When designing your dream outdoor kitchen, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between constructing an outdoor kitchen frame and ordering custom-made outdoor cabinets.
While both options can provide a functional cooking space, the long-term value, durability, labor involved, and aesthetic appeal significantly differ. Each have their merits, but custom-made outdoor cabinets offer a clear advantage. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Outdoor Kitchen Frames
Outdoor kitchen frames typically involve building a structural skeleton using materials like aluminum or wood. An outdoor kitchen frame typically consists of a skeleton structure made from materials like two-by-fours or welded aluminum, covered with concrete board and finished with materials like tile, stone, or stucco. You might also add metal inserts or other exoskeletal components for weather protection. Essentially, the frame serves as the structural core, with various skins layered on top.
Durability Concerns:
- Wooden frames, even when pressure-treated, are susceptible to rot and water damage. Although they may last for a while, they are not ideal for long-term outdoor exposure.
- Welded aluminum frames, while more weather-resistant, require professional expertise to assemble correctly, adding to the cost and complexity of installation.
Limited Customization and Functionality:
- Outdoor kitchen frames often focus on aesthetic flexibility but lack the functionality that a complete cabinet system provides. You might end up with a kitchen that looks good but doesn’t fully meet your storage and usability needs.
Upfront vs. Long-Term Cost:
- Aluminum frames must be professionally welded, which can become costly, unless you have the expertise – in which case it’s still a time-consuming process.
- The initial cost might seem lower compared to custom outdoor cabinetry. However, the need for ongoing maintenance and potential repairs can quickly add up, making frames less cost-effective in the long run.
Why Custom-Made Outdoor Cabinets Are Superior
Werever’s custom-made outdoor cabinets take outdoor kitchen design to a new level. Made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), these cabinets are weatherproof, stain-resistant, and exceptionally durable. They don’t require ongoing maintenance like wood or stainless steel and are engineered to withstand the harshest environments, from intense sun to heavy rain. Here’s why they stand out:
Unmatched Durability:
- Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Werever outdoor kitchen cabinets withstand harsh weather, UV exposure, and moisture without chipping, cracking, or warping. This makes them ideal for any climate.
- Unlike frames that require ongoing maintenance or professional welding, custom cabinets arrive fully assembled, saving time and effort.
Infinite Customization Options:
- Whether you prefer sleek modern aesthetics or a more rustic look, Werever cabinets offer a range of colors, styles, and finishes to match your outdoor vision.
- Outdoor kitchen cabinets are precisely designed to fit your space and appliances, eliminating awkward gaps or ill-fitting components often seen with framed constructions.
Time & Cost Savings:
- While custom outdoor kitchen cabinets may have a higher upfront cost, they offer significant savings over time. You’ll avoid the expense of repairs or replacements that often accompany traditional frames.
- Using custom outdoor cabinets is a much easier DIY outdoor kitchen undertaking. Building an outdoor kitchen frame is time-intensive. Our free design service allows us to custom-cut cabinets to your space so you just have to fit them together – which many of our customers can do in just a few hours!
Can You Mix Frames with Custom Cabinets?
Absolutely. If you love the look of tile, stone, or stucco, you can integrate these materials while still taking advantage of Werever’s durable cabinetry. Our team has a design process that encourages creativity and flexibility, ensuring that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but also functions at the highest level.
Custom Cabinets Win
Werever’s custom outdoor cabinets are built to last a lifetime. They are designed specifically for outdoor use, are easy to install, and come with a lifetime warranty. Instead of piecing together a kitchen from a skeleton frame, you get a complete, functional, and stylish solution right from the start. Need to move to a new home or expand your living environment? You can take your cabinets with you.
When building an outdoor kitchen, it’s essential to prioritize quality and functionality over just aesthetics. When it comes to outdoor kitchens, investing in custom-made outdoor cabinets from Werever far outweighs the perceived cost benefits of framed structures. With the ability to withstand any climate and remain low-maintenance with superior durability, these custom outdoor cabinets are not just a purchase but an investment in quality and longevity.