If you have inquired with RTA about getting an outdoor kitchen… you may have learned that some RTA outdoor kitchen finishes cost more than others. Why is that?
It’s an excellent question, and the answer may not have been explained to you in the moment… which is irritating!
In this article, you will see all the different RTA outdoor kitchen finish options, see which ones have an upcharge, and learn why that upcharge exists.
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Finish Options
Which RTA Finishes Have an Upcharge?
Currently, 4 RTA finish options come with an upcharge: Plank Charcoal, Slat Charcoal, Slat Bright, and Slat Walnut.
Plank Charcoal comes with an $85 upcharge per linear foot, and the Slat finishes come with an $115 upcharge per linear foot. In the case of a 7’ linear island, this means you would pay an additional $595 for Plank Charcoal or $805 for a Slat finish.
Why Do Some RTA Finishes Have an Upcharge?
You might be wondering why Plank Charcoal comes with an upcharge, but not Plank Bright. They’re the same finish style… so what gives? Well, Charcoal Plank is highly pigmented to be near-black, and this level of pigment increases the cost significantly. Whereas, Plank Bright is hardly colored at all.
However, that doesn’t explain the Slat trio: Charcoal, Bright, and Walnut. Why are all three of these finishes more expensive?
The Slat finishes are unique from other RTA finishes in the sense that they are what we call High Definition outdoor kitchen finishes. This requires a specific type of high-performance concrete (called ultra high-performance concrete), which is designed to handle more intricate formwork. This type of concrete is slightly more expensive, and it requires more labor to get these finishes to come out looking perfect… which, on both accounts, will increase the cost.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Kitchen Finish
Now that you understand why some RTA outdoor kitchen finishes cost more than others… you’ll have to decide which finish is best for your backyard space. This can prove to be a tricky task!
Luckily, we have some pointers to nudge you in the right direction. Recently, we wrote an article about how to choose a finish for your outdoor kitchen. This blog will prompt you to ponder some deep questions, and by the end, you’ll get a good sense of what finish style may be best for you.
Enjoy the read, and we’ll catch you in the next article!

