Outdoor Kitchen Materials
What materials to choose for an outdoor kitchen?
When you decide to set up an open air cooking area in your home, the choice of the outdoor kitchen materials is essential in the design of your outdoor kitchen so that you can fully enjoy your garden or terrace.
An outdoor kitchen can be built in cement, wood, AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel, marble, sintered stone, among others. Discover here the advice of our expert engineers and designers: Which materials to choose and why should some be favored over others?
Table of Contents
SOMMAIRE
Best Material for Outdoor Kitchen
Not recommended
Here we present to you a series of materials which, in our experience, are not the most recommended for creating outdoor kitchens. Marble, Silestone, Compact, concrete, microcement, wood, corten steel, aluminum is all not very durable.
These materials are not very resistant to weather agents such as sun and UV rays, salt spray, cold, heat, etc.), to abrasion and do not always respect all phytosanitary criteria.
Recommended
We advise you to use AISI 304 stainless steel and AISI 316 stainless steel which are the best material for outdoor kitchen cabinets for a modern kitchen with ultimate robustness and quality.
If you prefer a marble effect or natural stone finish, we recommend large format porcelain stones or granite slabs.These materials perfectly imitate the exterior finish of different types of marble but are much more resistant to outdoors and requires way less maintenance.
Which material is not recommended for outdoor kitchen?
Silestone or Compact are materials composed of resins; therefore, they are poorly temperature resistant; if you place a hot pan on them, the material burns and it is very difficult to repair. They are also very porous, so they stain easily just like marble.
In addition, one of the components of marble is calcium carbonate, which is very sensitive to contact with acidic foods such as wine, vinegar, Coca-Cola, etc. Concrete or microcement worktops are porous and fragile, they are easily scratched.
They will look good the first few days, but they will age very quickly like wood. Wood, whatever type will be very affected by UV rays. To preserve it, you must maintain it every 6 months.
Finally, we do not recommend aluminum, which is a material used in outdoor furniture because it weighs little, but which scratches very easily and does not have great structural resistance.
Silestone or Compact are materials composed of resins; therefore, they are poorly temperature resistant; if you place a hot pan on them, the material burns and it is very difficult to repair. They are also very porous, so they stain easily just like marble.
In addition, one of the components of marble is calcium carbonate, which is very sensitive to contact with acidic foods such as wine, vinegar, Coca-Cola, etc. Concrete or microcement worktops are porous and fragile, they are easily scratched.
They will look good the first few days, but they will age very quickly like wood. Wood, whatever type will be very affected by UV rays. To preserve it, you must maintain it every 6 months.
Finally, we do not recommend aluminum, which is a material used in outdoor furniture because it weighs little, but which scratches very easily and does not have great structural resistance.
Are cement and wood suitable materials?
Cement
Cement is not recommended for the best material for outdoor kitchen countertops due to several factors. Firstly, its natural porosity makes it vulnerable to moisture and liquid absorption, which can lead to problems such as cracking and chipping, especially in a weather-exposed outdoor environment. Additionally, cement often reacts negatively to temperature changes, which can compromise its durability over time, particularly with freeze and thaw cycles.
Additionally, cement tends to be prone to stains, especially those caused by substances like oil, grease, and juices. In an outdoor kitchen, where food spills are common, this can make cleaning difficult and leave permanent stains. Wear and tear from frequent traffic is also a potential problem, requiring regular maintenance such as sealing to protect against moisture and other elements.
Wood
Wood, while warm and nice look, can present challenges in outdoor kitchens due to its natural characteristics. First of all, wood is sensitive to humidity, and in an outdoor environment exposed to rain and humidity, it tends to swell, warp or even rot over time.
Additionally, its vulnerability to small insects, such as termites, can compromise the structure of the wood, requiring special attention. Wood is also subject to degradation from the effects of bad weather, including UV rays, rain, and frost.
This degradation can lead to premature aging, discoloration of the wood and the formation of cracks. In addition, wood requires increased maintenance, such as regular application of varnish or protective oils, to protect it from external elements.
