Outdoor kitchen cabinets and furniture ideas for the patio design

An outdoor kitchen is a necessity and the most pleasant place for the lovers of nature and comfort. In the garden, patio or deck it is the place where you can relax, cook tasty food for family gatherings or celebrations. Planning an outdoor kitchen involves the consideration of many elements – materials, style, furniture, layout, location so you cannot call it exactly a DIY project. There are many companies that have the expertise and knowledge to design the dream one. Outdoor kitchen cabinets come in a wide variety of designs and materials.

The style of your outdoor kitchen cabinets and furniture have to reflect your taste, lifestyle, individuality, house exterior concept and landscape design. You can choose to attached it to the main house or to detach it but either way, it is going to be the favorite place for the family members and guests.

Think of some kind of shelter – on the first place it will provide protection against hot sun rays, rain and wind and will protect your outdoor kitchen cabinetry, appliances and furniture.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets and furniture ideas – consider the different materials

In the warm summer days and nights everyone loves to stay outdoors. Do you feel like staying indoors and cooking the meals while everyone else is enjoying the beautiful weather in the garden? Of course, there is a solution for that and you can build an outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t have to be a huge one, really, it has to be practical, convenient, functional, and let you spend pleasant time with the family and your friends while cooking dinner. We shall look at the different materials for your outdoor kitchen cabinets as each type of material has its pros and cons. Outdoor kitchen cabinets are essential and the most important element of the design, as they will help you store all the cookware, dishes, pots and pans, food supply, tablecloths, napkins, tableware, etc. They are not only a storage solution, but give all the functionality that you need and draw the attention of everyone. How to choose the best material for the outdoor kitchen cabinets? Wood, stainless steel, stone – which one is better?

Outdoor kitchen furniture would definitely improve the look of your garden and when planning the design, you have to take into consideration the overall exterior design. You cannot add a rustic or a Mediterranean styled one in a contemporary minimalist patio area and vice versa. You need to match the styles so that the overall appearance is attractive, with great aesthetics and pleasing to the eye.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets materials review – options, pros and cons

Outdoor kitchen cabinets should be able to withstand various conditions – heat, cold, rain, and snow. In addition, they should be made of a material that is easy to clean and maintain. Further to that the material should retain its shape and appearance. All these requirements leave a few options for materials and yet you can choose the right one for your dream kitchen.

Stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets offer a professional look and work with many garden and landscape design styles. Such cabinets are exceptionally resistant to stains and corroding, they are weatherproof, with a long lifespan, easy to clean and maintain. The shiny look of stainless steel adds a contemporary appeal which works well with appliances and grills made of the same material and the outdoor kitchen has a harmonious look. The market offers stainless steel with different textures and patterns and you can have an outstanding outdoor kitchen cabinetry.

On the downside of stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets is the fact that they can get very hot in direct sunlight. Fingerprints, stains, leaks, oils are immediately visible and have to be cleaned in due time to maintain a spotless and appealing appearance. The price of stainless steel designs is higher compared to other alternatives.

Polymer cabinets are especially suitable for outdoor kitchens. The material is known as HDPE or high density Polyethylene and the main advantages of polymer kitchen cabinets are that they are resistant to water, they do not rust or deteriorate, they are resistant to fading and are easily cleaned. Modern units made of polymer material are also resistant to cold and wet weather conditions as well as UV waves. Polymer kitchen cabinets are 100% waterproof and will not expand, contract or rot.

The main drawback of polymer outdoor kitchen cabinets is their appearance. They do not have the rich look of wood cabinets or the sleek appearance of stainless steel ones. May people think that they look like plastic and the limited color options make homeowners choose alternative materials. Finally, polymers are made from petrochemicals, which makes them the least environmentally friendly option.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets made of stone, brick, or stucco – another suitable option for the outdoor area. Typically they are made of cement and then covered with stone or brick to achieve the desired appearance. A major advantage is that such cabinets can be constructed on site to fit the exact space and custom-fit to any location. The cabinets are very resistant to the elements and offer the longest lifespan and add a unique atmosphere to the outdoor kitchen and overall exterior.

Outdoor kitchen wood cabinets are a classic option with tremendous visual appeal. They offer traditional look, the beauty of wood grain and an incredible aesthetics and warmth. However, not every wood is a suitable option for outdoor use. Teak, ipe, bamboo, cypress and cedar, which are also used for patio decking, can be used for outdoor kitchen cabinets. Those wood species give an upscale look and that is way this option is very appealing to many home owners.

Being a natural material wood can not provide the weather resistance of stainless steel and polymer. Wood outdoor kitchen cabinets require maintenance and must be periodically refinished and resealed to ensure maximum life span and to preserve the color and beauty of the wood.