Uncovered outdoor kitchen here in SA- bad idea? (Dallas: countertops, appliances)

[Lauren0319]

We'd really like to add a small outdoor kitchen to our back patio. It would consist of a counter (granite, quartz... something durable,) a sink, cooktop with 2 burners, and a small frig. Our grill is separate and would not be incorporated.
The issue is this would pretty much be uncovered. Our roof line is odd and makes covering our patio difficult, plus our patio has great trees and is shaded from noon on every day. Covering it is just not necessary.
I'm worried about how the kitchen will "fare" in our climate? It will have a small awning; the kitchen will be built against an exterior wall. But when it rains, it will get wet. What type of cabinets/wood would we use?
I've thought about covering it when not in use but I don't want to have to rely on it always being covered in case we forget and get one of our lovely pop up thunderstorms.
Wdyt? Bad idea for our climate or doable? This is something my husband and I both really want and will really use.

[sapphire]

We had a covered outdoor kitchen in Dallas and it was constructed of stucco for the base, granite for the counter, and stainless grill, fridge, burners and cabinets. Even though covered, it was not enclosed, and still needed cleaning prior to using. Rain is usually a sideways thing in TX and it would get a bit dirty. I think if you have a lot of trees, you'll be fine, just be prepared to clean it often.

[sapphire]

Where are you looking, if I may ask? We've started shopping around for one for our new house and have not found any yet that we like enough to plunk down the money for. There's a place on 1604 that has some nice ones but they are really proud of them! Lowe's has some lower end, movable types and Home Depot has some nice-looking ones online only (free shipping even!) but other than that, we haven't found much else.

[Lauren0319]

We're redoing our kitchen within the next year or so and I'm hoping to have this built at the same time maybe using some remnants for the counter.
Yes, I figured it would get dirty quickly. I'm thinking during the times where we know it won't be used as often (or in the spring when the pollen in falling- uggg!) we could cover it with a cover/tarp of some sort.

[ggeorgie]

Originally Posted by sapphire

Where are you looking, if I may ask? We've started shopping around for one for our new house and have not found any yet that we like enough to plunk down the money for. There's a place on 1604 that has some nice ones but they are really proud of them! Lowe's has some lower end, movable types and Home Depot has some nice-looking ones online only (free shipping even!) but other than that, we haven't found much else.

Jeff's Backyard | Gas Grills | Propane | Smokers | Weber BBQ Grills

[ggeorgie]

Yes, with out a doubt, you need some type of cover other than trees. Pooping birds roost in trees, plus within time, rain, sun and other elements will ruin it. Even covered, it will get dirty, especially in pollen season.

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by ggeorgie

Jeff's Backyard | Gas Grills | Propane | Smokers | Weber BBQ Grills

Thanks...I had forgotten about them.

[TrapperL]

The outdoor kitchen is the newest rage. Look to Parrish and Company for your outdoor kitchen. They have self contained kitchens with stainless tops, cabinets, and grill. They also can be on rollers if you like so you can move it around. Some models even have cold water sinks that hook up to the hose. You'll have to go out there as they only list manufacturers of the products they sell on their website. It's out 281 about 3 miles from the county line on the west side of 281.
Parrish & Co. | Kitchen Cabinets, Appliances, Countertops, Fireplaces, Garage Doors, & More!

[austindoxie1972]

Living on the East Coast, outdoor kitchens WERE the rage years ago. (I realize our weather in DC/Virginia is different....but hear me out.) Now, it's very hard to find outdoor kitchens, outdoor movie theaters, etc. I read an article that said rain, dirt, rust, constant cleaning, etc, made these more trouble than they are worth.

That said, I think they're very nice and probably more appropriate for Texas. But a covering will be necessary. And so will cleaning. Dang if those rats, mice and other rodents can't smell the smallest morsel of food.

[Azure110]

Any outdoor kitchen should be covered. My brother builds them for a living and people pay him anywhere from $50K and up for his work and I can not imagine at least getting it covered (and I don't mean covering it pergola style) with all the appliances an outdoor kitchen requires.