The best outdoor kitchen materials: substance and style

The best outdoor kitchen materials offer all the strength and protection needed against the elements while remaining functional and attractive with respect to your unique design style. They also need to be fit for purpose for practical application and the part of the kitchen it represents. Whether it's for the structural components, cabinets, appliances or any other part of the kitchen, there are some standout material choices that one should definitely prioritise.

Choosing the right structural materials for your outdoor kitchen is critical. After all, the structure is the core and foundation of your outdoor kitchen. Here are the best materials to use.

Concrete

Concrete masonry is a great choice for outdoor structures, including kitchens. Concrete is waterproof, non-combustible, and extremely strong.

You may not think concrete is a very aesthetic choice at first glance. But you can paint concrete any colour your want, and it is a great canvas for many different types of cladding materials.

Corrosion-resistant metal

Metal is another strong contender as a choice to build an outdoor kitchen. However, you want to make sure you use corrosion-resistant metal as opposed to traditional metal frames that are prone to corrosion and rust.

Metal frames are a less expensive option compared to concrete. They are also lightweight and compact. That means you can add on bulkier cladding (e.g., brick or natural stone) without compromising on space.

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Cladding is the finishing material that you and your friends and family will see when you are lounging in your outdoor kitchen. Some of the more popular choices in Australia include:

Stone

Natural stone is a great choice for outdoor kitchens. This material is extremely sturdy and weather-proof. Decorative stone choices come in a variety of colours, so you can match your decor to your cladding style.

Brick

Brick is another highly durable and attractive choice for cladding and is a no-brainer if your home is also made of brick.

Brick offers a traditional and rustic look. But if that is not your style, you can always paint or whitewash the brick for a cleaner, more modern facade.

Your cabinets will serve two purposes. First, they must be durable enough to protect the dishware stored inside them. Secondly, they have to be attractive and stylish.

With these requirements in mind, here are the two best materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets.

Corrosion-resistant stainless steel or marine-grade aluminium

Metal can be a great choice for outdoor cabinetry as long as you choose a corrosion-resistant product.

Stainless steel is beautiful, modern-looking, and highly durable. They will match your stainless steel appliances. And with a powder-coated finish, your corrosion-resistant stainless steel cabinets will not rust.

Aluminium is a naturally corrosion-free metal. But when you use marine-grade aluminium, you can ensure your cabinets will last through the toughest conditions. Aluminium cabinets will be lightweight and last for years.

PVC

PVC is a type of plastic. It will never rust, stay stain-free, and put up with anything your climate throws at it. And as long as you invest in a higher-end PVC, you will not have to worry about your cabinet colour fading either.

And do not worry about PVC cabinets looking cheap. You can order outdoor kitchen cabinets with resin systems to mimic the look and texture of wood. Plus, you can order resin in any colour you would like.

The next outdoor kitchen materials to consider are those for countertops. Here are our top two favourite options for your outdoor countertop.

Granite

Granite is the premium choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. It is very hard, dense, and resistant to stains.

Granite comes in various colours and patterns with no two countertops being the same. This high-quality material brings a unique and luxurious feel to an outdoor space which can really elevate its style. But keep in mind that if you live in an area of Australia that gets extremely hot in the summer, you should choose a lighter-coloured granite as this material can heat up under sunlight.

Concrete

Concrete is not just a great choice for your outdoor kitchen's structure. It is also an affordable and striking option for your countertops. These can also be reinforced for extreme sturdiness and durability.

If you like the natural look, concrete counters can offer that without the cost of real stone. You can glaze it or even paint it in whatever shades you like.

You have endless options when it comes to the materials for your outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and decor. Here are some of the best choices available.

Teak

Teak is a tropical hardwood with naturally high oil content. This oil content resists both moisture and wood-eating insects, making it perfect for outdoor furniture.

Teak is also very attractive with its natural brownish-orange colour and even grain. It can be stained in multiple shades. And the wood is known for being very robust and will not become brittle or crack.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a low-cost and lightweight option for your outdoor kitchen. This metal is extremely low maintenance and offers impressive resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Aluminium is available in literally hundreds of different colours and finishes. And when you have a powder coating applied to it, it will not scratch or fade over time.

PVC

Resin-coated PVC is an even more durable and affordable option for outdoor furniture. PVC is extremely easy to clean, though it rarely gets dirty.

You can buy PVC furniture in a wide variety of colours. And because PVC is so easy to work with and shape, you can find many different styles, too.

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Another decision you will have to make is about the material of the refrigerator, grill, and any other outdoor appliances you choose.

Stainless steel is by far the most common for outdoor appliances. It is modern, stain-resistant, and customisable. But it will be prone to rusting unless you choose a corrosion-resistant form of stainless steel so be sure to check with the manufacturer.

There are some options for materials for every part of your outdoor kitchen. Each has its own pros and cons to some extent but all are worthy of outdoor applications. The main thing is figuring out which are the most suitable solutions for you in terms of your own local weather conditions, the practical use it will serve as well as your own unique design style and preferences.

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