As you consider what type of outdoor kitchen you’d like to build… a cinder block outdoor kitchen may be in the running for you.
Cinder blocks are quite durable, perform well in all climates, and will last a long time. But there are some snags when it comes to building a cinder block outdoor kitchen. One of the primary issues is the concern around proper ventilation.
As an outdoor kitchen company that makes concrete outdoor kitchens… there’s a reason why we decided to opt for concrete panels over a more traditional cinder block method. In this article, you will learn why ventilating a cinder block outdoor kitchen is more challenging than it may seem, and if there’s a good alternative to this method.
Why is Ventilation Challenging for Cinder Block Outdoor Kitchens?
Ventilation is a challenge in cinder block outdoor kitchens for 2 reasons: small interior cavity, and it’s a difficult medium to work with.
- Small Interior Cavity: Cinder blocks are a bulky material to work with, especially when creating an outdoor kitchen structure. Due to the nature of this material, you end up with a small interior island cavity. This creates an issue for ventilation, because there is not much open space for heat and gas to settle. So even if there is some ventilation present, there’s a greater chance of pressure buildup that could lead to an explosion.
- Difficult Medium to Work With: Aside from the bulk factor, cinder block is a difficult medium to work with. It’s heavy to lift and arrange into the proper order… but it’s also challenging to make modifications to the cinder block itself. Installing vents requires you to cut them into the cinder block structure, which is a challenge to do, even if you’re skilled. Paired with the lack of open cavity space, you need to install even more vents than you normally would to accommodate for this.
Is there a Good Alternative to Cinder Block Outdoor Kitchens for Proper Ventilation?
Now that you have an understanding of why cinder block outdoor kitchens are a challenge to ventilate… you might be feeling a bit uneasy about moving forward with this building material. You want the durability and staying power of concrete, but is there a better alternative to cinder blocks?
If that’s where you’re at, take comfort! There is indeed an alternative that can suit all your needs: RTA high performance concrete.
High performance concrete outdoor kitchens offer even more durability and longevity compared to traditional cinder block construction… with a much smaller footprint. These outdoor kitchens are built as a panelized structure. Meaning, you are bolting 4 panels together to create the structure, and the interior is completely hollow. RTA concrete outdoor kitchens also have ventilation integrated into the panels, so there’s no need to figure it out yourself.
If your interest is piqued and you’d like to learn more, this article will explain exactly how durable an RTA outdoor kitchen is… and whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
