Top 4 Materials to Use in Your Outdoor Kitchen

March 26

Outdoor kitchens are one of the best features you can add to your backyard. They’re a great place for family gatherings and outdoor parties, they make cooking easier and eliminate food odors, and they significantly increase the value of your property.  However, before you pick up your phone and schedule a consultation with your San Diego outdoor kitchen contractors of choice, you should first take a step back and create a rough plan for your future kitchen. In the following article, we’re going to help you do just that.  We have previously explored the main reasons why outdoor kitchens are so popular and gave you a list of must-have features for an outdoor kitchen. Now we’ll discuss the 4 all-time-favorite materials used in outdoor kitchens. Keep reading to learn more. 

What material is used for an outdoor kitchen?

Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor kitchens incorporate a number of different features and appliances, many of which are made out of different materials. Planning these out in advance is crucial if you want your outdoor kitchen to have a unified look.  Four common materials used in outdoor kitchens are:
  • Granite is easy to clean, looks gorgeous, and is very durable. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want a luxurious-looking outdoor kitchen.
  • Stainless steel is incredibly sturdy, bug-proof, and resistant to intense weather conditions.
  • Masonry has the advantage of being both customizable and extremely tough. Stone counters and cabinets in particular have a very striking appearance. 
  • Polymer is 100% waterproof and resistant to snow, rain, sunlight, saltwater, and other harsh weather conditions. 
What is the best material for an outdoor countertop? It’s important to note that not all materials used in indoor kitchens can be moved outside. Furthermore, certain materials will require more maintenance if you install them outdoors.  Consider the following:
  • Concrete is extremely durable. However, since concrete is a porous material, these countertops are at risk of getting stained. This risk can be somewhat reduced by applying waxes and sealers. 
  • Natural stone is beautiful and sturdy. Its drawback is that it tends to be more expensive than the other options. 
  • Stainless steel countertops are easy to clean and will last many years. Since sunlight can make these countertops very hot to the touch, they should be installed under a covering of some sort.
  • Porcelain and ceramic tiles rated for outdoor use come in many different colors, are impervious to harsh weather, can last a very long time, and are more budget-friendly than other options. That being said, you’ll have to seal the grout between them to prevent discoloration.

Can you use wood cabinets for an outdoor kitchen?

You can, but you need to choose woods that are resistant to rot, fire, and wood boring insects. Tigerwood, Cumaru, Ipe, Massaranduba, and Garapa are all good choices. It’s generally accepted that Ipe is the most durable type of wood for use in outdoor applications. You should avoid softwoods such as cedar, redwood, and pressure treated pine, as these are more likely to become damaged or moldy over time, and less resistant to fire and other outdoor eating hazards

Where can I find the leading San Diego outdoor kitchen contractors?

Can you use wood cabinets for an outdoor kitchenWant to install a first-rate outdoor kitchen at your Rancho Santa Fe property? Or maybe you’d like to update your landscaping by incorporating modern water and hardscape features? Here at Pacific Dreamscapes, we say: no problem!  With over 20 years of experience, we’re the premier choice for all your landscaping needs in San Diego. Reach out to us today if you’d like to discuss your ideas with us and book an on-site consultation.