Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular additions to backyards and patios. With an outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors. When designing an outdoor kitchen, one of the most important elements is selecting the right cabinets. Outdoor kitchen cabinets need to be durable, weather-resistant, and designed for outdoor use. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the best options for outdoor kitchen cabinets to help you create your ideal outdoor cooking space.
Durability Considerations for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
When selecting cabinets for your outdoor kitchen, durability is a key factor. Outdoor kitchen cabinets need to withstand all weather conditions year-round, from hot sun to pouring rain and snow. Here are some important considerations regarding durability:
Construction Materials
Look for cabinets constructed from marine-grade woods, stainless steel, aluminum, or weather-resistant laminates. Avoid standard indoor cabinets, as they will quickly deteriorate outdoors.
Popular outdoor cabinet materials:
- Stainless Steel: Extremely durable and resistant to weather and rust. More expensive but long-lasting.
- Teak: Naturally weather-resistant hardwood. Requires periodic re-oiling to maintain the wood.
- Polymer or Composite: Often made from HDPE or resin materials. Withstands weather well and needs little maintenance.
- Aluminum: Strong, lightweight, and rust-resistant for outdoor use.
Weatherproof Features
Cabinets designed for outdoor use incorporate features to keep out rain, snow, and moisture. Look for:
- Marine-grade gaskets on doors and drawers.
- Sloped tops to prevent moisture pooling.
- Ventilated cabinet boxes promote airflow and drainage.
- Drip edges divert water away from cabinet fronts.
Rust-Resistant Hardware
The hinges, pulls, locks, and other hardware need to be resistant to rust. Stainless steel and aluminum hardware are good options.
UV Protection
Direct sun exposure can cause damage, fading, and discoloration. Look for powder-coated finishes and UV-inhibiting coatings to limit sun damage.
Wind Resistance
Cabinets must remain secure in windy conditions. Select heavy-duty hinges and high-quality fasteners. Some cabinets have additional features like hurricane tie-downs.
By selecting cabinets with durable, weatherproof construction, you can be confident they will last for many years outdoors.
Top Brands of Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
There are many brands that manufacture outdoor kitchen cabinets to choose from. The top brands are specialty manufacturers that focus on designing high-quality outdoor cabinetry. Here are some of the most reputable outdoor cabinet brands:
Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens
With over 70 years of experience, Brown Jordan is the leader in luxury outdoor furniture and cabinetry. Their outdoor kitchens feature stainless steel and aluminum cabinets with attractive styles. Durable construction and meticulous craftsmanship make these some of the best available.
Lynx Professional Grills
Known for their premium grills, Lynx also produces a full line of outdoor cabinets and kitchen accessories. Their cabinets have seamless stainless steel construction and tornado-rated wind resistance.
Cal Flame
Offering a range of cabinet lines, Cal Flame has options in stainless steel, aluminum, and weatherproof poly lumber. Their Smart Lock system keeps cabinet fronts locked securely.
Danver
Specializing in stainless steel cabinetry, Danver’s products are constructed from heavy-gauge 316 marine-grade stainless steel. Features like double-walled doors provide excellent insulation.
Summerset Professional Grills
Featuring durable and stylish cabinets, Summerset builds professional-quality stainless steel outdoor kitchens designed to last at least 20 years.
Twin Eagles
The Gabriella line from Twin Eagles offers all-weather stainless steel cabinets constructed with welded panels and robust hinges. Stylish handles and designer finishes provide an upscale look.
When comparing brands, look at construction, durability, warranty coverage, aesthetics, and budget to choose the right fit for your needs. Going with a top brand provides peace of mind that your investment will last.
Key Factors When Selecting Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond basic durability, there are several other important considerations when choosing your ideal outdoor kitchen cabinets:
Intended Use
How will you utilize the outdoor kitchen? For full cooking and food prep? Just grilling? Bar area and entertaining? This impacts the cabinet configuration. Maximize storage for full-service cooking or focus on serving areas for a more limited grill setup.
Size
Carefully measure your outdoor kitchen space and plan cabinet sizes accordingly. Allow room for appliances, prep space, traffic flow, and seating. Standard base cabinet sizes are:
- 36 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- 30 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep
Style
Select a style fitting your home’s architecture and outdoor living aesthetic. Sleek stainless steel for contemporary spaces or wood cabinets to complement traditional homes. Neutral colors blend best.
Storage Needs
Consider how much and what type of storage you need. Drawers to corral utensils? Deep cabinets for pans and platters? Spice racks? Wine chillers? Pull-out trash cans? Plan storage carefully.
Appliances
What appliances will you include? Be sure to allow room for grills, refrigerators, sinks, ovens, and more. Check dimensions to select appropriately sized surrounding cabinets.
Budget
Outdoor kitchen cabinets run the gamut from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury. Set realistic expectations based on your budget. High-end stainless steel or specialty wood cabinets offer beauty and durability but at a cost.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can select high-quality cabinets tailored to your needs, tastes, and budget.
Popular Types of Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
There are several basic types of cabinets commonly used in outdoor kitchens:
Stainless Steel
The gold standard of outdoor cabinetry. Stainless steel is ultra-durable for weather resistance and easy to keep clean. Often available with insulated double-walled doors. High-quality seamless construction prevents moisture intrusion. More expensive than other materials but a sound long-term investment for serious outdoor cooking.
Aluminum
Another metal option, aluminum provides rust-resistant durability at a lower cost than stainless steel. Powder-coated finishes in neutral colors blend well outdoors. Lighter weight than stainless but still sturdy.
Wood or Wood Composite
For a natural look, wood cabinets complement many backyard aesthetics. Teak is the best wood for outdoor use. Composite wood resists swelling and deterioration but requires refinishing over time. Avoid standard plywood or MDF.
Polymer (HDPE)
Increasingly popular, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) polymer cabinets withstand weather well and need little maintenance. Affordable, lightweight, and available in various colors.
Concrete
Concrete’s natural durability suits outdoor use but may show roughness or mottling over time. Heavier than other materials. Works well for built-in grill islands and bars.
Select cabinets suited for your climate, budget, and design style from these popular outdoor options.
Key Features to Look for in Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond the basic construction, outdoor kitchen cabinets incorporate specialized features to enhance weather resistance, security, functionality and longevity. Here are some key features to look for:
- Marine-grade stainless steel – highest quality materials avoid corrosion.
- Insulated double-walled doors – maintains interior temperature, adds stability.
- Sloped and ventilated cabinet tops – facilitates drainage to keep interiors dry.
- Full-extension, soft-close drawers – provide maximum access and smooth operation.
- Plenty of interior storage options – adjustable shelves, spice racks, and more.
- Locks on doors/drawers – secures contents from weather or theft.
- High BTU burner cutouts – allows flush mounting grills and cooktops.
- Toekicks and trim – finished look, hides ventilation space.
- Pre-drilled back panels – allows mounting cabinets directly to a wall.
- Modularity – cabinets can be rearranged or added on later.
Opting for cabinets with these kitchen-ready and outdoor-proof features will provide you with the most functional, durable, and well-designed outdoor cooking space.
Design Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout
A thoughtfully planned layout is key to an efficient and enjoyable outdoor cooking area. Here are some helpful tips for designing your optimal outdoor kitchen layout:
- Triangle workflow – Position the grill, sink, and prep space in a convenient triangular workflow.
- Traffic flow – Allow enough space around and between cabinets for safe, easy movement.
- Ventilation – Ensure good airflow by not crowding cabinets too closely together.
- Clearances – Allow proper counter and cabinet clearances for grill and doors.
- Landscape integration – Incorporate natural features like trees and gardens into the design.
- Seating – Add a bar-height counter or space for outdoor tables and chairs.
- Protection – Use the house exterior, shade structures, and privacy fences to create a sheltered cooking area.
- Utilities – Carefully plan the required utilities like electricity, plumbing, and gas lines.
- Future expansion – Leave room for additional cabinets and appliances down the road.
- Pro help – Consider hiring a kitchen designer to optimize the layout.
With smart planning guided by both function and aesthetics, you can create the ideal outdoor cooking oasis customized to your needs.
Cost Considerations for Outdoor Kitchens
Constructing an outdoor kitchen represents a significant investment. Costs add up quickly depending on the size, complexity, and quality of materials. Here are some ballpark estimates for budgeting purposes:
- Basic barbecue island – $2,000 to $4,000
- Mid-range grilling station with storage – $5,000 to $10,000
- High-end full outdoor kitchen – $15,000 to $30,000+
The largest cost is typically the cabinetry. High-quality stainless steel or weatherproof wood cabinets often run $2,000 to $5,000 for a set of upper and lower cabinets. Grills also add significantly to the price. Premium gas grills start around $3,000 with luxury brands running upwards of $10,000.
You can reduce costs by purchasing ready-to-assemble cabinets and doing some of the construction work yourself if you’re reasonably handy. High-end touches like side burners, refrigerators, and pizza ovens can also be added later to spread costs over time.
Like any significant home remodeling project, an outdoor kitchen requires careful budgeting. But this investment in expanded outdoor living and entertaining possibilities provides lasting enjoyment and often increases a home’s resale value.
Permits Required for Outdoor Kitchens
Depending on the specifics of your outdoor kitchen design, you may need to obtain permits for the construction. Permits are typically required for:
- Electrical work like adding circuits or wiring for lights and appliances.
- Plumbing for sinks, drains, water lines, and gas connections.
- Masonry elements such as built-in barbeque islands.
- Any attached structure for shade covers, cabinet enclosures, etc.
Requirements vary significantly by location. Be sure to check with your local permitting office before getting started to avoid any issues. The permit approval process can take 4-6 weeks so you need to plan permitting time into your project schedule.
Hiring a contractor experienced with outdoor kitchens is advisable to ensure proper permitting as well as compliant construction. Don’t risk fines down the road by skipping required permits.
Hiring Contractors for Your Outdoor Kitchen
For most homeowners, hiring professionals to handle some or all of the outdoor kitchen construction is recommended. While small cabinet installations are doable as a DIY project, larger custom designs benefit from contractor help.
Key contractor roles for an outdoor kitchen project typically include:
- Design and planning – Architects or kitchen designers to optimize the layout.
- Cabinetry installation – General contractors or carpenters experienced with outdoor cabinets.
- Masonry, electrical, plumbing – Licensed tradespeople to handle utilities.
- Countertops – Fabricators for natural stone, concrete, tile, or other custom counter materials.
When hiring, look for specialists in outdoor kitchens or wet rooms whenever possible. Check reviews and examples of previous related projects. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing.
Factor in permitting coordination, site preparation, demolition of old patios or structures, and messy construction. While still an investment, paying professionals provides significant value to ensure your outdoor kitchen is perfectly customized and professionally built to last.
Maintaining and Protecting Your Investment
Once your dream outdoor kitchen is completed, follow proper maintenance tips to maximize longevity and protect your investment:
- Keep surfaces clean – promptly wipe up spills and debris to prevent staining.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners – use gentle soap and water instead to clean.
- Re-seal surfaces yearly – reapply sealants on counters, cabinets, and fixtures to repel water.
- Check for damage after storms – fix dents, cracks, or hardware issues promptly.
- Drain water lines and appliances before winter – protect plumbing from freezing.
- Lubricate hinges and locks – keeps mechanisms operating smoothly.
- Touch up nicks and scratches – prevent corrosion and deterioration of finishes.
- Store cushions and rugs indoors – prolongs soft goods and keeps furniture looking new.
- Consider water sensors – alerts you if a sink or appliance leaks.
- Turn off electricity and gas to cabinets when not in use.
With proper care, high-quality outdoor kitchen components designed for all-weather durability can realistically last 20-25 years or more. Protect your investment with careful maintenance habits.
Enjoying Your Outdoor Kitchen to the Fullest
The best part of having an outdoor kitchen is getting to take advantage of it as much as possible when weather permits. Here are some tips for enjoying your outdoor cooking space:
- Host get-togethers and parties – show off your cool new outdoor hangout!
- Cook out year-round – bundle up in colder months and keep grilling.
- Add festive lighting – extend daytime use into the evenings.
- Relax with a drink after cooking – add bar seating to unwind.
- Utilize all your new “toys” – break out the pizza oven, ice maker, etc.
- Try new recipes – the outdoor grill lets you get creative.
- Let the kids help – teach them outdoor cooking skills.
- Finish meals al fresco – dine outside to enjoy the fresh air.
- Make it your own – decorate with plants, outdoor rugs, accessories.
The possibilities are endless with an outdoor kitchen! Dedicate yourself to getting the most from your investment by living an outdoor lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most durable materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets?
The most durable options are stainless steel, high-quality woods like teak, and weatherproof composites. Metal cabinets like stainless or aluminum provide the most rugged durability and easiest cleaning.
How much does a basic outdoor kitchen cost?
A simple grilling station can be constructed for $2,000-$4,000. More extensive kitchens with high-end cabinetry and appliances run $15,000-$30,000+. Much depends on size, materials, and customization.
What brands are best for outdoor cabinets?
Top brands include Brown Jordan, Lynx, Cal Flame, Danver, Summerset, and Twin Eagles. These companies specialize in upscale, weather-resistant outdoor cabinet construction.
Should I do it myself or hire a contractor?
For complex kitchens, hiring a designer and contractors for cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing work is advisable. But smaller DIY installs are doable if you have carpentry skills.
How long should outdoor kitchen cabinets last?
When constructed of durable, high-quality materials, properly maintained outdoor cabinets typically last 20-25 years or more. High-end cabinet brands often warranty cabinets for 10+ years.
Can I use regular kitchen cabinets outside?
No. Standard indoor cabinets will quickly deteriorate due to weather exposure. Only use cabinets designed and constructed specifically for outdoor use.
Conclusion
Creating your dream outdoor kitchen oasis requires carefully planning each element from durable cabinetry to functional design. By selecting top-quality, weatherproof outdoor cabinets suited to your cooking needs, budget, and style, you can enjoy al fresco cooking and entertaining for years to come. Invest wisely, hire experienced pros when needed, and with proper care you will reap the benefits of your outdoor kitchen for decades.