Construction Materials & Methods

Learn about our construction materials and methods

Engineered for the Outdoors

Building an outdoor kitchen requires materials that can withstand the elements. Many outdoor kitchen manufacturers use materials that are inferior and lack moisture resistance. Furthermore, they are often built with dangerous combustible materials and improper venting. RTA outdoor kitchens are engineered for the outdoors. We use only non-combustible materials and exceed venting requirements for natural gas and liquid propane grills. Our outdoor kitchens will safely provide you with many years of entertainment.

The RTA Approach

Our approach centers around quality engineering and value innovation. This allows us to manufacture the best product at the most competitive price point. If you select RTA you will receive a product that will compliment your home and last.

When researching for an outdoor kitchen, there are a variety of options. We hope you find the information below helpful in your process.
The RTA Approach

Our approach centers around quality engineering and value innovation. This allows us to manufacture the best product at the most competitive price point. If you select RTA you will receive a product that will compliment your home and last.

When researching for an outdoor kitchen, there are a variety of options. We hope you find the information below helpful in your process.

Construction Method Comparison

 

Prefab / Modular

(Bull, Lion, Kokomo, Cal Flame,
Lynx, RH Peterson, House Warmings)

Ready-to-Finish

(Exterus, RTF Systems, Grillnetics, EOK, El Dorado, Stone Age)

Aluminum

(Saber, Challenger, Newage, Gensun, Weber, Charbroil)

RTA Outdoor Living

(Ready-to-Assemble)
Construction Galvanized steel or aluminum frame with cement board. Commonly glue-on veneer stone or stucco finish. Galvanized steel or aluminum frame with cement board. Precast GFRC boxes or light weight concrete panels. Powder coated aluminum sheeting over metal frame. Engineered Concrete Composite panels, reinforced with composite rebar and aluminum alignment channels.
Countertop Most come standard with a framed veneer tile countertop. Countertop usually not included and must be sourced locally. Most come standard with powder coated aluminum or stainless-steel countertop. Comes standard with 2” chiseled edge countertop made from Engineered Concrete Composite.
Build/Install Depending on access, islands require heavy equipment or crane to set in location. Installation usually includes installing grill and appliances. Some assembly of boxes or panels. Can usually be transported by cart or 2-person hand carry. Requires veneer finishing, countertop, grill, and appliance installation. Usually able to be cart or 2-person carried into location. Installation can include some assembly of components, installation of grill and appliances. Panels and countertops can be cart or 2-person hand carried into location. Installation includes assembly of panels, placing countertop, and inserting grill and appliances.
Retrofit/Footer Poured footer or flat level installation surface recommended. Difficult to shim level and uneven surfaces can put stress on counter tile construction. Difficult to retrofit on pitched surface. Poured footer commonly recommended. Depends on total weight of finished island. Can be retrofitted over existing patio; not recommended on wood or composite deck. Can be installed over existing surface. Most come with adjustable legs to deal with pitch or irregularities. Can be installed over almost any existing surface – no footing required. Patent pending alignment channel system allows for adjustments to deal with up to 2.5” pitch.
Finish Typically stucco or glue on veneer stone paneling. Requires masonry finishing. Powder coated aluminum finish. Available in Stacked Stone, Weathered Wood, Reclaimed Brick, and Modern Concrete.
Weather Durability Most perform poorly in freeze-thaw climates and coastal areas. Dependent on quality of finish work. Cement board and steel not recommended for freeze-thaw or coastal areas Some perform poorly in coastal areas with exposure to salt water and humidity. Engineered to perform in all climates. Nothing to rot, rust or erode.
Warranty 1 Year Warranty Limited Warranty – MFG defects Varies Lifetime Warranty on Island Base & 2 year warranty on Countertop
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