An outdoor kitchen is a great investment, especially for people who like to host parties or BBQ lunches. You can cook great meals in the backyard instead of being cooped up inside four walls. However, these installations require careful planning and special materials. They are constantly exposed to harsh weather like rain, sun, wind, snow, and even hail. If you want a long-lasting kitchen, use reliable outdoor kitchen materials. Speak with experienced local technicians to find the best solutions and most resilient appliances.
How Does Weather Affect an Outdoor Kitchen?
Weather has an impact on all kinds of building materials. Solutions used in indoor kitchens won’t work in outdoor installations. Here’s a look at some ways in which weather can affect them:
- Swelling and Warping – Wood cabinets and fixtures will swell and warp when exposed to the elements. Moisture will penetrate their grain and cause cells to expand, destabilizing their structure. Eventually, these wooden cabinets will become completely deformed and brittle.
- Damaging Porous Stone Countertops – Stone can handle different kinds of environmental conditions, but some materials are more vulnerable than others. Porous stones like marble can become damaged with exposure to moisture. Exposed natural stone is also more vulnerable to mold and mildew, creating an unhygienic environment.
- Impact on Appliances – Appliances that aren’t designed to handle outdoor conditions won’t last long in such an environment. They will malfunction often and require expensive repairs.
Discuss these issues with an experienced contractor or outdoor kitchen expert. You can ask questions, request a quote, and build a budget based on their recommendations.
Best Outdoor Cabinet Materials
Manufacturers have seen the rising popularity of outdoor kitchens and developed solutions that can help. There are several materials suitable for harsh conditions available in the market today. Here’s a look at some of these outdoor kitchen materials:
- Veneer Rock Cabinet Facing – Natural stone veneers are the perfect solution. Their appearance fits in with the theme, and they can protect your kitchen from rain, snow, wind, sun, and hail. These veneers form a barrier over base materials, making the installation much more durable.
- Non-Porous Countertops – Non-porous countertop materials last for a long time and are less vulnerable to mold or mildew. They don’t need regular sealing or excessive maintenance, even after exposure to outdoor elements.
If you want to know more about outdoor kitchen materials, reach out to a local contractor for some advice. You can visit our ‘Why Us’ to find out our past experience with these projects. Our experienced technicians will give you solid advice and unbiased opinions on different options.
