If you’re in the throes of outdoor kitchen research… at some point, you’ll encounter all sorts of information about different outdoor kitchen build methods and solutions. And perhaps, you’re at the stage of narrowing down your options between an RTA concrete outdoor kitchen or a metal framed outdoor kitchen.
But, of course, the question becomes… “Which is better?”
As the sole manufacturer of RTA concrete outdoor kitchens, we certainly have the experience to speak about the pros and cons of our product! And just to be clear… just in writing this comparison article we are aware of how the information to follow may come off as inherently biased. To help quell your concerns, rest assured that we have done our best to be completely transparent about the advantages and disadvantages of both RTA concrete and metal framed outdoor kitchens. The truth is, RTA outdoor kitchens aren’t necessarily the right choice for everyone, and this article is designed to help you figure out where you land.
Cost / Price
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Cost
At the time of writing, RTA concrete outdoor kitchens will cost around $1,400 – $2,000 per linear foot. This price range includes the cost of the island structure, countertops, and included appliances.
Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Price ranges for metal framed outdoor kitchens are harder to pin down. The vast majority of the time, you’ll hire a local contractor to build this outdoor kitchen for you… and costs can vary widely depending on the labor market in your area and the quality of materials and appliances that are used. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 – $2,500 per linear foot all-in. If you work with a highly qualified outdoor kitchen contractor, this range is more likely to be somewhere around $2,000 – $4,000 per linear foot all-in.
Winner
In some cases, metal framed outdoor kitchens will be cheaper than RTA… and in other cases, they’ll be more expensive. Since the range widely overlaps, we’ll call this one a tie.
Longevity of Materials
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Materials
RTA outdoor kitchens are made with a proprietary high performance concrete that is rated for 100 years. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect the structure of an outdoor kitchen to last at least a couple decades.
Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Materials
Metal framed outdoor kitchens are constructed with 3 primary components: the metal frame, a cement board sheathing, and the finish material (stucco, stone veneer, tile, etc.). Similar to the difficulty of nailing down a price range, the expected longevity of a metal framed outdoor kitchen also depends on the quality of materials used. So for our purposes, this will be a general estimate.
The most common point of failure with a metal framed outdoor kitchen will begin with the cement board sheathing. This is an organic material that readily absorbs moisture, and most cement board brands are only covered by a warranty of one year. If water is allowed to wick into the cement board, this exerts pressure on the frame and finish of the outdoor kitchen. The frame is subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture exposure, and the finish is prone to cracking or pieces falling off due to the moisture expansion. This set of circumstances is common in climates where rain, humidity, and other precipitation is a regular occurrence. In our experience, when this happens to a metal framed outdoor kitchen, significant wear and finish damage appears at around the 5 year mark. Depending on your situation, you can expect 5-10 years of longevity with a metal framed outdoor kitchen.
Winner
RTA concrete outdoor kitchen
Climate Durability
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Climate Durability
RTA concrete outdoor kitchens were specifically engineered to endure harsh New England winters. Therefore, these outdoor kitchens are exceptionally durable in all climates in the United States. High performance concrete is dense, and does not absorb moisture readily. Therefore, it is not impacted by the damages normally caused by moisture absorption and expansion. This concrete is unaffected by snow, ice, rain, extreme heat, humidity, and salty ocean air. Additionally, concrete cannot rust, corrode, mold, rot, or warp. As such, RTA outdoor kitchens are hardy in all climate conditions.
Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Climate Durability
Due to the aforementioned moisture absorption issue with cement board, metal framed outdoor kitchens struggle in many climates… especially in areas with harsh winters, where freeze thaw cycles are common. Metal framed outdoor kitchens will be most susceptible in climates with harsh winters, high humidity, and coastal climates. That said, metal framed outdoor kitchens can be a decent solution in dry, arid climates where moisture isn’t an issue. When not consistently exposed to moisture, metal framed outdoor kitchens can be decently durable.
Winner
RTA concrete outdoor kitchen
Customization Potential
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Customization Potential
RTA concrete outdoor kitchens are exceptionally customizable, especially when customers work 1-on-1 with a design expert. Island length, appliance type, finish options, countertop type, and much more are all highly flexible and able to be modified to your desires. That said, there are some limitations to the RTA system. Two-tier bar islands or anything curved are not possible with RTA outdoor kitchens.
Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Customization Potential
The customization potential of metal framed outdoor kitchens rests solely on the skill of your contractor. If they don’t have much experience, they’re likely only capable of simpler designs. But if they are experienced and highly skilled, they may be able to offer customization options that exceed what RTA can offer.
Winner
If you have a highly skilled contractor, metal framed outdoor kitchens will have more customization potential.
Safety
RTA Outdoor Kitchen Safety
RTA outdoor kitchens are intentionally designed with safety in mind. As mentioned previously, RTA outdoor kitchens are constructed with high performance concrete, which is a completely non-combustible material. Additionally, there is open-air ventilation provided in 7 unique locations on every island structure… exceeding ventilation requirements for Coyote appliances. (RTA outdoor kitchens are included with appliances from Coyote Outdoor Living).
Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Safety
Once again, the safety of a metal framed outdoor kitchen rests heavily on the experience of your contractor. Many contractors are unaware of the guidelines involved with building a safe outdoor kitchen, which can put you in a dangerous position down the road. If your contractor is knowledgeable about ventilation requirements and appliance setback requirements, then safety should not be an issue.
Winner
This is a tie, as long as your contractor is truly knowledgeable about safe outdoor kitchen construction.
Is an RTA Concrete Outdoor Kitchen or Metal Framed Outdoor Kitchen Right for You?
Now that you’ve come to the end of this comparison… hopefully, you have a better idea of which outdoor kitchen solution is better for your needs. But if you still need a little guidance, here’s a no-nonsense way to figure out which option you should choose.
You should choose an RTA concrete outdoor kitchen if:
- You want your outdoor kitchen to be a one-time, long-lasting investment
- You live in a harsh climate and need a more durable solution
- You don’t need customization that involves two-tier islands or curves
- You want an outdoor kitchen that is specifically designed with safety in mind
You should choose a metal framed outdoor kitchen if:
- You’re working with a tight budget (some contractors are less expensive)
- You’re comfortable with a 5-10 year lifespan and don’t mind making repairs
- You live in a dry, arid climate where metal framed outdoor kitchens perform better
- You need a high degree of customization, such as two-tiered islands or curves
If you are finding yourself convinced that RTA Outdoor Living is the right choice for you… perhaps it’s time to hop on a call with a Design Expert? They’ll work 1-on-1 with you to create your dream outdoor kitchen design, and walk you through the entire process.
