The kitchen is making its way outdoors in many parts of New York.
From a simple BBQ and dining table set up to an elaborate kitchen/bar design, outdoor kitchens are creating a beautiful experience for families.
Many outdoor kitchens are being fitted with fridges, sinks, dishwashers in addition to the traditional BBQ that comes with many features such as side burners and rotisseries. Pizza ovens are a great add-on for delicious food and ambiance.
Cabinetry - There are four main categories of cabinetry material. We will discuss the positives and negatives of each choice.
Masonry - Includes stone, brick, tile
Stainless Steel
HDPE/Polymer (Marine Grade)
Real Wood
Masonry
Masonry is a durable choice and resistant to outdoor weather. It is typically built around a metal frame which is covered by stone, brick or stucco. It has a more traditional look so will only appeal to people who love that design. Masonry is labor intensive and therefore, can be expensive. You also may lose some interior space due to the construction process.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is considered a good choice for outdoor kitchen cabinets. It has a sleek look, easy installation and you can choose from many different powder coat color finishes. Some brands have powder coats that mimic a wood look. The powder coats help resist rust and fingerprints. Powder coat may have a shorter warranty than S/S cabinets. Frameless cabinets have the advantage of more storage space. Maintenance to remove food and debris is important but is not that difficult. You cannot hose down S/S like Polymer cabinets. BBQ's and other outdoor appliances fit in aesthetically with the stainless steel cabinetry. The downside includes expense and they can get hot in direct sun. Stainless is subject to corrosion and discoloring and typically is not warrantied for these issues. Stainless of course can stain, scratch and dent. Stainless steel can rust. Click on article below:
HDPE/Polymer (Marine Grade)
Polymer is a synthetic material resistant to rust, water, fading and stains. It is very easy to clean since you can just hose it down. It is easy to install. Make sure to buy cabinets only made out of HDPE since there are different grades of polymers. Since it is combustible, proper stainless insulating sleeves are required. HDPE plastic is the most environmentally stable of all plastics and does not give off harmful fumes into the environment. Manufacturing HDPE requires only a fraction of the energy required to produce steel from iron which contributes to its classification of being Eco-friendly. The lower grade, PVC is not the most environmentally friendly. Considering its entire life cycle, PVC is one of the most hazardous materials produced. With big swings of temperature, lower grade polymers (like PVC) can bow and fade in constant hot direct sun. Check out your warranty before purchasing.
Outdoor Wood Cabinets
Teak is the most popular outdoor wood for cabinetry and outdoor furniture. Teak is elegant and durable. Teak is a hardwood and resists shrinkage and warping. Teak is also resistant to moisture, bugs and weather such as rain, hot sun, and frost. If you like the aged teak finish, not that much maintenance is required other than wiping it down. If you want to maintain the golden color, you can use teak oil or a teak protector or sealer.
