Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Outdoor kitchen cabinets in Fort Lauderdale face conditions no indoor cabinet sees: direct sun, wind-driven rain during summer storms, pool splash, and salt air that corrodes ordinary metal. A grill island that looks great the first month can show rust streaks, swollen panels and stuck drawers within a year if the wrong materials are used. We design outdoor cabinetry for lanais, covered patios and pool decks with materials chosen for those conditions.

Materials for outdoor cabinets

• 316 stainless steel: the grade to use near salt water. It contains about 2 to 3 percent molybdenum, which gives it better resistance to chlorides than 304 stainless. Brushed finishes hide fingerprints and fine scratches.
• Polymer (HDPE): marine-grade polymer does not rust, rot or swell, comes in solid colors and wood looks, and cleans with soap and water. It can expand slightly in heat, so it needs proper gaps and fasteners.
• Powder-coated aluminum: light and corrosion-resistant if the coating is intact; scratches should be touched up.
• Masonry with stucco or stone: a block island finished to match the house, fitted with stainless access doors and drawers.

Wood cabinets and indoor particleboard do not belong outside here, even under a roof.

Hardware and details that matter near salt water

Hinges, slides, screws and pulls must be stainless or non-metallic, or they will rust first and stain everything around them. Doors should have drainage gaps and the bottoms of cabinets should sit slightly off the deck so water does not pool inside. Gaskets on doors help keep out lizards, insects and blowing rain. Rinsing stainless surfaces with fresh water every so often removes salt before it can start pitting.

Planning the island

We lay out the outdoor kitchen around the grill and any side burners, a sink, an outdoor refrigerator, and landing space on both sides of the grill. Built-in grills need the cutout dimensions from the manufacturer and, for many models, an insulating jacket when they sit in a combustible island. Countertops for outdoor use are usually granite, dense quartzite, concrete or porcelain slab, since some quartz products are not rated for direct sun.

Gas, water and power

Natural gas or propane lines, outdoor sinks and new outdoor outlets are all work that needs permits and licensed trades. Outdoor outlets near water need GFCI protection. We plan the cabinet layout so these connections are reachable for service.

Hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Built-in islands are heavy and anchored, but loose items, cushions, covers and freestanding carts should be brought in before a storm. Polymer and stainless cabinets can be hosed off after a storm to remove salt spray and debris. If your outdoor kitchen is in an HOA community, the association may also need to approve the design and location.