Behind every outdoor kitchen cabinet is a structural frame — and the material used for that frame has a significant impact on the kitchen’s long-term durability, especially in Oklahoma’s challenging climate. The two primary framing options used by professional outdoor kitchen contractors are steel stud (metal framing) with concrete board and concrete masonry units (CMU), commonly called concrete block. Here’s VistaScapes’ breakdown of both.
Steel Stud with Concrete Board Framing
Steel stud framing uses galvanized metal studs — similar to what’s used in interior commercial construction — to build the cabinet structure, covered with cement board (like HardieBacker or Durock) that provides a substrate for the finish coat.
Advantages of Steel Stud Framing for Oklahoma
- Faster construction: Steel stud framing goes up quickly — a skilled crew can frame a complete outdoor kitchen in a day
- Lighter weight: Requires less structural support than masonry block construction; easier on existing concrete patio slabs
- Design flexibility: Easier to create curved shapes, angled cuts, and complex configurations than with block
- Lower labor cost: Typically less expensive to build than equivalent CMU construction
- Corrosion resistance: Galvanized steel studs resist rust when properly sealed and protected from moisture infiltration
Disadvantages of Steel Stud Framing for Oklahoma
- Moisture vulnerability: If water penetrates the finish coat, it can reach the metal studs and cause corrosion, particularly in Oklahoma’s humid springs. Quality installation and regular sealing are essential
- Less thermal mass: Lighter framing retains less heat — not a significant issue for most outdoor kitchens but relevant in very cold weather use
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Block Framing
CMU (concrete block) construction uses hollow concrete blocks mortared together to create the cabinet structure — essentially the same construction method used for building walls. It’s the traditional method for outdoor kitchens and is still widely used for high-end installations.
Advantages of CMU Block Framing for Oklahoma
- Exceptional durability: Concrete block is essentially impervious to moisture, rot, insects, and fire — it will outlast the finish coat on top of it by decades
- Thermal mass: CMU construction absorbs and retains heat, which can help moderate temperature swings around the grill and smoker area
- No corrosion risk: Unlike steel stud, concrete block is not affected by moisture infiltration or Oklahoma’s humidity
- Premium perception: Many homeowners and real estate professionals associate CMU construction with higher-quality outdoor kitchens
Disadvantages of CMU Block Framing for Oklahoma
- Higher cost: CMU construction requires more labor and takes longer than steel stud framing — typically adding 15–30% to framing costs
- Weight: Concrete block is heavy — existing patio slabs may need to be evaluated for load capacity before block construction begins
- Less design flexibility: Curves and complex shapes are harder to achieve in block compared to steel stud
What VistaScapes Recommends for Oklahoma
VistaScapes builds outdoor kitchens using both framing methods — the right choice depends on the project’s budget, design complexity, and the specific site conditions. For standard L-shaped or straight-run outdoor kitchens on existing concrete patios, steel stud with cement board is an excellent, durable, and cost-effective choice when properly installed and finished. For high-end projects, complex designs, or when budget allows, CMU block framing delivers unmatched longevity.
The key in either case is proper installation — VistaScapes ensures that all framing work meets or exceeds Oklahoma building standards, with proper moisture management details that prevent the most common failure modes. Call 918-779-1317 to discuss your outdoor kitchen project in Broken Arrow or anywhere in the Tulsa metro.
