Get matched with top metal fabricators and restorers in Derby, KS

A few materials are most commonly used when it comes to building a frame for an outdoor kitchen: wood, steel, and concrete or brick. While there’s no best option overall, each material is better suited to different needs. Concrete and brick are typically more customizable than other options, but aren’t as resistant to inclement weather as steel. Wood is the most affordable pick, but it is more susceptible to rot, mildew, and heat than the others.

Common hardscaping materials include coated steel or iron, asphalt, stone, concrete, and brick. Coated steel or iron provide durability and style for fences and gates while asphalt is a wallet-friendly option for driveways. Stone brings timeless beauty to steps, patios, and walkways. Concrete pavers and slabs are cost-effective, though they require more upkeep than stone alternatives. For a classic, upscale look, brick works beautifully in walls, walkways, and patios. Each material brings its own charm, so pick what fits your budget, style, and functional needs.

Also called metal pressing, metal stamping involves placing a metal sheet into a stamping press to create a desired shape using custom tooling. Ideal for mass production, stamping creates coining, embossing, and flanging effects when shaping metal. Meanwhile, sheet metal fabrication is a more cost-effective option ideal for one-off or low-volume projects because it doesn't require custom tooling.

Corrugated metal has been pressed so that it has alternating ridges or grooves. Metal that has undergone this process becomes incredibly strong, with some of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any material. It's lightweight and has an increased surface area when compared to a flat sheet of metal. Both of these attributes contribute to its coveted strength. It's used for fencing because it's weather- and impact-resistant, rarely needs maintenance, and lasts many years—for a relatively low cost.