The Best Materials For An Outdoor Bar Cabinet

Well, folks, whenever alfresco season officially rolls in, it means one thing: it's time to make your patio the ultimate outdoor entertaining destination. One surefire way to do that is with an outdoor bar cabinet. Imagine whipping up a refreshing cocktail on a sunny afternoon. Or, entertaining guests over wine at sunset. All this without having to trek back and forth to the kitchen. Pure bliss. So, off you go, looking for a design that you like. Whether it's a ready-made patio bar or a custom build, it's worth remembering that they aren't all created equal. Some materials are more durable; others are more aesthetic. Then some merge the two. That's exactly the case with stainless steel, stone, and some types of plastics.

As with anything outdoor-related, weather resistance should always be the top deciding factor when building your outdoor bar. You wouldn't want it to only last one summer, now would you? Storage is next. A mix of different storage solutions is often the best way to provide space for all your drink-making essentials. Think: a drawer or two to corral small bar tools; closed cabinets to house bottles; and open shelving for glasses and serveware. Fancy features, like a mini fridge or a grill station, can follow after.

Now let's talk about performance. Stainless steel, especially the high-quality kind (like 304), ranks high on the list. Heavy rain, strong wind, or extreme sun — these materials can withstand whatever weather comes their way. We're talking years and years of use here. Though, be prepared for some rusting if you use the wrong cleaning product or don't maintain your stainless steel outdoor kitchen bar at all. Not a fan of the cold, silver-grey look? Some manufacturers, like Newage, offer different stainless steel cabinetry finishes, such as black or faux wood, for a modern update. Aluminum also makes a great (read: cheaper and naturally corrosion-resistant) alternative if you're going the metal route. The Westport Outdoor Aluminum and Teak Bar from Frontgate is a prime example.

Next up, stone and concrete outdoor bar cabinets are definitely on the expensive side, and they are laborious to build. However, they're a backyard upgrade that's worth the extra cost if you prefer something more permanent, sturdy, and custom-made for your house. Stone/concrete structures can stand up to all kinds of weather. We also have to give them major points for their natural charm.

Last on the list are plastic outdoor bars, specifically PVC (aka polyvinyl chloride) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). While they aren't as solid as their metal and stone equivalents, they still deserve a spot for being weather-resistant. Well, except for when it's scorching hot out. In such cases, your bar cabinet is likely to fade, warp, and degrade. On the plus side? They look inviting and are super affordable. Case in point: the DWVO Poly Lumber Patio Bar Table.