Transform Your Patio with Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Are you looking for a way to upgrade your outdoor living? Outdoor kitchen cabinets can transform any patio from basic to a high-end entertainer’s dream. Many appliances can also be added to provide convenience and a true culinary experience. This space is not just limited to a grill and prep space.

Outdoor kitchens are an extension of your home. This space offers a place to cook, prep food and dine outdoors. In many ways they are the same as your indoor kitchen, but with more weather, sun and fire-rated products for longevity.

These kitchens generally include things like outdoor cabinets, appliances, stone pavers, patio enclosures, countertops and more. Many homeowners love to host events or enjoy family dinners outside, which is a great reason to consider one for yourself. Outdoor kitchens are typically sold in either pre-configured or customizable sets and offered in many materials and finishes to suit every need.

Sun, wind, rain and heat are known for their intense damaging effects. With this much potential for damage, outdoor cabinet materials need to be chosen carefully. That’s why we have included some of the most common outdoor kitchen cabinet materials below, including pros and cons of each. Consider what’s best for your climate, your home and what material will be most durable for your family.

Although wood products are a favorite indoors, outside they are not as popular. Of course, wood can be pressure treated, but this product will require refinishing every few years. Wood offers many beautiful colors and patterns, however, keep in mind that it’s susceptible to termites, fading, and not ideal around high heat.

Polished stainless steel is a beautiful option for outdoor cabinets that will provide a luxe look. It’s non-flammable and stands up to the elements, however it can get very hot after sitting in the sun all day. This option will need more cleaning and attention to maintain its luster, but stainless steel is still a great choice.

Powder-coated stainless steel is by far the most common option for outdoor kitchen cabinets. This material has incredible protection against corrosion, rust, grease and oils and it’s non-combustible. Since the stainless steel is protected by a powder coating, it’s also easy to clean. There is a risk of any powder coat chipping which could potentially lead the stainless steel to rust, but this is rare.

Powder-coated aluminum is a lightweight alternative to stainless steel. Powder coatings are easy to spray down and clean making this a great option. This coating can be hard to repair if it gets chipped though, meaning the aluminum could corrode. To prevent this, some brands recommend choosing durable marine-grade aluminum to protect against corrosion.

PVC is a decorative laminate and resin on top of foam backing. This product is very easy to keep clean and offers a great range of colors and patterns to choose from. Since this is laminate, there is an increased chance of fading from sun exposure, and warping. This material can expand and contract from varying weather conditions which might also cause the laminate to start peeling. If you decide to use this product, the grill will need an insulated jacket to protect the laminate from heat.

HDPE is another popular option for outdoor kitchen cabinets made from durable polymer. You will find this product offered in many colors with some offering UV inhibitors that prevent color fading. Because of its nature, color is built into the product meaning there is no paint to peel or flake off.

This material is incredibly durable and very resistant to chemicals, solvents, grease and oil. It’s also non-porous and resistant to knicks, dents and scratches. There is one con for this product- it's susceptible to heat so surrounding grills will need insulated jackets.

While you’re in the process of selecting outdoor cabinet storage and designing the floor plan, it’s best to start choosing appliances. Each outdoor kitchen is completely customizable and there are limitless cooking and cleaning options that can support entertaining. Explore the list of outdoor kitchen appliances you should consider below from necessities to high-end options for elevated cooking experiences.

• Grill
• Outdoor kitchen refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Wine cooler
• Pizza oven
• Garbage disposal
• Ice maker
• Side burners
• Warming drawers
• Smoker
• Outdoor kitchen oven
• Flat-top grill or griddle
• Grill exhaust hood
• Sink and faucet

Choose your appliances wisely and think about the different ways you would like to cook and function outdoors. Average outdoor appliance costs are usually between $1,500 - $7,000. Make sure you create a budget prior to starting this project so you stay on budget and avoid overspending. 

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home is no small feat. According to Angi, the average price of an outdoor kitchen is $15,963 with a typical range of $6,084 - $25,916. This project usually consists of a patio floor, enclosure, countertops, outdoor kitchen cabinets, appliances, electrical and gas, utility hookups and installation. Most of these project's range in size from 100 – 400 square feet and could be a simple cooking area to a completely upgraded patio with a kitchen. 

Some homeowners see that price and say, “I can do the work instead”. For the handy DIYer, you can expect to spend $1,500 – $6,000 on average which means you will save around 20 – 40% of the overall cost if you install yourself. Building an outdoor kitchen will involve heavy lifting and lots of work, but if you’re up for it, it can save you thousands. 

Outdoor cabinets themselves have a varying price range depending on the material you choose. Whether wood, steel or aluminum it can be anywhere from $200 - $800 per linear foot. See the graphic below for more specific price ranges on the most popular outdoor kitchen cabinet materials.

Outdoor cabinets are supportive storage space for your appliances like built-in grills, ice makers and warming drawers. As the foundation, this layout needs to meet multiple needs to function well while making entertaining outside easier. Before making your final decisions, look at inspiration to find what storage and layouts you like.

There is no shortage of stunning layouts available, and the possibilities are almost limitless. Bringing a thorough list, like the one below, to your initial design meeting will show you’ve done your homework.

• Trash cabinets
• Storage space for bowls, cups and cooking utensils
• Storage space for cooking oils and spices
• Sink for washing hands and cleaning food
• Bar-height countertop for eating and conversation
• Extra electrical plug-ins for phone charging or extra heated serving platters
• Countertop space for prepping and cutting
• Built-in sound system
• Built-in shade through a pergola, shade or overhang
• Built-in fans to keep cool and keep bugs away

Explore outdoor kitchen cabinet ideas below for even more project inspiration.

Think about angled outdoor kitchen cabinets with bar top seating. A built-in refrigerator and built-in countertop gas grill make this the perfect outdoor kitchen island with storage space.

This outdoor kitchen with a grill was built into an existing patio with cabinets flanking each side. For a nice touch, they added a pergola to diffuse light and created a beautiful focal point over their outdoor space.

Need storage and prep space? Stand-alone outdoor kitchen islands add convenience. This one offers built-in wood cabinets and a sink facing the beautiful backyard view.

Have more money in your budget? This homeowner built a stand-alone building with a dedicated kitchen including PVC outdoor kitchen cabinets, a grill exhaust fan, countertops and plenty of room for dining underneath the overhang.

Create a luxe rustic look with stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets like this homeowner. They added a built-in refrigerator and gas grill with stone framing and a privacy wall to define their outdoor space.

We would love to say CliqStudios, however, we do not offer cabinets rated for outdoor use at this time. NatureKast, however, is a great outdoor kitchen cabinet company to consider. They use quality HDPE cabinets for a wood-like look in a variety of finishes, plus they offer design services and installation. In addition to outdoor cabinets, NatureKast offers any outdoor appliance you could want. Just contact a local dealer to get started.