Outdoor Kitchen Materials: What Actually Lasts Outside

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Have you ever seen an outdoor kitchen that looked great when it was brand new but started failing after a few seasons? Have you wondered why some materials rust, swell, crack, or just don’t hold up outside? You’re in the right place because outdoor rated is not just a nice

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to have, it’s the foundation of a kitchen that actually lasts. In this video, I’ll explain what fails outside, why it fails, and how RTA thinks about both the kitchen structure and the appliances from day one. Hi, I’m Jordan from RTA Outdoor Living and today we’re

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talking about why outdoor rated materials and appliances matter so much when you’re building an outdoor kitchen. The easiest way to think about this is simple. An outdoor kitchen is not just an indoor kitchen placed outside. Indoor cabinets, indoor finishes, and indoor

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appliances are not built for rain, humidity, direct sun, freezing temperatures, heat from grills, insects, or salt air. Outside, everything gets tested. If a material absorbs moisture,

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it can swell, crack, rot, or break down. If metal is not protected or is the wrong grade, it can rust or corrode. If a finish is only stuck onto the surface, it can start to separate over time. One of the most common problem areas is the

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structure of the kitchen itself. Some outdoor kitchens use metal frames, wood frames, cement board, masonry layers, or surface cladding. Some of those materials can work in the right situation, but each one has its weaknesses. Wood is combustible, can

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rot, warp, swell, or attract insects. Metal can rust or corrode when moisture gets inside the structure. Cement board may be water resistant, but that does not mean it is immune to outdoor moisture, especially in freeze, thaw,

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humid, or coastal environments. And with layered finishes like tile, stone veneer, stucco, the risk is that the outer layer can crack, flate, or delaminate if the system is not built correctly. That is

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why RTA takes a different approach with our main outdoor kitchen system. RTA kitchen panels are made from high-performance concrete reinforced with microfers. The idea is to create a structural panel that is built for

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outdoor conditions. instead of building a frame first and then depending on multiple layers to protect it. Concrete is non-combustible. It does not rust and it does not rot. That matters because the structure is

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what supports the grill, appliances, countertops, and the entire outdoor kitchen experience. [music] But outdoor rated is not just about the island. The appliances matter just as much. A grill, refrigerator, side burner, access door, or storage drawer

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is going to be exposed to moisture, grease, heat, temperature swings, and everyday use. If the appliance is made with lower quality materials, it may look fine at first, but over time it can tarnish, rust, corrode, or become harder

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to use. That’s why RTA commonly works with Coyote outdoor appliances, which are built from 304 stainless steel and [music] designed specifically for outdoor use. The other thing homeowners should know is that the appliance fit matters. You just don’t pick a grill because it looks good and then hope it

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works in the island. You need to think about size, fuel type, ventilation, clearances, access for service, and how the appliance actually supports the way you cook. A customer who grills once a month may need a different setup than

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somebody who wants a grill, side burner, refrigerator, storage, and a full entertaining station. So, the big takeaway of this is outdoor rated is not optional if you want an outdoor kitchen to last. It affects the structure, the finish, the appliances, the safety of

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the installation, and the long-term experience of using the space. RTA is a good fit for homeowners who want an outdoor kitchen designed as a complete outdoor system, not a collection of indoor ideas forced into an outdoor

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environment. Try our free outdoor kitchen design tool. And if you’re unsure which materials or appliances are right for your backyard, book a free consultation with one of our design experts.