An outdoor kitchen is a serious investment. It is also subjected to changing environmental conditions so you’ll want to make sure it’s durable and can withstand the threats from the elements. And this is where choosing the best outdoor kitchen materials comes into play.
But they’re not all the same.
Consider your budget, location, and aesthetic preferences. The material should also be easy to clean and maintain. And while you may be drawn to the looks, durability, as with outdoor equipment, should be your main focus.
Craftsmanship also plays a big role in building an effective outdoor kitchen. Poor craftsmanship, regardless of how durable your outdoor kitchen materials are, will deteriorate quickly, emptying your wallet for repair costs.
In any case, hire a professional builder for a functional and well-built outdoor kitchen.
For the time being, we’ve decided to compare all the common materials used in outdoor kitchens. From frames to kitchen cabinets to surfaces to flooring, there are quality materials for your outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Materials
The lifespan and value of your outdoor kitchen cabinets are largely decided by the material they’re made of. Wood, stainless steel, and concrete are popular materials. Let’s look into the best outdoor kitchen cabinet materials.
Wood
Wood, which has been praised for its appeal in indoor kitchens, is a good material for outdoor kitchen cabinets. The caveat with wood cabinets is that it’s not as sturdy for outdoor use as the others since moisture causes wood to deteriorate over time. You can reseal and refinish it to any color to keep it updated and maintained.
The big NO for us is its lack of fireproof qualities. If placed near hot grills and burners, it can catch fire.
Concrete, Brick, and Stone
These are natural materials with durable and heat-resistant qualities. They have several customizing choices. You can choose from color palettes to tile designs. However, they entail lengthy installation. And they can be hard to clean.
PVC, Resin, and Other Plastics
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic polymer material. The beauty of PVC cabinets is that they can be designed to look exactly like real wood.
This material is completely water-resistant and will not rust or discolor. And like tough materials like aluminum, it’s frequently employed in marine applications. These outdoor kitchen cabinets are also very simple to maintain and clean.
Beware of cheap PVCs, though. These are prone to color fading from long UV exposure and can deform when temperatures change dramatically.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is yet another plastic polymer with numerous applications. It’s also a popular outdoor material choice as it doesn’t corrode, rust, or degrade. But it’s also prone to warping under extreme heat.
Keep in mind that plastic can melt and warp. So if you can, we’d say avoid going for plastic cabinets unless you’re in a location where it’s cold for most of the year.
Metal
Metal cabinets are your best choice in this category.
Because of its beauty, durability, and customizability, it’s one of the most sought-after materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets. On the downside, however, it can rust. Make sure to go for a powder coat finish to lessen the risk of rusting. Overall, they are durable and heat-resistant. And you can powder-coat them in practically any color.
Aluminum is also a popular outdoor material since it doesn’t rust but can corrode. These kitchen cabinets can be powder coated to avoid corrosion. Another con is that it’s soft and lightweight, which makes it easy to dent so be careful.
Note: Don’t install aluminum kitchen cabinets near hot grills as it conducts heat so well. You don’t want to burn your hands!
Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Materials
Outdoor countertops are available in a variety of materials as well. Consider utility and your aesthetic goals when choosing several materials.
Quartzite
It’s like marble but without the drawbacks of man-made quartz, which includes resin fading. Your quartzite countertops may stain when cooking and cannot survive high heat. But, the color will remain when exposed to sunlight.
Concrete
We love the natural stone looks of concrete countertops. And they are durable, easy to form, and adaptable. You can also stain it with any color. The installation, however, is time-consuming. It’s also porous and can absorb stains and odors. But it’s overall a great material if you don’t mind a few inevitable cracks.
Soapstone
Soapstone is another durable outdoor kitchen material, it requires regular cleaning. It’s soft, so you can easily buff it if there are any scratches. But that same quality also makes it prone to scratches. Good thing is that it’s nonporous and won’t require any sealing. It gives your countertops a wonderful, modern look.
Tile
Tiles are a wonderful durable option for outdoor kitchen countertops and come in endless design options. Another thing to love about it is that if one tile cracks, you won’t have to break the entire installation. On the downside, you might find the grout lines attractive. The grout is also porous so it can absorb stains.
Granite
Our favorite is granite for outdoor kitchen countertops. It’s timeless and comes with various finishes. You may seal it to make it last longer. And with the right sealant, it can resist stains. It can also endure high and low temperatures.
Granite gets extremely hot in the sun, though. Consider a lighter color to minimize the effect if you’ll install it in an open area with direct sun exposure.
Limestone and Bluestone
Both stones are extremely gorgeous as outdoor worktops. However, they are heavy and porous. This means they must be sealed and maintained on a regular basis to prevent staining. And you can’t enforce them internally, which increases the risk of breaking with temperature changes and seismic activity.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops lend a clean and modern look to your outdoor kitchen. They are easy to clean, but they can get very hot from prolonged sun exposure that they might become unusable. Consider installing them on a covered patio.
Outdoor Kitchen Flooring Materials
Your outdoor kitchen floor will get a lot of foot traffic and will be subject to food spills, hot grease, and regular dirt and grime. It’s important that it’s as sturdy and simple to care for as your interior kitchen.
For unrivaled elegance and durability, go for natural stone. You can choose from a wide range of design styles and finishes. To retain the natural patina of your stone flooring and reduce the possibility of permanent stains, use a good penetrating sealer.
FAQs
What material should I use for outdoor kitchen?
In building an outdoor kitchen, the material varies per component. Consider your cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.
For durability and aesthetic goals, choose from a range of natural stones like granite, quartzite, and soapstone. Concrete is easy to form and work with. Metals offer convenient cleaning, durability, and a modern look. Woods blend in well in any outdoor space.
What stone is best for outdoor kitchen?
Due to its durability, granite is a favorite natural stone material for outdoor kitchens. Granite can resist fading and survive the scorching heat. It’s practically indestructible.
Limestone is also another great option. Its natural ability to withstand outdoor elements without breaking or fading makes it a durable stone option for outdoor kitchens. But unlike granite, limestone will fade once it comes in contact with acidic foods.
What is the best surface for an outdoor kitchen?
Stone, concrete block, or tile are your finest material options. You may also go for a manufactured material such as quartz, plastic, or recycled glass. Consult your supplier beforehand. Most of them will use finishes that aren’t intended for outdoor use.
Go for UV-treated surfaces if available, otherwise, the color of your counter may fade over time with constant exposure to the sun.
Is cement board good for outdoor kitchen?
Yes. Cement board serves as a protective layer over metal or wood frames. You can also use it as a bonding surface for your cladding.
What should outdoor cabinets be made of?
If you wish to use wood cabinets, know that they won’t be as durable as other materials, however certain varieties are more suited to outdoor spaces. Bamboo, teak, and cypress are just a few of the woods to pick. They’re simple to stain and refinish in any color or design style.
Conclusion
So, what are the best outdoor kitchen materials?
It depends on your budget, cooking style, and location. The last one is the most crucial, though.
If you reside in an area where the climate is generally pleasant, using less durable materials such as wood should suffice.
Metal materials are riskier in high moisture locations because they corrode with time. Check that the metals have been adequately treated to resist moisture. Metals are also unsuitable for cold and excessively hot conditions.
Concrete and natural stones are durable and elegant options.
But, in the end, it’s your kitchen, and everything comes down to your personal taste. Good luck!