Marble or Ceramic:
What is the difference?
Marble or Ceramic: What is the difference?
Chemical Composition
Between the timeless elegance of marble and the modern versatility of porcelain stoneware, a crucial choice emerges for coverings. Explore how these two materials offer you both similar and different aesthetics for outdoor spaces.
Marble is a very beautiful material, but it is not recommended for use as an outdoor kitchen worktop because it is very porous. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate and therefore reacts unfavorably to food acids such as lemon, cola, wine, vinegar, tomato, etc.
In addition, since it is porous, it absorbs all these elements, so once stained it is not possible to remove the stain, since it has penetrated the material.
Between the timeless elegance of marble and the modern versatility of porcelain stoneware, a crucial choice emerges for coverings. Explore how these two materials offer you both similar and different aesthetics for outdoor spaces.
Marble is a very beautiful material, but it is not recommended for use as an outdoor kitchen worktop because it is very porous. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate and therefore reacts unfavorably to food acids such as lemon, cola, wine, vinegar, tomato, etc. In addition, since it is porous, it absorbs all these elements, so once stained it is not possible to remove the stain, since it has penetrated the material.
Stains and Scratches
Sometimes these materials can get a spot treatment, which is nothing more than a film of product that covers its surface and attempts to cover the pore. However, depending on the frequency of cleaning and the products used, the duration of effectiveness of this treatment can be considerably reduced, so that the risk of permanent stains appearing without possibility of repair is high.
Marble is a metamorphic rock generated inside the earth by high pressures, such that the materials are in liquid form and when they come together, they form these spectacular curved veins that can be seen in the material. A vein indicates the union of two different materials and this union point is fragile, because each material has a different point of resistance. This is why marble scratches and breaks easily, especially in the vein area.
Sometimes these materials can get a spot treatment, which is nothing more than a film of product that covers its surface and attempts to cover the pore. However, depending on the frequency of cleaning and the products used, the duration of effectiveness of this treatment can be considerably reduced, so that the risk of permanent stains appearing without possibility of repair is high.
Marble is a metamorphic rock generated inside the earth by high pressures, such that the materials are in liquid form and when they come together, they form these spectacular curved veins that can be seen in the material. A vein indicates the union of two different materials and this union point is fragile, because each material has a different point of resistance. This is why marble scratches and breaks easily, especially in the vein area.
Durability & Maintenance
When it comes to porcelain stoneware, it outperforms marble in many ways. The remarkable durability of ceramic makes it ideal for high-traffic spaces, unlike marble, which is hyper-susceptible to scratches and stains. The endless variety of styles, colors and finishes of porcelain stoneware give you much greater aesthetic flexibility than marble. In addition, it’s very easy and undemanding maintenance contrasts with the more than necessary and regular precautions to preserve the appearance of marble.
Finally, porcelain stoneware is much more environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials and requiring less energy for its production. In short, porcelain stoneware presents itself as the most practical, aesthetic, and ecological alternative, surpassing marble in all these aspects.
When it comes to porcelain stoneware, it outperforms marble in many ways. The remarkable durability of ceramic makes it ideal for high-traffic spaces, unlike marble, which is hyper-susceptible to scratches and stains. The endless variety of styles, colors and finishes of porcelain stoneware give you much greater aesthetic flexibility than marble. In addition, it’s very easy and undemanding maintenance contrasts with the more than necessary and regular precautions to preserve the appearance of marble.
Finally, porcelain stoneware is much more environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials and requiring less energy for its production. In short, porcelain stoneware presents itself as the most practical, aesthetic, and ecological alternative, surpassing marble in all these aspects.
The Best Countertop Material for Outdoor Kitchen
316 Stainless Steel
The best material for outdoor kitchen that you can use for an outdoor kitchen is undoubtedly AISI 316 marine grade stainless steel. It will withstand all weather conditions and always maintain a perfect appearance. It is very easy to clean, it complies with phytosanitary standards and has great structural resistance.
