Best Material For Outdoor Kitchen Frame

Some investments in a home have to be carefully considered as they are often merely expensive vanity projects which add very little value to the house. Others, such as a well-built and carefully finished outdoor kitchen, not only add functionality but also directly add to the home’s potential resale value.

The available materials for an outdoor kitchen frame are aluminum, steel bricks or concrete blocks, and pressure-treated pine. The chosen material must be affordable and easier to install and maintain while also having a long potential life expectancy for an outdoor kitchen frame.

An outdoor kitchen is a great project which will add value and functionality to your home. It also serves as a congregation point when you have visitors over for a barbeque, and if constructed and finished well will draw admiring compliments.The Optimal Material For An Outdoor Kitchen Frame

Four options are available to use as the building material for the frame of an outdoor kitchen.

1. Wood can be used to build the frame of an outdoor kitchen.
2. Bricks (and similar) can be used to build an outdoor kitchen frame.
3. Steel or other metal can be used.

Each has several advantages and disadvantages as follows.

Wood As The Structure Of The Outdoor Kitchen Frame

Pressure-treated pine used to be the most common option for outdoor kitchens and has the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages Of Wood For An Outdoor Kitchen Frame

There are several advantages to using wood as the material for an outdoor kitchen.

1. Wood is the easiest of the reviewed materials to work with, and a person with minimal building experience can construct a frame with wood.
2. Wood is the lowest cost option to use as the material for an outdoor kitchen frame.
3. The material offers the greatest flexibility in terms of décor and cosmetic features.
4. It is the easiest material to repair if it becomes damaged later.

Disadvantages Of Wood For An Outdoor Kitchen Frame

The disadvantages of using wood such as pressure-treated pine are as follows.

1. Wood needs to be protected from heat and fire, which is a natural consequence of a kitchen area, which means that fire-resistant coatings will need to be added.
2. Wood needs to be regularly maintained, and finishes must be preserved, particularly if it is exposed to the elements.
3. While wood is easier to repair than other materials, it is more prone to damage and will require more frequent repairs.
4. Wood is vulnerable to damage from bugs and critters, and if the area is not constantly cleaned after meals, rats, mice, and other vermin may cause damage.

Using Bricks As The Structure Of The Outdoor Kitchen Frame

The advantages and disadvantages of using bricks as the construction material of an outdoor kitchen frame are as follows.

The Advantages Of Using Bricks As The Structure Of The Frame

The advantages of using bricks are as follows.

1. Brick is a good-looking rustic style material that works well as the structure of the frame.
2. Bricks are very durable and need minimal maintenance.
3. Bricks withstand damage very effectively.
4. Bricks are fire resistant.
5. Unlike wood, bricks do not need any additional elements to appear attractive.
6. Bricks are weather resistant.
7. Rodents or other critters do not damage bricks.
8. All the advantages add together to make bricks a superior long-term investment to wood.

The Disadvantages Of Using Bricks For The Frame

The disadvantages of using bricks as the outdoor kitchen frame construction are as follows.

1. While brick structures can be laid by a DIYer, the best finish will come from those laid by a professional, which adds to the installation cost.
2. Bricks and mortar are more expensive than wood and screws.

Using Steel To For The Outdoor Kitchen Frame

The advantages and disadvantages of using steel to construct the outdoor kitchen frame as listed below.

The Advantages Of Using Steel For The Outdoor Kitchen Frame

The advantages of using steel as the construction material of the outdoor kitchen frame are.

1. Steel is very strong.
2. Steel is very durable and resistant to damage.
3. Steel is not affected by bugs, critters, or rodents.
4. Steel will withstand most weather conditions and won’t rot, be affected by the sun, or be vulnerable to changes in temperature.
5. When steel is used in the structure, due to its strength, it does not need to be a complex internal structure.

The Disadvantages Of Using Steel For The Kitchen Frame

The disadvantages of using steel as the construction material of the outdoor kitchen frame are.

1. Steel requires specific metal working skills, which may mean a professional is needed to install the structure, and the costs may be increased.
2. Steel is the most expensive option.
3. While steel is not seriously affected by the elements, it will corrode and eventually rust if it is left exposed to moisture (particularly sea water moisture)
4. The steel will require consistent application of rust protection materials to prevent rust.

The Advantages And Disadvantages  Of Using Aluminum Studs

The advantages and disadvantages of using aluminum studs.

The Advantages Of Using Aluminum For The Kitchen Frame

The advantages of using aluminum studs are as follows.

1. Aluminum does not rust.
2. Aluminum stud ready-to-finish options are available.
3. Aluminum is very durable and is expected to have a long life.
4. Aluminum is heat resistant.
5. Aluminum is weather resistant and won’t rot, be affected by the sun, or be vulnerable to changes in temperature.
6. Aluminum is immune to rodents and other critters.
7. Aluminum is very sturdy and strong.

The Disadvantages Of Using Aluminum For The Kitchen Frame

The disadvantages of using aluminum in the outdoor kitchen frame structure are.

1. Aluminum is the most expensive option.
2. If the frame is to be constructed from raw material, it will require a professional to do the installation.

It Matters How Finish The Outdoor Kitchen Frame Structure

Irrespective of what material you use for the outdoor kitchen frame, the magic happens with the choice of finishes you use to complete the build.

Several cladding materials are available to turn a simple outdoor kitchen into a feature in your home that attracts attention from family and friends alike.

Carefully selected cladding and other components will turn a practical outdoor kitchen into a design feature. These may include

1. Stone wall claddings countertops such as granite or marble.
2. Aluminum work surfaces.
3. Varying shapes, textures, and color tiles to suit your intended theme.
4. Quality stove, pizza oven, or barbeque equipment.
5. Lighting fixtures and overhead fans.
6. Flooring tiles or other suitable material.

If you are in the planning stages for your outdoor kitchen we have a host of articles that can help here on the site. you can try a search or check out the ones we have listed below.

Conclusion

Adding an outdoor kitchen to a home is a great way to create a new living space. Not only does it add additional functionality to the house and motivate the family to spend more time outdoors, but it also can create a new design feature enhancing and adding value to the home.

Choosing the correct material for the kitchen frame will ensure that you have a lasting structure that will stand the test of time.

References

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjEjR_WTKc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjEjR_WTKc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARgjsAIsDIo