Outdoor kitchen cabinets play a critical role in protecting your cooking equipment, dishes, and food from the elements. Choosing cabinets made from suitable materials is crucial for durability and weather-resistance. In this article, we will discuss the most common materials used in fabricating outdoor kitchen cabinets and highlight their key features and benefits.
Introduction
Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular additions to backyards, patios, and decks. They allow you to cook, dine, and entertain outdoors while still providing much of the functionality of an indoor kitchen. The foundation of a good outdoor kitchen is quality cabinetry designed to withstand the unique challenges of outdoor use.
Outdoor kitchen cabinets need to be rugged enough to handle exposure to weather, insects, temperature fluctuations, UV rays, and potential physical impacts. At the same time, they need to look attractive and coordinate seamlessly with your outdoor aesthetic. The material your cabinets are constructed from plays a major role in meeting both the practical and aesthetic needs of an outdoor kitchen.
When exploring materials for outdoor cabinets, the three key considerations are:
- Weather resistance – The ability to withstand rain, snow, humidity, and UV rays without degrading or corroding over time.
- Temperature tolerance – Materials that can expand and contract without damage across a wide range of temperatures.
- Durability – Strength and longevity to handle frequent use and potential impacts without denting, scratching, or breaking.
Below we will explore the most popular materials used to construct sturdy, stylish outdoor kitchen cabinetry suitable for residential settings.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices for outdoor kitchen cabinets due to its exceptional weather resistance and durability. The two most common grades used are 304 and 316 stainless steel.
Key Features
- Extremely durable against corrosion, rust, and moisture
- Maintains strength across a wide temperature range
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Modern, sleek aesthetic
- Finishes available including brushed, mirror-like, and textured
Benefits
- Will not chip, peel, or flake when exposed to weather
- Handles temperature fluctuations without damage
- Resists dents and scratches
- Stainless finish hides fingerprints and water spots
- Provides a modern, professional look
Stainless steel provides unmatched performance in outdoor settings. However, it is one of the more expensive cabinet materials. It may also show smudges, fingerprints, and water spots if not cleaned regularly.
Aluminum
Aluminum is known for being both lightweight and weather-resistant. Advances in aluminum alloys and finishing processes have made it a top choice for outdoor kitchens.
Key Features
- Extremely corrosion and rust resistant
- Very lightweight compared to other metals
- Available in a wide range of finishes and colors
- Can be fabricated into complex cabinet designs
- Painted finishes won’t peel or chip like other materials
Benefits
- Won’t rust or corrode when exposed to water and humidity
- Easy for one person to lift and install
- Customizable with different looks like wood tones or bold colors
- Easily formed into intricate cabinet fronts and details
- Paint maintains vibrant color even after years outdoors
Aluminum performs well outdoors and is easy to keep looking pristine. The downside is that it tends to dent more easily than steel when impacted.
Teak Wood
For those who prefer a rich, natural wood look, teak is the best wood species for outdoor cabinetry. Its unique properties make it very weather-resistant.
Key Features
- Contains natural oils that help repel water
- Extremely dense grain and tight pores
- Available in solid planks or marine-grade plywood
- Golden brown color and beautiful grain patterns
Benefits
- Resists swelling, shrinking, cracking better than other woods
- Naturally repels water and moisture absorption
- Won’t easily warp or twist from environmental changes
- Stays cooler to the touch than metal in hot sun
Teak has a high upfront cost but its longevity and beauty are hard to match. It requires periodic oiling or sealing to maintain its water-resistant properties.
Fiberglass
For a versatile alternative to wood, fiberglass is rapidly growing in popularity for outdoor cabinets. Advanced composites allow fiberglass to mimic wood while improving weatherability.
Key Features
- Molded using a composite of fiberglass and other materials
- Can be fabricated with realistic wood grain textures
- Polymer resins make it water, mold, and mildew resistant
- Available in wide range of finish colors
- Won’t crack, peel, or delaminate
Benefits
- Maintains the aesthetic look of wood cabinetry
- Won’t warp or crack from moisture and humidity
- Easy to clean and keep looking new
- Lighter weight than solid wood cabinets
- Superior thermal insulation properties
Fiberglass gives the look and feel of painted wood but with much greater durability for outdoor use. The material cost is often lower as well.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
For cost-conscious consumers, PVC provides an extremely durable and weather-resistant option. Advancements in PVC formulas make it suitable for long-lasting outdoor cabinets.
Key Features
- Made from highly weatherproof PVC resin
- Won’t absorb moisture or swell
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Can be textured to mimic wood grain
- Stainless steel reinforcements improve rigidity
Benefits
- Handles moisture fluctuations without damage
- Resists mold, mildew, and bacterial growth
- Provides UV protection for cabinet contents
- Easy to clean and maintain appearance
- Lower cost than many other cabinet materials
PVC cabinets are easy to keep looking new, though heat and ultraviolet light can cause fading and discoloration over time.
Things to Consider When Selecting Materials
- How will the material stand up to weather like rain, snow, humidity, and sun exposure in your particular climate? Select highly weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or fiberglass composites if you experience extreme weather fluctuations.
- What temperatures will your cabinets be exposed to? Make sure the material can expand and contract without cracking or warping across the full range of seasonal temperatures in your location.
- What aesthetic are you trying to achieve? Materials like solid teak have unparalleled beauty while composites can mimic wood, painted aluminum offers unlimited color choices, and stainless steel provides a sleek, modern look.
- How important is it for you to be able to retain the “like-new” appearance of your cabinets with minimal upkeep? Generally, aluminum, fiberglass, and PVC require less maintenance than real wood.
- What is your budget? PVC and aluminum are cost-effective choices while stainless steel and teak tend to be premium-priced cabinetry materials.
