affordable for the customer. I can now build 8 kitchens in my barn in one rainy day.

Allow me to show you some construction pointers........

Note* the Fiat 500 is not included in the kitchen package, but it sure was nice to deliver all the components in a tiny convertible !

You receive 4 hanging panels and 8 bolts. 4 bolts for each end panel.

The nuts are already pre placed to bolt into.

You also receive a bag of self tapping screws, in case you want to modify an opening or add horizontal struts at the top to support the countertop. You have options to have 4 sides to your cubes, if you choose to place only one unit. or, you can leave the narrow end units off, insert structural supplied struts, and add additional units to install a longer run. there is no point in adding end clad units until you reach the end of your run.

The nuts are pre welded ( installed onto ) to the panels, so there is only one way to insert a bolt.

Align your posts to the awaiting partner.

Proceed to every corner until all the sides are installed, and if end units are not needed yet, apply the provided end struts.

Thats it. 4 panels, 8 bolts and a bag of screws that you may not use !

Wear gloves. The Aluminium has many small exposed projections, until clad.

Wear goggles. If drilling for the self tapping screws, a good wind can blow the minute shavings into your eyes.

Purchase plastic shims to adjust the base to you Sonotube, if necessary.

Purchase some spare 5/16" bolts, in case you drop or lose one.

If you are combining or adding units, you wont connect the end panels, just structural horizontal struts.

The end panels will only be used when reach the two ends of your kitchen.

Dont tighten all the bolts until you are sure your cage corners are at a secure 90 degree angle.

If adding top horizontal struts or adjusting openings, mark your holes, and drill only inwards or downwards. Then place your strut on the inside or underside of the cage, and install your screw upwards or outwards.

Note: In this last picture the bolt is being placed upwards, but this strut has to be placed on the underside the receiving top plate. It is only seen on the top here for marking purposes as to where it should finally sit. Then drill the hole.

Finally, shave the protruding screw heads flush to the frame.

Why? Because if the head of the screw is on the outside it may cause your cladding to bulge and your countertop wont sit perfectly tight to the frame.

And thats it. Less than an hour per unit compared to countless days of excavation, pouring concrete, building interior retaining walls, yet keeping the same Ucara fascia.

This is industry changing news. Ucara Kitchens have arrived. It's a much needed boost in a labour scarcity/challenged industry. Anything that reduces time, and is a perfect remedy, makes financial sense for the contractor and client.

Please contact me if you need advice or help.