Outdoor Kitchen Storage FAQ

Access doors create a point of access for gas plumbing and water lines, whereas cabinets serve as a storage solution. Cabinets come not only with a door but also a box interior for storing items inside.

The answer to this question is highly dependent on the material your outdoor kitchen island is made of. The material dictates the type of installation and hardware required, which is why most access doors come with no hardware other than handles.

Yes, you can mount doors and drawers to brick islands. If you plan on doing this, look for doors and drawers with internal flanges. Because most cabinets and access doors don’t come with hardware, your contractor will be able to choose the appropriate hardware to perform the installation.

All our doors and drawers come with specs, which your contractor needs to determine the size of the openings.

You need an access door within approximately 6 feet (or the distance determined by your local code authority) of the shutoff valve of your grill. Access doors don’t necessarily have to be right underneath your grill, though they’re often installed there for aesthetic purposes.

The space under your sink typically houses the plumbing that supplies water to your sink. In order to access that plumbing for maintenance, you’ll need access doors installed. Most local code authorities require an access door be installed for this reason.

Because the space under the sink is occupied by plumbing, there won’t be any room left to put in a cabinet or drawers. It’s the same reason your indoor kitchen has that awkward space under the sink instead of a full cabinet.

Unless the components are marketed as a “dry-storage pantry” or “water-resistant cabinet,” they won’t be sealed. In fact, you’ll see slight gaps between the door panels of unsealed models.

Trash bins are generally too tall to be put in such an area, but the main thing to consider is whether your local code authority allows this placement because some don’t. Another thing to keep in mind is that burners produce heat, which in turn might intensify the smell within the trash unit.

Propane tanks should always be stored upright with the valves turned off and the regulator disconnected. You should always try to store them outdoors in a well-ventilated area where they’ll be protected from the elements. To learn more about propane tank storage check out our propane tank care and maintenance article.

Most user manuals from grill manufacturers forbid the placement and storage of propane tanks under grills, so we strongly advise against this practice.

Typically, a propane tank should be a minimum of 10 feet from any source of ignition. But you should always check with your local code authority to make sure this distance is consistent with local guidelines.

They will keep bugs from entering through the door opening, but won’t prevent bugs from accessing the inside of your island through other points.

As long as the spacing of the handles are the same, you can swap them out. To measure hole centers for handle pulls, remove any existing hardware, measure the drawer holes center to center in both inches and millimeters, then measure the pull hardware you are looking to replace the same way and compare them.

Only certain models are field reversible. Most stainless steel storage doors need to be ordered in a hinge-specific swing.

No. Indoor kitchen cabinets are typically made of plywood, particle board, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which will not last outdoors. These materials are meant to exist in a climate-controlled environment and the moisture and humidity outdoors will rot, mold, and disintegrate indoor cabinets.

Oil-based cleaners will be best for cleaning stainless steel doors and drawers. These cleaners will leave a thin film behind that delays the onset of rust, extending its lifespan.