Do you want to get the most out of your investment when designing your outdoor kitchen? Then remember that, as we at OF outdoorkitchens always say, a high-quality outdoor kitchen must be beautiful, durable, customizable and long lasting. One of the most important considerations for designing a durable outdoor kitchen is the material you choose for your kitchen cabinets and mounting frame. Since the kitchen will be outdoors, you will need weatherproof cabinets and recesses. The chosen material should therefore be able to withstand the effects of time and temperature changes. What then about wooden cabinets and frames? Wood can be used, as long as it is properly treated and perfectly maintained. In this article we deal with the two most chosen options for cabinets (wood and stainless steel) and we discuss the pros and cons of each.

 

Wooden cabinets and recesses or frames: the most popular choice for customers 

 

It may not sound like a novelty to you and you may have expected it, but wood is the most chosen material not only for indoor but also outdoor kitchen furniture projects. This natural material definitely helps to heat the rooms in terms of atmosphere, and also the colour can be customized using special paints and techniques. Although wood goes well with most of outdoor furniture and is suitable for an outdoor space, it must be borne in mind that, if not cared for and maintained to perfection, it may have disadvantages. Here are the most frequent ones:

 

• Prolonged periods of moisture will cause the wood to rot, requiring replacement. Therefore, be very careful with maintenance.
• Repeated cycles of wetting and subsequent drying cause the wood to swell and shrink, resulting in cracking and degradation of the integrity of the structure. Do not choose wood if you live in an area subject to frequent rains and if you do not plan to cover your kitchen.
• Exposure to the elements will damage the finishes in the long run, requiring repainting or replacement.
• There are solutions to avoid these drawbacks, such as the placement of a stainless steel sleeve. While pressure-treated wood and concrete support panels can help mitigate heat and humidity, it is important to be aware that wooden cabinets placed outside always require, we repeat, careful maintenance. Keep this in mind even if you are looking for wooden outdoor furniture for your outdoor entertainment space.

 

Stainless steel cabinets and finishes: the most durable and safe choice 

 

Stainless steel is an allow composed of iron and at least 10.5 chromium. The presence of chromium is fundamental, as it prevents stainless steel from rusting. As OF outdoorkitchens brand we produce cabinets and other steel furniture, in both 304 and 316 (marine grade) stainless steel. Both grades are high quality and durable, although 316 is more resistant to corrosion and generally reserved for places subject to it, such as near salt water. The maintenance rule we mentioned about wood also applies to bare stainless steel: it is undoubtedly an interesting option, but it must be properly maintained and cleaned regularly to avoid rust, corrosion, scratches or stains. With regular maintenance, these types of stainless steel are very resistant to heat and chemical agents, do not rust and maintain structural integrity, making them the perfect choice for outdoor kitchen.