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Top 8 Materials to Use in Your Outdoor Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you’re planning on living in your house for years to come, your kitchen is where you enjoy time with your loved ones. If you have any plans to sell your home, your kitchen is an excellent investment to maximize your home value. But what about two kitchens? Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly common – and for good reason, they’re fun! If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen, or upgrading an existing one, here are the top eight materials to use.

Stainless steel
Stainless steel is considered an outdoor staple for extremely good reason. It’s incredibly durable, it can withstand extreme weather conditions, and it’s bug-proof, which can mean very positive things for longevity. Further, stainless steel is very easy to complement many styles of decorating, particularly as it will match well with your outdoor appliances – such as your grill.

Polymer board
Polymer board (also known as HDPE) is a strong material that is similar to plastic, and was invented for marine applications. As you can imagine, that makes it extremely resistant to intense weather conditions, such as sun, rain, saltwater, and snow. It’s completely waterproof, so you can feel confident it will not expand and contract, which means you don’t need to worry about warping damage over time.

Teak
Teak is not quite as weather-resistant as stainless steel or polymer, but it is more durable than many other types of wood. It’s an excellent choice for places without extreme weather conditions, such as regions without snow. Teak is a classic outdoor material selection, and certainly gives any backyard a classic and sophisticated aesthetic that can be complemented by a number of decorating styles.

Wood
Wood isn’t the most durable of the materials on the list, but it’s also a bit stronger than you may think. Wood cabinets or counters can be great choices for any outdoor kitchens that are largely protected by a weatherproof pergola. It’s important to consider the type of wood you desire, while paying attention to its tolerance for heat and UV exposure as compared to the conditions you expect for your backyard. Plus with a quality sealant, they can make a stunning addition that can easily bring decorating elements from your interior decorating into your backyard.

Masonry
As you can guess, masonry is a tough choice – and by tough, we mean durable. Masonry is extremely customizable when it comes to building your outdoor set-up, and you can use a cement block or metal frame to serve as the foundation that can get covered with the decorative stone of your choice. Stone cabinets and counters have a striking aesthetic that is easy to integrate into many decorating styles, while also being extremely resistant to inclement weather.

Granite
Granite countertops, which are commonly used inside, can quickly bring an element of luxury and harmony to share with your outdoor space. They’re extremely durable, easy to clean, and beautiful in appearance. It is important to seal your counters as a part of your home maintenance routine, and doing so will ensure your granite outdoor counters last as long as the memories you make with them.

Concrete
Concrete can seem basic, but it can also be anything but basic. Concrete has a fantastic rugged look that most people think of, which can definitely be a part of many industrial or modern aesthetics. However, it can also be colored or poured to mimic so many other stones or materials to suit other design styles, ranging from classic to chic, all while maintaining its extremely desirable durability.

Tile
Tile is where economically efficient meets absolutely beautiful and completely customizable. Tile is durable, easy to maintain or replace should a single tile become damaged, weather-resistant, stain-resistant, and has so many incredible options to choose from. If you’re looking to fully take your decorating style into your own hands, tile is a great place to start.

No matter which material – or materials – you choose to implement or mix and match, the most important part is to ensure their longevity and beauty so you can enjoy them for years to come.