Along with 304 stainless steel, these are undoubtedly the most high-end materials. It is very resistant to salty air, it is used to make swimming pool railings, many elements in luxury yachts and is used in jewelry to make high-end watches from brands such as Hublot, Rolex, etc.
304 Stainless Steel
Among the stainless steel options available on the market, 304 stainless steel is the recommended choice for those who want the benefits of stainless steel at a more accessible price.
This material shares almost all the excellent qualities of the 316 variant, with the only difference being that it is slightly more susceptible to corrosion in salty environments. In summary, if you do not live near the sea, this outdoor kitchen materials are a highly recommended choice.
Porcelain Stoneware
For those who wish to maintain a marble effect, there is porcelain stoneware which is one of best countertop material for outdoor kitchen. These are large slabs of porcelain stoneware cut using high-precision digital control machines.
They have a unique robustness on the outside and are not porous like marble can be. Less absorbent and thicker, these plates are almost unstainable and therefore have better durability over time.
Outdoor Kitchen Materials
How to Protect Your Outdoor Kitchen
The best protection is to choose the most appropriate materials. By combining the most resistant and durable materials such as 304 and 316 stainless steel and porcelain stoneware, a suitable design and regular maintenance, you will guarantee the durability of your outdoor kitchen, allowing it to withstand the external elements and to be functional throughout the year.
In addition, there are different possibilities for additional protection for your outdoor kitchen, between the majesty of a pergola and the functionality of protective covers, a crucial choice emerges for your outdoor space. Find out here how these two options offer distinct approaches to preserving and transforming your outdoor space.
The best protection is to choose the most appropriate materials. By combining the most resistant and durable materials such as 304 and 316 stainless steel and porcelain stoneware, a suitable design and regular maintenance, you will guarantee the durability of your outdoor kitchen, allowing it to withstand the external elements and to be functional throughout the year.
In addition, there are different possibilities for additional protection for your outdoor kitchen, between the majesty of a pergola and the functionality of protective covers, a crucial choice emerges for your outdoor space. Find out here how these two options offer distinct approaches to preserving and transforming your outdoor space.
Awning or Pergola
To protect an outdoor kitchen under an awning or a pergola, choose best material for outdoor kitchen cabinets that are durable materials. Make sure the structure provides adequate protection from rain, wind, and sun.
Pergolas and awnings offer exceptional versatility. In addition to protecting against inclement weather, they enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, creating an attractive place to relax. Their versatile use allows you to create a space for different activities, from outdoor dining to relaxation.
Adding value to the property, they also regulate temperature, providing coolness and comfort on hot days. These structures therefore constitute functional and aesthetic assets for any outdoor space.
Protective Covers
To effectively protect your outdoor kitchen materials, use covers specifically designed for outdoor use, made from sturdy, waterproof materials such as PVC-coated polyester, vinyl or a waterproof tarpaulin are amongst the best materials for all season outdoor kitchen covers.
Make sure your cover fits snugly to prevent the infiltration of water, dust and debris, while providing adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.
opt for secure fasteners like zippers or drawstrings to keep covers in place, even in windy seasons. By regularly cleaning the covers and storing them properly, you will extend their lifespan and maintain their effectiveness in protecting the outdoor kitchen from bad weather and dirt.
Best Material for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Our Expert Recommendations
The kitchens presented above, Empire Premium and Krakatoa, are both designed from the best materials available on the market: 316 stainless steel and porcelain stoneware to offer you the best quality of durability. Find them via the following links:
Porcelain Stoneware Kitchen
Explore the pinnacle of culinary luxury with the best material for outdoor kitchen countertops, the most luxurious outdoor kitchens ever created. Combining luxury and exclusivity, Empire seduces with the beauty of cutting-edge design. The Empire outdoor kitchen is equipped with a huge and powerful gas grill, defining the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.
316 Stainless Steel Kitchen
Discover the perfect marriage of elegant aesthetics and exceptional performance, creating a gastronomic oasis where every moment becomes a celebration. Welcome to the world of Krakatoa, where outdoor cooking reaches new heights of sophistication.
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