No single material is ideal for every situation. By carefully weighing practical factors like weather conditions and aesthetics along with your budget, you can select the ideal cabinet material for your unique outdoor space. Combining different materials like wood cabinet fronts with aluminum or stainless steel frames is also an option to get the best of both worlds.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Construction Methods
The materials described above make up the skins, doors, panels, and frames of outdoor cabinets. But the overall construction and assembly method also impacts durability. Here are some things to look for:
Rugged Frames
The internal frames that support the cabinet structure need to be made of sturdy, weather-resistant metals like galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. They provide rigidity and make the cabinets stable and square.
Reinforced Corners
Critical stress points where cabinet sides meet should be reinforced with metal plates, gussets, or brackets. This prevents loosening or separation during seasonal expansion and contraction.
Weatherproof Joinery
Where cabinet components come together, the joint should be sealed against moisture using welds, water-tight gaskets, or silicone sealants. Avoid wood joinery like dowels or dovetails which absorb moisture.
Quality Door Hinges
Use marine grade, stainless steel hinges with a tight moisture-proof fit. Avoid cheap hinges which can loosen and warp from weather exposure.
Durable Drawer Slides
Look for full extension drawers with stainless steel ball bearing slides. They allow you to fully access the contents of drawers and smoothly endure years of use.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup inside cabinets. Look for louvered vents, mesh screening, or design features that allow air circulation.
Rubber Feet
High quality rubber mounting feet help avoid moisture wicking up into the cabinet from below. Feet with leveling capability make installation easier on uneven outdoor surfaces.
Hidden Fasteners
Exposed screws or nails will rust and corrode. Quality outdoor cabinets use interior joinery methods and adhesives with hidden stainless steel fasteners when required.
Prioritize purpose-built outdoor cabinetry designed and fabricated using specialized construction techniques. Avoid cheaper cabinets built for indoor use which lack weatherproofing in their design.
Recommended Materials By Cabinet Location
Not all cabinets in an outdoor kitchen need to be constructed of the same materials. Below are suggestions on selecting materials based on the placement and purpose of specific cabinets:
Base Cabinets
These support countertops and receive the most wear and tear. Durable and water-resistant stainless steel or PVC are good choices. Teak also works where a wood look is preferred but requires more maintenance.
Upper Cabinets
Since they don’t get directly wet, fiberglass or aluminum offer great looking but weather-resistant options here at moderate cost. Durable PVC is also suitable. Upper cabinets have the most flexibility.
Sink Cabinets
Frequent water exposure around the sink makes stainless steel or teak ideal. PVC works as a budget option. Use marine-grade stainless hardware and ensure sink cabinet has adequate ventilation.
Drawers and Pullout Shelves
Opt for full extension drawers with ball bearing slides in stainless steel for smooth operation. Aluminum can dent but is lighter weight. For a wood look, use teak or fiberglass.
Doors
Fiberglass doors offer realistic wood grain appearance while PVC doors are inexpensive. Stainless steel provides a modern look and aluminum accepts paint well. Teak doors offer beauty but need maintenance.
Cabinet Interiors
Moisture-resistant melamine makes a good interior covering for base cabinets. For interiors that won’t be seen, painted steel or aluminum helps reduce costs. Marine plywood is also suitable.
Matching cabinetry performance characteristics and cost to specific applications in your outdoor kitchen allows you to get optimal value. A combination of different materials can provide both visual appeal and weather-resistance while staying within budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions regarding outdoor kitchen cabinet materials:
Are stainless steel cabinets worth the extra cost compared to aluminum or PVC?
Stainless steel provides the ultimate in weather-resistance and durability which makes the higher cost worthwhile for some homeowners. It will never rust, peel, or scratch. But it also shows fingerprints and requires diligent cleaning. Aluminum or PVC provide great durability as well at a lower cost, though light surface scratching is more likely over time.
Is outdoor cabinetry a project I can build myself?
The structural complexities involved make it difficult for DIY builders to match the quality of professional purpose-built outdoor cabinets. Things like weathertight joinery and durable frames require specialized tools, materials and skills. Purchase from a reputable brand that specializes in outdoor cabinetry for much better results.
Should I choose real wood like teak or engineered wood composites?
This often comes down to aesthetics and maintenance considerations. Teak offers unrivaled natural beauty but requires frequent oiling and upkeep. Composites like fiberglass closely mimic the wood look with much better weather-resistance and fewer maintenance needs. Composite costs are also often lower.
How do I clean and care for outdoor cabinets?
Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads which can damage surfaces. Use cleaning agents formulated for the specific cabinet material. Stainless steel may require special stainless care sprays. Seal or oil natural teak per manufacturer directions periodically.
How do costs compare between the different materials?
As a general guideline, teak wood and stainless steel carry premium pricing. Fiberglass and aluminum cost less. PVC is the most cost-effective material for limited budgets. But durability and aesthetics vary across the different price points.
Conclusion
The material choices available for creating stylish yet rugged outdoor kitchen cabinetry are better than ever. Gone are the days when you had to sacrifice looks for weather-resistance or vice versa. Stainless steel, aluminum, teak wood, fiberglass, and PVC can all provide both aesthetic appeal and outstanding performance when fabricated into well-built outdoor cabinets. Combining different materials strategically can allow you to get the exact functional and visual result you want within your budget.
With proper design, construction, and material selection tailored to your climate, style preferences, and cost considerations, it’s possible to own an outdoor kitchen that withstands years of enjoyment and still maintains its like-new appearance. If investing in a premium set of weatherproof cabinets made from the finest materials, your outdoor cooking and entertainment space will become a treasured spot for creating memories for years to come.