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Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets Made Easy

Outdoor cabinets can offer everything your indoor cabinetry does–custom organization, trending colors, and long-lasting quality and durability.

But the selection process may differ from the usual. Are prefabricated outdoor kitchen cabinets good for accommodating your appliances? How much maintenance will be required?

Keep reading as we cover some info you need to know about before committing to outdoor kitchen cabinets.

What to look for in outdoor kitchen cabinets

Of course, the weather is what separates outdoor and indoor kitchen cabinets. Your new outdoor cabinets need to withstand sun, wind, moisture, and debris. Here’s how to balance that with getting the look and function you want.

Choosing the right material for outdoor kitchen cabinets

One of the best materials for your money will be HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The variety used for outdoor cabinets is a more durable marine-grade polymer than the HDPE used for single-use products. Here’s why it works:

Resists scratching and repels moisture
Won’t accrue mold, mildew, and other microbes (an underrated consideration!)
More likely to incorporate anti-fade technology for UV resistance
May include recycled materials for sustainability

All in all, outdoor kitchen cabinets constructed of quality HDPE are going to eliminate the need for a lot of annual scrubbing and repainting.

There are fool-proof tips on how to maintain your outdoor kitchen, but investing in quality cabinetry from the get-go will set you up for success.

Why cabinet color matters so much

Even when opting for HDPE outdoor-rated cabinets, choose colors wisely. If your area is muddy, sandy, or damp, any dirt or algae will be more obvious on lighter colors.

On the other hand, lighter colors can be great for hotter locations, as they won’t absorb heat or fade like dark colors.

Read more in our breakdown of the best outdoor kitchen cabinet colors for your home.

Space and style

Inspect the hardscaping of your outdoor space down to the pavers. Consider how certain cabinet styles and colors will coordinate with the basics. Don’t forget the visible exterior of your home.

If you’ve already invested in outdoor furniture and appliances, these should influence cabinets as well. Having a professional designer is a huge bonus here; they can create visual mock-ups to ensure you get the most aesthetically pleasing results possible.

What about concrete outdoor kitchens?

On the surface, concrete seems like a solid foundation for an outdoor kitchen. But truthfully, many homeowners are limited in what they can get out of it. Even if adding stainless steel doors to concrete consoles, these materials can create high maintenance issues.

Concrete is heavy, difficult to repair, and not suitable for many climates. Freezing temperatures that give way to warmer months can cause cracking. It absorbs liquids and stains more easily than other materials and will fade in the sun.

Some of this can be mitigated with regular sealing, but in our view, you have better materials at your disposal. Read our breakdown of outdoor kitchen cabinet materials. It includes a side-by-side comparison of HDPE, stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and teak wood.

The benefits of prefabricated outdoor kitchen cabinets

For total overhauls and starting from scratch, choosing prefab HDPE units can be a blessing. Here’s why:

Simplifies total design–With cabinets selected, every further decision, from appliances to seating to layout, can be much easier to make.
Exceptional durability–Prefabricated HDPE comes ready with resistance to fading, moisture, pests, and rot.
Custom options still available–Even with prefab units, you can choose your preferred hardware and finishes.

The Designery takes outdoor living to the next level

A premier destination for baths, kitchens, and closets, The Designery offers full-service solutions for outdoor living, too. When it comes to outdoor kitchen cabinets, you can choose from: