Outdoor Kitchen Finish Materials

Grilling is the perfect way to keep family and friends fed during summer entertaining. Whether you’re soaking up the sun poolside or lounging away balmy evenings while the kids play in the yard, an outdoor kitchen serves as the centerpiece of an attractive and functional backyard living space. 

Naturally, you want this key component to stand up to the elements and the test of time. This means choosing finish materials that won’t fade, chip, crack, or come undone under wind, rain, and sun. What are some of the most popular options for finish materials, and which one is right for your outdoor kitchen? 

Sleek, Resilient Powder Coat 

For understated, modern appeal that gives your outdoor kitchen a refined feel, you can’t go wrong with powder coating to finish aluminum, stainless steel, or other steel alloy surfaces. Non-toxic powder coat is attractive and available in a rainbow of hues to suit every outdoor space and style sensibility. 

It also provides an added layer of resistance to the elements. This finish won’t rot, rust, or warp, and it prevents damage to metal surfaces, ensuring exceptional longevity. The sleek, consistent appearance provides the perfect balance of sophistication and casual vibes you’re looking for in your outdoor entertaining space. 

Lightweight Stucco 

Stucco can add an eye-catching texture to an outdoor kitchen island base, and it offers the appeal of being lightweight, affordable, and relatively easy to install. It can also be stained or pigmented to deliver a range of color options, and during application, it may be sculpted into a variety of textures and designs. 

While stucco tends to hold up well to a variety of weather conditions, it does shrink and swell with temperature fluctuations. Although it can withstand both heat and cold, the porous nature of this material is not well-suited to humid environments, and some level of moisture protection will be required. 

Affordable, Customizable Tile 

More often used for kitchen backsplashes, tile could also be applied to larger portions of your outdoor kitchen to create a unique, custom look. Available in materials like ceramic, porcelain, and stone, tiles offer a wide range of benefits, features, and pricing. 

Tile is typically durable, although some materials, like natural stone, are better suited to an outdoor environment. Ceramic and porcelain tiles could suffer cracks and chips due to extreme weather or impact. You may also want to consider the difficulties of cleaning and maintaining grout before selecting tile. 

Rich, Rustic Stacked Stone 

This popular choice for façades delivers both rich textures and natural hues to create visual interest while blending beautifully with natural surroundings. Slate, travertine, and flagstone are all common options that provide robust and lasting appeal. 

Keep in mind that preserving natural stone will require some specialized maintenance, including regular sealing, to prevent moisture intrusion and other potential harm. Stacked stone can also be difficult to clean, and debris may collect between the layers. 

Traditional Brick 

If you have a traditional home style, especially a brick exterior, you might lean toward the classic structure and warmth of brick to finish your outdoor kitchen island. It’s a good choice for DIY enthusiasts, as stacking is a cinch. Although the material isn’t cheap, you could save some money on installation by applying a bit of elbow grease. 

Brick is resistant to rot, warping, and fading, and it requires minimal upkeep, which is ideal for busy homeowners. However, it is a very specific look that may not match every design style, especially more modern architecture. 

Modern, Durable Concrete 

Concrete is an interesting option that offers the benefits of affordability and an incredibly modern appearance. It can be dyed, stamped, and customized in a variety of ways. However, vertical applications can be a bit complicated. 

This material is generally durable and low-maintenance, and it can withstand a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. However, it’s also porous, and when prepared improperly, it may be prone to cracking. You’ll definitely want to hire professionals for this type of installation rather than taking a DIY approach. 

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Project 

Your outdoor kitchen should be designed with materials and finishes that can stand up to your climate, whether you deal with extreme heat or cold, humid conditions, or all of the above. They must also be rated for use near the heat of your grill, smoker, or other appliances. With the right finishing materials, you can ensure that your kitchen island fits in seamlessly with existing architecture and landscaping and suits your personal tastes, creating the ideal outdoor space for enjoying leisure time with loved ones. 

Let the experts at Stono Outdoor Living help create your dream outdoor kitchen. Start building your kitchen with our 3D configurator; it's simple and easy to use. Or schedule a no-obligation design consultation to tailor a custom outdoor kitchen design that combines comfort, functionality, and style. We guarantee a perfect fit, free shipping, and easy assembly. Shop Islands or Schedule a Consultation today.