As you plan your outdoor kitchen, one of the decisions you will have to make is what kind of outdoor kitchen cabinets to use. This is something many people don’t really think about until the last minute, but you should really plan a good amount of time to spend on this decision. There are quite a few different materials used in outdoor kitchen cabinets. Some are virtually weatherproof, some are just indoor cabinets used outdoors. The type of cabinet you choose is an important decision because it can determine how much your outdoor kitchen will cost and perhaps more important, how long it will last.
The idea of using indoor kitchen cabinets for your outdoor kitchen is not a good one. These cabinets are not intended for outdoor use and will not stand up to humidity and moisture. Even the most sheltered of outdoor kitchen areas is subject to humidity and some amount of moisture, so it is only a matter of time before this kind of outdoor kitchen cabinet will begin to fail.
If you like the look of indoor cabinetry, a better options is to use a polymer based product. These cabinets look like your indoor kitchen cabinets, but they are resistant to weather and are very strong. Polymer cabinetry is quite expensive, so you should be ready for that to avoid sticker shock. It will last a long time and is very strong, so it is suitable for those people who like the indoor look. If you prefer your outdoor kitchen have its own look, more of an outdoor look, this choice is probably not for you.
Outdoor stainless steel cabinets have become popular in recent years. These are very nice looking, and made from the same type of material as most outdoor kitchen components like doors, drawers, grills, etc. Be sure to consider your environment before choosing stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets. They look great, but do scratch very easily. if you have children or pets this may not be your best option. Stainless steel is also quite expensive, so these cabinets are on the top end of your options as far as price goes.
The most versatile and strong outdoor kitchen cabinets are those made from concrete. Concrete cabinets are virtually weatherproof, and can be finished in a variety of ways like tile, stucco, or stone. The finish you choose will likely have something to do with the part of the country you live in. There is not a lot of stucco in the northeast like there is in the southeast. For those places you might want some kind of stonework on the outside of the cabinets. In places like Arizona or Florida, a stucco finish is likely to fit right in with your home. Concrete cabinets are by far the strongest choice for your outdoor kitchens cabinets. If you want this look, be sure to go with the solid concrete cabinet walls. There are some outdoor kitchen builders who build cabinets that look the same, but are nothing more than aluminum framing supporting stucco or stone. These cabinets are very weak and over time pieces of them will move and the cabinets will begin to deteriorate.