One of the most important decisions for your outdoor kitchen project is the type of cabinet material that you should use. While built-in brick outdoor kitchen ideas were often used, trade professionals and homeowners alike have been investing in other materials that require less maintenance, are easier to install, and are more attractive. For example, stainless steel cabinetry has become the most popular material for outdoor kitchens due to its minimal maintenance and longevity in virtually every climate. For this reason, Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens has been the industry leader for stainless steel cabinetry in the outdoors for over 20 years. In this article, we compare brick and stainless steel for outdoor kitchens for your rooftop, patio, or backyard space.
Brick Outdoor Kitchen Design
Brick is durable, relatively inexpensive, and it provides a timeless look for your outdoor living space. Individual bricks are also fire resistant, although the fire resistance is affected by the mortar holding the bricks together. The major downsides to a brick outdoor kitchens is it’s difficult to clean, requires professional installation, requires upkeep and replacement, and the look of brick is not universally appealing. Since brick is porous, any spilled liquids will soak into it. Although it can be painted to reduce porosity and improve its appearance, it will need to be repainted periodically. Installation requires masonry skills as well, which means a contractor on the jobsite for lengthy and messy installation, especially when bricks need to be cut to house outdoor kitchen appliances. Bricks can break or crack too, so replacement is often required.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Design
Stainless steel is largely composed of iron, but it also contains the element chromium, which is a vital rust deterrent. Danver manufactures outdoor kitchen cabinetry using 304 or 316 (marine) grade stainless steel, which are both durable, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to fire. The main drawback of bare stainless steel is that it is susceptible to rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion when exposed to the outdoors without proper maintenance. However, stainless steel can be powder coated, which adds an attractive layer that reduces maintenance to a bare minimum. Best of all, powder coats do not need to be reapplied like paint. Stainless steel is non-porous, easy to clean, will not crack or warp, and the cabinet boxes will maintain their structural integrity through all kinds of weather conditions.
Stainless Steel is the Best Option for the Outdoors
By comparing the pros and cons of brick and stainless steel for outdoor kitchens, stainless steel comes out on top for durability, attractiveness, maintenance, longevity, long term return on investment, and structural integrity. While brick is hailed for being less expensive than stainless steel, upkeep and replacement will mean more cost long term. To put it simply, stainless steel will create a beautiful, luxury outdoor kitchen that can last a lifetime in your backyard, and brick will not.
Brick can be painted to reduce its porosity and make it easier to clean. Although stainless steel is not porous, powder coating the surface will reduce maintenance to a bare minimum. By contrast, painted brick will need to be repainted regularly to help preserve its appearance. While every material is going to require maintenance in an outdoor living space, Danver’s powder coated stainless steel cabinets require minimal maintenance – just rinse them with clean water and mild soap. Regardless of the weather, our UV resistant powder coat finishes stay vibrant over time – meaning that the look you want will always be the look you have.
Bricklaying is a professional trade that requires training and skill. It is labor and time intensive, often requiring weeks on site to complete a job. By contrast, Danver cabinets include professional resources, like installation instructions, and the cabinets are shipped preassembled. Unlike brick, installation of our stainless steel cabinetry is simple, convenient, and some projects can be completed within hours.
While brick and stainless steel are both viable options for your outdoor kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel is the better choice for long term durability and beauty. Powder coated stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry will give you the best return on your investment and give you the freedom to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space with minimal maintenance for years to come.
Contact the leaders in stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry for a quote on your next project!
This article is based on industry knowledge and research by outdoor kitchen design professionals, including our in-house experts and engineers with decades of experience.Our goal at Danver is to provide factual information on relevant topics to help readers make informed decisions about their outdoor living spaces.
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