Outdoor kitchen is more than just a trend; it represents a lifestyle change, blending the comfort of indoor living with the freshness of the outdoors.Â
The selection of materials, from outdoor kitchen cabinets to countertops, plays a pivotal role in determining your outdoor kitchen’s durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.
To put it simply, you will want to choose beautiful materials that are going to last a long time with minimal upkeep in your climate.
Over the years, at EXT Cabinets, we’ve guided countless homeowners through this process, and we’re here to share some of that wisdom with you.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Your outdoor kitchen cabinets’ durability and return on investment largely hinge on the material you select.
Popular materials for base cabinets and other cabinetry options, such as wood, HDPE, and stainless steel, each have advantages, drawbacks, and specific maintenance needs.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
In our experience, stainless steel is the go-to for professionals in outdoor kitchen design, and it’s easy to see why. Its resilience against rust and ease of maintenance make it a premium choice, especially in coastal areas where saltwater can be brutal on lesser materials.
However, the cost can be a drawback for some, and on hot days, surfaces can become untouchably warm, requiring careful placement away from direct sunlight.
Stainless steel is also a very reflective metal, causing painful glares in the sunlight. This seemingly minor detail can cause a ripple effect that keeps you from enjoying your outdoor kitchen to the fullest.
Wood
Genuine wood cabinets are less prevalent in outdoor kitchens compared to other cabinet materials, yet some homeowners have a preference for them for several reasons.
Even though high-quality PVC cabinets can mimic the appearance of real wood, some individuals are not fond of the artificial, less natural feel of plastic when compared to wood.
Without a doubt, the authentic look of real wood cabinets lends a warm, traditional ambiance to an outdoor kitchen.
However, in our experience, the maintenance required to keep wood looking good and functional can be daunting. Regular sealing is necessary to protect against moisture, warping, and insects.
For longevity, consider high-quality hardwoods or opt for composite materials as a low-maintenance alternative.
Maintaining outdoor wood cabinets involves regularly applying water seals, oils, and stains, varying with the wood type.
Aluminum
Aluminum is favored for outdoor settings due to its rust-resistant properties, yet it is prone to corrosion, which can be mitigated through powder coating.
Being both soft and lightweight, aluminum is susceptible to denting. It conducts heat effectively and has a lower melting point compared to other metals, making it less suitable for use near high-temperature appliances.
While aluminium’s thermal conductivity is beneficial in many applications, it is a factor to consider in an outdoor kitchen environment.
Aluminium can become quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight, which may require strategic placement or the integration of shade elements to enhance comfort around the kitchen area.
The initial cost of aluminium outdoor kitchen cabinets is also higher than other materials.
Marine-Grade Aluminum
Marine-grade aluminum, used in the construction of outdoor kitchen cabinets, is available in thick gauges that enhance structural stability. Despite being robust, these aluminum cabinets are somewhat lighter than their steel counterparts.
These cabinets can also be powder coated, ensuring that marine-grade aluminum cabinets are durable and long-lasting.
They provide a strong alternative to stainless steel cabinets and offer extensive customization options. This includes various finishes and the ability to add features such as pullout drawers and accessory racks.
Brick, concrete, and stone
Concrete Cabinets
Concrete has surged in popularity due to its versatility and modern industrial look. As a cabinet material, it offers several advantages:
- Durability: Concrete is highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Customization: It can be poured into any shape, allowing for personalized design and integration with a variety of countertop materials.
- Heat Resistance: Concrete’s thermal mass means it can handle high temperatures, placing it near grills and stoves without concern.
- Minimal Maintenance: Unlike wood, concrete doesn’t require sealing or painting and can be easily cleaned with basic household cleaners.
However, concrete can be heavy, requiring proper foundation and support, and may be susceptible to cracking over time if not properly constructed or maintained.
Brick Cabinets
It is a classic choice that exudes a traditional and warm charm:
- Aesthetic: Offering an array of colors and textures, brick can blend seamlessly with various outdoor landscapes and existing structures.
- Durability: Like concrete, brick is sturdy and holds up well against the elements.
- Maintenance: Little maintenance is needed; occasional cleaning and inspection for mortar integrity will suffice.
Brick integration in cabinet construction often requires skilled craftsmanship to ensure structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
Brick also has relatively low insulation properties, which could impact heat retention.
Stone Cabinets
Stone, including natural or cultured varieties, is synonymous with luxury and blends beautifully into outdoor settings:
- Natural Beauty: Each piece is unique, so stone cabinets add an unmatched touch of natural beauty and sophistication to outdoor kitchens.
- Longevity: Stone’s longevity is exceptional; with proper installation, it can last for decades without significant wear.
- Resistant: It is naturally weather-resistant and can handle heat well, making it suitable near grilling and cooking areas.
It, however, comes with a higher cost—both financially and in terms of installation complexity.
It requires a skilled installer for proper fitting and longevity.
Additionally, heavier stones may need additional structural support within the foundation of an outdoor kitchen.
PVC and resin
PVC, short for polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic material that’s becoming popular for outdoor kitchen cabinets.
This type of plastic has been around for over a hundred years, though its use in outdoor kitchen cabinetry is a much newer development.
PVC is perfect for the outdoors because it’s completely weatherproof. It won’t rust or get stains, much like aluminum. That’s why it’s often used for things near the water.
However, it’s worth noting that lower-cost PVC or vinyl kitchen cabinets may show signs of color fading after long-term exposure to UV rays and could potentially warp with significant temperature variations.
The Best Material for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
When you need a sturdy material that will let you grill and chop food worry-free, HDPE (short for High Density Polyethylene) is your best bet.
You’ve likely encountered HDPE in various forms, ranging from water pipes to milk jugs, demonstrating its versatility and durability.
HDPE is a far safer thermoplastic that’s easy to recycle into all sorts of products, such as bottles, pens, and outdoor furniture. It also doesn’t lose its tensile strength from ongoing exposure to sunlight or temperature changes.
Advantages of HDPE outdoor kitchen Cabinets
- Weather Resistance: HDPE cabinets are virtually immune to weather impacts. They resist fading, cracking, and peeling under extreme sunlight, temperature variations, and moisture. This resilience makes them ideal for all climates, from the hot and sunny to the cold and wet.
- Low Maintenance: One of the most appealing features of HDPE is its ease of care. These cabinets do not need to be painted, sealed, or stained. Cleaning is as simple as wiping them down with soap and water, helping you spend more time enjoying your outdoor space and less on upkeep.
- Durability: HDPE is remarkably durable. It doesn’t absorb moisture like wood, preventing mold, mildew, and rot. It’s also resistant to insects, ensuring that your outdoor kitchen remains pristine for years to come.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Many HDPE products are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves at the end of their life. This makes HDPE cabinets a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
- Design Versatility: While HDPE may be a synthetic material, advancements in manufacturing have led to a wide variety of colors and textures, including finishes that mimic natural wood. This allows homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic without compromising on durability or maintenance.
This last point may seem like a minor detail, but it could be a dealbreaker for some.
HDPE is a much quieter material than classic mainstays like stainless steel and aluminum.
Do you like to slow cook while watching the sunset? Or perhaps you prefer preparing a quick breakfast early in the morning before your day starts?
Aluminum cabinets and drawers are known for their noise; they clang and bang at the slightest touch. You must handle them delicately when loading silverware, or else you might disrupt the peace of the entire household.
Also: aluminum is not scratch-resistant. HDPE holds up to even the toughest scratches alongside being resistant to stains and dents.
Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Materials
Outdoor kitchen countertops come in various materials, including quartzite, concrete, soapstone, tile/stone, and granite.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each material will help you make the best choice
Quartzite
Quartzite offers the aesthetic appeal of marble without the shortcomings associated with quartz, such as the resin’s tendency to yellow when exposed to the elements. While it resists discoloration and fading due to sunlight, it is vulnerable to stains from cooking and may not hold up to extremely high temperatures.
Concrete
Concrete’s strength and adaptability allow it to be molded into any desired shape, embellished with stones or tiles, and colored to specification. Its porous nature does make it susceptible to cracking as it ages, and the complex installation requires skilled labor.
Soapstone
Notably resilient, soapstone necessitates routine upkeep. It is relatively soft, allowing for easy refinishing if it becomes scratched. Its non-porous quality makes it an excellent choice for outdoor countertop surfaces.
Tile/stone
Both tile and stone provide a naturally appealing finish and come in a diverse palette of hues. They can withstand general wear, although they are prone to chips and scratches – with porcelain tiles generally offering greater durability and resistance to moisture.
Granite
As an elegant countertop material, granite is known for its durability after being properly sealed, with resealing necessary over time. With a broad selection of colors, granite endures both hot and cold temperatures well, though it falls on the higher end of the price spectrum for countertops
HDPE is a Logical Choice for Your Outdoor Kitchens in Florida
While Florida’s demanding climate can present challenges for outdoor kitchens, selecting the appropriate materials, such as HDPE, can mitigate these issues effectively. Thanks to its robustness and resilience, HDPE outperforms other materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, PVC, and wood.
HDPE thrives in Florida’s humid environment as a marine-grade material commonly used in the construction of boats, chemical tanks, and piping. It doesn’t succumb to corrosion and rust like stainless steel and aluminum, nor does it face the risk of mold growth or weakening commonly associated with wood.
Moreover, the intense sunshine in Florida poses no threat to HDPE. Unlike PVC, which can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to the sun, HDPE maintains its condition.
It’s also resistant to stains and dents, requiring minimal upkeep—just an occasional cleaning.
Compared to aluminum, HDPE offers a quieter experience, adding to its appeal for outdoor kitchen applications.
If you’re ready to build your outdoor kitchen in Florida, contact us for a free quote. We offer refundable samples so you can test our quality for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
The common choices are stainless steel, aluminum and marine-grade aluminum, real wood, masonry such as brick, concrete and stone, and plastics like PVC and HDPE. Each one behaves differently outdoors, so the right pick depends on your climate and how much upkeep you want to take on.
In our experience, HDPE. It doesn't rust, absorb moisture, or lose its tensile strength from sun and temperature swings, it resists stains, scratches and dents, and it never needs painting, sealing or staining. Soap and water is the whole maintenance routine.
HDPE. It's a marine-grade material used for boats, chemical tanks and piping, so humidity is not a problem for it. It won't corrode like stainless steel and aluminum, and unlike wood there's no risk of mold growth or weakening.
Wood cabinets do. Keeping them looking good means regularly applying water seals, oils and stains, with the schedule depending on the wood. Concrete, brick, and HDPE cabinets don't need sealing or painting and can be cleaned with basic household cleaners.
Quartzite, concrete, soapstone, tile or stone, and granite are all used outdoors. Granite is durable once sealed and handles hot and cold well, though it sits at the higher end on price. Soapstone is non-porous and easy to refinish if it scratches. Quartzite resists fading but can stain from cooking.