Designing a great outdoor kitchen is about more than just choosing a barbecue and a few cabinets.
The materials you select will determine how well your kitchen stands up to Australia’s harsh climate, and how good it looks years down the track.
At Wave Kitchens, we specialise in creating durable, stylish outdoor kitchens Sydney homeowners love, combining modern kitchen designs with quality materials built to last.
If you are planning a new outdoor kitchen, here’s everything you need to know about the best and worst materials to use, plus a few tips to make sure your investment delivers real value over time.
Why Material Choice Matters for Outdoor Kitchens
Unlike indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens must handle constant exposure to sun, rain, wind, salt air and humidity.
Even in sheltered courtyards or covered patios, fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels can wear down poor quality materials surprisingly fast.
Choosing the right finishes, cabinetry and benchtops is critical if you want an outdoor kitchen that not only looks good but also stays functional without constant repairs.
At Wave Kitchens, we see too many DIY projects fail because the wrong products were installed in the wrong environment.
When planning outdoor kitchen designs, durability should always come first, followed closely by style and practicality.
Best Benchtop Materials for Outdoor Kitchens
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is often the first choice for outdoor kitchen benchtops and for good reason. Stainless steel benchtops are weather resistant, hygienic, easy to clean and highly durable. With minimal maintenance, stainless steel surfaces can last decades without rusting or warping.
However, it can show fingerprints and scratches over time, so a brushed or matte finish is often a smarter choice for busy spaces.
Best for: Harsh coastal areas, homes looking for a sleek, modern finish.
- Engineered Stone (Specifically Outdoor Rated)
Many people love the look of engineered stone in indoor kitchens, but not all stone products are suitable for outdoor use. UV light can discolour certain types of engineered stone if the wrong product is selected.
Outdoor-rated quartz and porcelain benchtops are better options. They resist fading, are scratch resistant and come in a wide range of styles perfect for modern kitchens Sydney wide.
Best for: Elegant outdoor kitchens needing a more polished look without sacrificing durability.
- Natural Stone (Granite and Some Sandstone)
Granite is one of the toughest natural stones available and holds up extremely well outside.
It can handle heat, water and UV light without major problems, thought it does need sealing regularly to stay protected from staining.
Some sandstones can also work outdoors, but they are generally softer and more porous than granite, making maintenance more involved.
Best for: High-end custom kitchens Sydney where natural character and luxury are key.
Materials You Should Avoid Outdoors
Unfortunately, not every beautiful material is suitable for outdoor use.
Here are a few finishes and products that often fail prematurely when exposed to the elements:
- Laminate surfaces: Water can seep into edges and cause swelling.
- Standard MDF or particleboard cabinetry: Even “moisture resistant” indoor MDF can warp and crumble outside.
- Indoor engineered stone (not UV rated): Prone to fading and warping in strong sun.
- Soft natural woods like pine: Rots quickly unless heavily treated and maintained.
If you are after low-maintenance kitchen makeovers or kitchen renovations outdoors, it’s best to invest in materials built specifically for outdoor conditions.
Best Cabinetry Materials for Outdoor Kitchens
- Marine-Grade Plywood with Waterproof Coatings
Marine-grade plywood is engineered for high-moisture environments.
When paired with proper waterproof coatings or high-quality vinyl wrap, it creates sturdy cabinets that can survive rain, humidity and coastal salt air.
We often recommend marine ply combined with custom built joinery for clients wanting an elegant, highly functional finish that lasts.
- Stainless Steel Cabinets
If absolute weatherproofing is the goal, stainless steel cabinetry is the premium choice.
It offers unmatched resistance to corrosion and is ideal for homes close to the beach or exposed to tough weather.
While more expensive initially, stainless cabinetry needs very little maintenance compared to painted timber or standard flatpack cabinets.
- Outdoor-Specific PVC or HDPE Cabinetry
Heavy-duty PVC or HDPE cabinets are designed specifically for outdoor use.
They resist mould, mildew, UV rays and moisture, making them a smart low-maintenance choice, especially for small kitchen spaces and small kitchen fit outs where practicality matters.
Flooring Options That Work Well Outdoors
Choosing the right flooring is just as important as selecting good benchtops and cabinets.
Common outdoor kitchen flooring options include:
- Porcelain tiles: UV stable, slip resistant and low maintenance.
- Concrete: Sealed concrete floors are durable and modern, fitting into many modern kitchen designs.
- Natural stone pavers: Provide a classic, timeless look but require sealing and occasional resealing.
Timber decking looks fantastic but needs regular oiling and maintenance to withstand heavy use and moisture.
What About Appliances and Fixtures?
Outdoor-rated appliances are essential.
Never install indoor dishwashers, fridges or ovens outside without checking they are properly rated for external use.
At Wave Kitchens, we work closely with local suppliers to source high-quality outdoor appliances that match your overall kitchen inspirations and designs.
Fixtures like taps and sinks should also be made from marine-grade stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials to withstand constant exposure.
Matching Style with Durability
You don’t have to sacrifice looks to get a tough, weatherproof outdoor kitchen.
Our team specialises in custom joinery, custom made fit outs and kitchen cabinet designer solutions that combine hard-wearing finishes with the sleek, contemporary styles today’s homeowners love.
From small kitchen cabinet designs perfect for compact courtyards to full luxury outdoor dining spaces, we tailor each project to the home, the client’s lifestyle and the local conditions.
If you love flat pack kitchens Sydney or need wholesale kitchens Sydney options for a development project, we can customise outdoor-friendly packages too.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen with Wave Kitchens
At Wave Kitchens, we understand the difference between creating a kitchen that just looks good and one that performs.
Our team combines real-world experience with the latest modern kitchen designs to deliver results that are beautiful, practical and built to handle Australia’s climate.
Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation, updating your patio with a new barbecue area or working through major bathroom installation and laundry designs alongside your kitchen project, we can help.
We offer:
- Tailored outdoor kitchen designs to suit any space or budget
- Expert advice on the best materials for long-term performance
- Professional cabinet installation using high-quality local and imported products
- Solutions for both custom-made wardrobes and integrated storage in outdoor settings
- Advice on matching your indoor and outdoor kitchens for seamless living
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?
If you are ready to create a stunning outdoor entertaining area built to last, talk to the team at Wave Kitchens today.
We are passionate about delivering outdoor kitchens that blend craftsmanship, durability and style, all customised to suit the way you live.
Contact us to start planning your outdoor kitchen designs and find out how easy it is to bring your vision to life with expert advice and quality craftsmanship.