Cabinets, countertops, decking, furniture…there are so many options to choose from. Here are the best finishes and materials for your Boulder, NoCo, and Fort Collins outdoor kitchen, furniture, decking, and hardscape space.
Living in Colorado, you know we have a unique climate. Northern Colorado landscaping can be especially tricky because of how dry it is, combined with sometimes-tumultuous summertime storms and winter blizzards. And let’s not forget the 300 days of sunshine, which is great for boosting moods but not so great for landscaping features.
In this article, we’re going to share ideas for the best materials for Colorado’s hardscaping features so you can have an outdoor kitchen or living space that lasts. Have questions? We’re here to help! Reach out to the team at All Terrain Landscaping for Boulder, Greeley, and Fort Collins outdoor kitchens, furniture, and decking!
Cabinets for Your Outdoor Kitchen
Having a secure place to store your dishes, utensils, and other tools is essential for your outdoor living space. While wood is a natural and beautiful material, it requires quite a bit of upkeep to keep it looking like new over the years. Powder-coated stainless steel cabinets are a fantastic alternative! They’re sturdy, stand up to the elements, and there are endless options for colors and styles. Whether you want a sleek industrial look or something that looks more traditional, you really can’t go wrong.
Outdoor Countertops In Colorado
Whether you want your countertops to complement or to make a statement, granite is, hands down, the way to go. We love granite countertops for their sturdiness, UV-resistance, and beauty. They’re very low maintenance, and depending on the type of granite you choose, your landscaper can tell you how to care for it. Some will require a bit more care with a sealer if they’re more porous, or a cover to protect it from the elements. Talk to our Greeley, Boulder, and Fort Collins outdoor kitchen and landscaping experts about the best types of granite for the northern Colorado climate!
Decking and Woodwork
It’s a given that you’re also very likely to have a space that features a pergola, trellis, columns, and decking. Cedar is a fantastic hardwood material that stands up to the harsher elements, and while it might require new stain every few years, it will last for decades if cared for well. Powder-coated metals are incredibly sturdy and don’t require much upkeep. As for decking, composite materials require no maintenance, look amazing, and can be customized to fit your outdoor aesthetic to a T.
The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials for Colorado
Now that we’ve established that the hardscaping (read: permanent) features of your luxury outdoor kitchen could most likely be stainless steel and granite, let’s tackle the furniture materials. You already know that Colorado can be very windy any time of year, so you’ll want to avoid lightweight materials like wicker or plastic—it’s one thing to replace furniture because it’s weathered, but light furniture has a tendency to blow into other structures to cause further damage.
Teak and hardwoods are beautiful and sturdy, but require regular upkeep to keep the wood looking new. Wrought iron is also very popular, but will require painting every few years because the paint can chip and the metal can rust. Solid cast aluminum furniture is a great material because it’s rustproof, weather resistant, low maintenance, and it’s long lasting. As with any type of outdoor furniture, you can update the look every few years with new colorful cushions.
Ready to Build Your Northern Colorado Outdoor Living Area?
We’re here for you! We know that building a luxury outdoor living is an investment, and it’s one that you’ll enjoy for decades to come. Investing in the right materials from the start is key, and if we know one thing, it’s definitely how the weather in Colorado will affect your landscaping! We’re here for northern Colorado and Boulder residents who want a gorgeous, comfortable, and long-lasting outdoor kitchen. Give us a call, and the pros at All Terrain Landscaping will get you started!
