These days the market is flooded with outdoor kitchen cabinet retailers. They all claim to have the best materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets that can withstand high temperatures and all weather.
The decision-making process can be overwhelming and crucial to ensure your investment in outdoor kitchen cabinetry stands the test of time.
I have narrowed down the 5 best materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets to cut through the noise. These materials offer structural integrity and are weather-ready for all seasons.
The Best Materials for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
- Stainless steel
- Marine-Grade Polymer
- High-Density Polyethylene
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Concrete
In this post, I will explore further the pros and cons of the 5 best materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets.
Keep reading for more information on structural stability, routine maintenance requirements, warranty, and how the outdoor environment will or won’t generate wear and tear over time.
1. Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
This one should not come as a surprise, as we all know that stainless steel is one of the most robust materials for outdoor kitchen countertops and cabinets.
Stainless steel cabinetry is the best option for outdoor use thanks to its corrosion and heat resistance.
Pro Tip- Boost the strength of stainless steel by choosing top-notch 304 grade, finished with powder coating for extra rust and corrosion protection.
Bare stainless steel cabinets with durable metal frames ensure longevity and structural stability like your indoor kitchen appliances.
Stainless steel, as its names suggest is easy to clean and maintain plus its sleek modern aesthetic enhances any outdoor living space.
2. Synthetic Plastic
High-density synthetic plastic is made by transforming ethylene gas into plastic using high temperatures and pressure. This process links the plastic together creating a tough, strong plastic.
Used in outdoor kitchen projects for its durability to withstand fading and cracking. It is truly low maintenance, hose it down or a light power wash, and voila its new again.
Best of all it won’t absorb grease and oil and who couldn’t use that benefit in such a spill-prone space?
You will likely run across two common synthetic plastic materials.
I will break down the differences so you can make an educated decision between different materials. These are the two best man-made polymers for outdoor kitchen cabinetry.
Marine-grade polymer
If you are lucky enough to call the coastal area home, then marine-grade polymer is your go-to for setting up your outdoor kitchen.
It laughs in the face of salt water and heavy rains. Equipped with UV stabilizers marine-grade polymers are the best choice for outdoor cabinetry by the sea.
Before you rush to buy MGP for its amazing environmental resistance, you might not need to spend extra money if you’re not living by the coast.
The special features and higher costs could be unnecessary for your outdoor elements.
Keep reading to learn about high-density polyethylene as this may be your best bet. Â
 High-density polyethyleneÂ
In non-coastal areas where saltwater corrosion and direct sunlight are less of a concern, HDPE cabinets could be the answer for your outdoor space.
What makes high-density polyethylene different is that it doesn’t offer the same UV lighting protection that marine grade does.
That being said it’s still a durable plastic structure used often for outdoor furniture and outdoor kitchen cabinets. It is offered in a variety of colors and endless cabinet door styles.
Low maintenance option, water resistance, and budget-friendly.
3. Wood Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Wood outdoor kitchen cabinets truly infuse backyards with warmth, coziness, and an organic touch.
Teak, cedar, and redwood stand out as top choices, offering resistance to rot, decay, and insects.
If creating a visually appealing outdoor entertainment area is your goal, the investment in these woods proves worthwhile, thanks to their durability and stunning natural appearance.
However, commitment to maintenance is crucial; cleaning food spills immediately for example. Woods like teak need frequent cleaning and annual oiling to preserve its beauty.
4. Aluminum Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
In a showdown between aluminum and stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets, aluminum might just run away with your heart.
Aluminum shines as a top pick for outdoor cabinets, especially if you’re near the ocean. It’s like the marine-grade polymer’s cousin, perfect for beachside setups, battling saltwater corrosion even better than stainless steel.
Plus, under the sun’s glare, aluminum stays as cool as a cucumber, saving your hands from a sizzle when you open a cabinet.
And when it comes to keeping things clean, aluminum has another trick up its sleeve—it’s resistant to fingerprints, meaning those doors stay smudge-free with minimal effort.
Aluminum, though lightweight, packs a heavy punch in durability and style for outdoor kitchens—a rust-resistant competitor to stainless steel that’s kinder to your wallet.
5. Concrete Cabinets
Concrete cabinets stand tough against all weather, perfect for any climate. Keeping in mind concrete does retain heat so it can be hot to the touch under the sun.
Concrete outdoor kitchen cabinets are fully customizable, and the clean lines of modern slab doors complement concrete best.
It takes artistic skill and manpower to fabricate and install concrete cabinets so anticipate higher installation costs.
In terms of maintenance think of your concrete driveway, oil spills will stain it, and to prevent this you will need to power wash and seal the concrete.
Try pairing concrete outdoor kitchen cabinets with other natural elements like wood and stainless steel to narrow in on the modern aesthetic.
FAQ Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen frame?
When it comes to picking the perfect frame for your outdoor kitchen, you can’t go wrong with 304 stainless steel.
Tough against all sorts of outdoor elements, from harsh weather conditions to the salty air in coastal areas.
What is the best material for outdoor cabinet hardware?
For outdoor kitchen cabinet hardware, stainless steel takes the crown.
Through blazing summers and chilly winters, stainless steel cabinet hardware is resistant to corrosion.
What is the cheapest material to build an outdoor kitchen?
If you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget, concrete blocks are your go-to.
Affordable, yet incredibly sturdy. Concrete blocks can handle just about anything, from high heat to heavy rain, making them a solid choice for outdoor environments.
What is a stainless steel firebox?
A stainless steel firebox is a durable compartment or enclosure made from stainless steel, designed to contain a fire, typically within outdoor kitchens, grills, or fireplaces.
What countertop is best for outdoor kitchens?
Your outdoor kitchen cabinets need natural stone countertops like granite, quartzite, or soapstone.
These are tough stones that handle outdoor life well. Just as Mother Nature intended.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Final Thoughts
We’ve come to the end of our exploration of the best outdoor kitchen materials. I hope you now feel educated enough to make an informed decision for your outdoor space.
Ultimately, selecting outdoor kitchen cabinets largely depends on your area’s climate.
From there, it’s about personal preference. Will you prioritize design aesthetics over maintenance, or look for a clever compromise?
Where to buy the best materials for Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
At this post’s start, we discussed the overwhelming choices on the market. Now, I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite outdoor kitchen cabinet retail vendors you won’t want to overlook.
Danver is the industry leader in stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets. Pizza ovens, smokers, BBQs you name it. Danver has a luxurious multi-functional outdoor kitchen for commercial or residential.
John Michael Aluminum Outdoor Kitchens crafts stunning aluminum cabinetry that’s not just functional but a true piece of art for any outdoor space.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal on the rooftop at RH in New York, you’ve seen their exquisite black aluminum cabinetry in action, seamlessly organizing everything for servers and hostesses.
It’s a prime example of how their designs elevate outdoor dining to a whole new level of sophistication.
Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens has perfected outdoor wall cabinetry and powder coat finishes that will impress even the most discerning eye.
And finally, don’t forget about the little guy – Etsy’s independent artisans. Their handmade concrete outdoor cabinets are modern game-changers, infusing your space with unmatched character and durability.
Let us know your decision, or share your outdoor kitchen design experiences and how they’re holding up. We love hearing from you!