As with an indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchens require extra attention in selecting the little details that may be forgotten about but nonetheless add to the aesthetic and character of the room. In addition, very careful attention needs to be paid to the durability and weatherability of fixtures such as cabinet handles and incidental fittings in an outdoor kitchen. Below we’ll look at some of the ways you can be sure of picking out the best hardware for your Long Island, NY outdoor kitchen.
Materials
In most cases, outdoor kitchen hardware has the advantage of being bolder and less detailed than that used in indoor kitchens, appealing to a more rugged outdoor look. As such, finely detailed and intricate fittings tend to be overlooked in favor of tougher, more practical knobs and handles. Ornate fittings need not be done away with completely, provided they will stand up to the rigors of outdoor use.
To ensure this, avoid hardware made from any material that will rust. Not only will this inhibit functioning, but will also streak and stain your outdoor cabinets. Stainless steel and treated cast iron are good materials for the outdoors; so is brass if it suits the look you’re going for. Aluminium won’t rust either, but it is extremely malleable, so tends to get bent out of shape relatively quickly. Copper is also a good material for the outdoors, but bear in mind that it develops a greenish outer layer as it ages. This can be taken advantage of in terms of rustic style, or be removed with polish. Plastics should be avoided unless they are of an extremely high quality. Many plastics sustain sun damage and become faded and brittle in the sun.
Photo: Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens
Style
The style of your hardware should be matched to more permanent features such as your counter tops and hardscaping. This can be done with a unifying theme in mind, such as a sleek, modern look, or even a more rustic style.
If you’re choosing hardware based on color, try going for fittings that stand out against the backdrop of the natural stone or concrete pavers of your patio. Match light colored metals with dark stone and vice versa to get the colors to pop. High polish chrome is perfect against the backdrop of a dark slate or black granite, while brass and marble is a timeless pairing. Matte black cast iron is always a good option against the earthy browns of flagstone.
You can also match your hardware with your outdoor appliances. This is especially helpful when selecting a finish for your fittings. A brushed steel grill, for example, calls for brushed steel knobs and handles.
Use and Practicality
Remember to take into account how you intend to use the fittings. Everyone has their own outdoor kitchen habits, so select fittings that will keep up with your pace. Also be sure to check to see how they feel in your hands so that you know you will be comfortable depending on them when it counts. Outdoor hardware calls for a special kind of practicality. A sure test of a fitting’s practical value is whether it has the simplest possible design to effectively perform its function.
Last but certainly not least, the hardware you choose should be easy to clean. This will ensure smooth operation of your outdoor kitchen.