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Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
The cabinets you install in your outside kitchen must be as weatherproof as the special appliances
that are made for these outdoor cooking and
entertaining areas. Cabinets made for interior
kitchens are not suitable, as they are generally
made from plywood and other veneered sheet
goods that will delaminate quickly once they
are exposed to the rigors of moisture from
the rain, ultraviolet light from the sun,
and seasonal temperature changes. Good exterior
cabinets can stand up to all these adverse
conditions. They should have sturdy latches
to keep animals out of them and heavy duty
rubber gaskets or weather stripping around
the doors and drawers to prevent water, dust,
and bugs from getting in. A drain should
be installed in the bottom of the cabinet
floor will prevent remove rain and condensation.
Consider the following choices if you are
buying exterior cabinets:
- Stainless steel is probably the most durable
material for exterior cabinets as it will
not rot or rust. It is easy to clean; and
as it matches the stainless steel fronts
of many outdoor appliances, will give the
kitchen a fully integrated look.
- If you are striving for a warmer, more natural
look for your kitchen, you can use special
wooden cabinets. These should be made from
rot resistant woods such as teak, cedar,
or mahogany. Exterior wooden cabinets should
be constructed with marine grade adhesives
and have stainless steel (not aluminum) hardware.
- Exterior cabinets can also be built from
rot and ultraviolet light resistant polymer
board. These can be stained or painted any
color.
- Another option is to build the casings of
the cabinets with pressure treated lumber
and face them with brick, stucco or stone
that matches or complements the exterior
siding of the house. The cabinet doors can
be stainless steel or rot resistant wood.
Lastly, be sure to plan for ample room and
then fully equip the kitchen. Nothing defeats
the advantages of outdoor cabinets more than
still having to run back inside for utensils
you need. |
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