Welcome to EXT Cabinets. We specialize in HDPE construction and take pride in providing our customers with outdoor kitchen cabinets that last a lifetime. This HDPE material guide is designed to help you make informed purchase decisions. Specifically, we discuss what HDPE outdoor cabinets are, the benefits they offer, and how they compare to alternative materials such as stainless steel, Hardie board, PVC, and aluminum.
What are HDPE Outdoor Cabinets?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a durable and weatherproof material that is used for high-end outdoor cabinetry and other outdoor applications. HDPE is regularly used for multi-million dollar yacht construction due to its quality and ability to withstand the tests of time. Here are several key advantages you receive when choosing HDPE cabinets for your outdoor kitchen:
- Lifetime warranty: HDPE material is made to last for a lifetime and is weather resistant.
- Aesthetic appeal: EXT offers beautiful custom outdoor kitchen cabinets and appliance designs. Our HDPE material gives a high-end look that wows your guests.
- Increased storage: HDPE outdoor cabinets come with an ample amount of storage space.
- Maintenance-free: WIth alternative materials, you will constantly have to repair and renovate your outdoor kitchen. HDPE outdoor cabinets are, on the other hand, maintenance-free.
- UV Protection: This material can also withstand direct sunlight and maintains its great long-term look.
How Do HDPE Outdoor Cabinets Compare to Alternative Materials?
We feel it is important for our customers to understand all available options before they make their final purchase decision. We are not here to convince you that HDPE outdoor cabinets are the best. Instead, we want to present you with the facts and allow you to make an informed decision. Below is a detailed review as to precisely how HDPE compares to alternative materials such as:
- Stainless steel
- Hardie board
- PVC
- Aluminum
HDPE vs. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another popular option for outdoor kitchens. Stainless Steel is known for its weather-resistant properties and is a great material for grills and outdoor appliances. Stainless steel kitchens and grill bases do come in a wide variety of styles and colors. This gives it a stylistic advantage over Hardie boards. Overall, it is a quality hardware material for outdoor cabinets.
However, stainless steel is not without its limitations. Notably, this material requires a fair amount of maintenance long-term. It is not rust-proof, although many companies advertise it as rust-resistant. For example, consider an outdoor grill. Over time, due to exposure to weather elements, they begin to rust, and you have to constantly clean them to keep them in working condition. In the same manner, stainless steel kitchen cabinets also rust and break down over time. For this reason, manufacturers do not provide long-term warranties against rust or corrosion. If they did, they would go out of business.
Opening stainless steel doors and drawers is also awkward, clanky, and noisy. Scratches and dents are also very common with stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets and appliance deliveries. You may also experience limited storage (similar to Hardie board) as there is a fair amount of wasted space.
The awkward design, scratches upon arrival, and limited storage space are not issues when you choose HDPE material from EXT cabinets. At EXT, we make sure that every square inch of usable space can be accessed. From blind corner cabinets to side and back access panels, we ensure you receive the most out of your outdoor kitchen cabinets. We utilize all of the same creative advances made in the indoor kitchen industry and make it happen outdoors.
HDPE vs. Hardie Board
Hardie board, also called fiber cement, is an outdoor composite material that is made out of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. Generally speaking, Hardie board is a durable material and holds up well in most outdoor environments.
However, the Hardie board does not stand the test of time nearly as well as HDPE. When used as outdoor kitchens, they are vulnerable to chips, dents, cracks, holes, and stains. Therefore, although you may love the initial results, you may find yourself constantly needing DIY and professional repairs before prematurely having to replace your outdoor cabinets. For these reasons, outdoor kitchen companies usually provide patch kits along with Hardie boards due to their vulnerability.
Additionally, Hardie board solutions offer limited functionality and style options. They are also single-frame units. This is because they are designed primarily for exterior siding; they are not intended for use as outdoor kitchens and cabinets. As such, they are (by nature) bulky, large, and hard to move. They usually consist of a built-in grill, a fridge, and (sometimes) a sink.
Despite these units being bulky and large, they offer almost zero storage space. Instead, they are hollow, empty frames that have no floor, shelves, or storage. Unfortunately, customers often do not find out until after they purchase that they are being deprived of storage space and their outdoor kitchen unit is not as functional or practical as they need or desire. For proof, watch advertisements and marketing videos for Hardie Board outdoor kitchens; they never show off the doors or drawers because of their limitations and lack of stylistic appeal inside.
The good news is there is a better way — HDPE outdoor cabinets and kitchens. They are durable and damage-resistant, so you do not have to fear premature repairs. They are also practical and offer ample storage space. When you choose your HDPE kitchen from EXT Cabinets, you can ensure that they are designed professionally and according to your specifications and preferences.
HDPE vs. PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a relatively inexpensive thermoplastic polymer. Unfortunately, many companies use terms such as polymer or marine-grade polymer to trick you into thinking they are offering quality material. In reality, they may be offering PVC. For this reason, it is important to determine the precise material before placing any orders.
PVC may offer cost-saving benefits initially. However, it does not last nearly as long as HDPE. When used for outdoor kitchen cabinets, they often break down well within ten years, and you may find yourself making repairs within the first couple of years after installation.
Additionally, PVC can harm your health and create a considerable health hazard for your loved ones. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to not use PVC outdoor kitchen cabinets. Although the initial cost-saving benefit may seem enticing, the long-term cost is much greater. HDPE offers better aesthetic appeal and long-term durability than PVC.
HDPE vs. Aluminum
Aluminum is a light metal that is commonly used for outdoor kitchen cabinets. It is similar to stainless steel in the fact that it is resistant to rust (since it does not contain iron). However, it does erode over time; it also scratches and dents easily and may arrive imperfect due to scratches and dents during delivery. Overall, aluminum is one of the least durable options when it comes to outdoor cabinets and kitchen solutions. We strongly recommend avoiding using it for your project.
FAQs About HDPE Material for Outdoor Cabinets
We pride ourselves on transparency. We are here to answer your questions and concerns. Below are answers to several frequently asked questions that we receive regarding HDPE material and (more broadly) our outdoor cabinets and kitchen appliances.
Is HDPE expensive?
HDPE material is undeniably superior to all available outdoor cabinetry materials. As such, the initial cost is higher. For this reason, many companies do not offer HDPE or charge astronomical prices for the material. However, when you choose EXT Cabinets, you receive HDPE outdoor kitchens and cabinets at a fair and reasonable rate. We offer lower prices than all of our competitors, while still maintaining superior craftsmanship and offering a lifetime warranty.
Moreover, as discussed, HDPE lasts much longer than alternative materials. So, although the initial cost for materials is higher than with alternative materials, the return value is excellent as you will not need to repair or replace your outdoor kitchen and cabinets for an extended amount of time.
What Makes EXT Cabinets Unique?
The bottom line is companies will always look for creative solutions to bring in the most profit possible and that means using inferior materials to maximize their profits per sale. Most companies will not offer any custom solutions because all of their units are assembled in a factory where it is more cost-effective to manufacture a limited number of pieces to reduce labor costs.
Unlike our competition, all of our cabinets are cut, handled, and built with all raw materials right in our facility so that we can sell directly to you, the end consumer. Offering you the absolute best product at the best price is our mission. No middleman or broker to upcharge the end product and no fancy showroom means huge savings for you.
How are Your HDPE Cabinets Constructed?
In addition to using the absolute best materials in the industry and offering the best warranty, we also construct our cabinets using the absolute best methods possible. Our lock-joint technology means that every panel that comes together to construct each cabinet is interlocked together. In other words, there is no possibility that it will come apart over time due to fasteners wearing down or coming loose.
Each panel interlocks with each other to make sure everything remains square and straight. Our construction process is so efficient that it makes our workers’ lives easy because they never have to worry about assembling a cabinet that isn’t perfectly square. This is because each piece connects like a puzzle, making it impossible to assemble the wrong way.
EXT Cabinets are 5x Stronger Than Competitor Brands
Here at EXT Cabinets, we take pride in helping home and business owners construct the ideal outdoor kitchen space. We encourage you to contact us today to receive a quote, discuss your project goals and needs, and learn more about HDPE materials and our manufacturing processes.