Your own Nordic summer kitchen—these 5 materials can stand up against pollen, splatters, and unpredictable weather

1. Weather conditions set the tone

Choose weather-resistant materials for your summer kitchen. Pressure-treated wood, painted steel, concrete, and aluminum are reliable structural choices. Maintenance-free composite works well for both flooring and countertops, especially if it has a smooth finish. Thermally modified wood is also a good outdoor option if you remember to oil it regularly. Stainless steel surfaces, known from professional kitchens, do not warp, crack, or rot, making them a great fit for outdoor use. Materials become more weatherproof if you place the summer kitchen under a roof. A cover not only keeps the cook dry but also shields surfaces from rain, sun, and snow.

2. Smooth surfaces, easy cleaning

You won’t be able to avoid pollen or debris in a summer kitchen. The rule of thumb is that the smoother and less absorbent the surface, the easier it is to clean. Grooved or porous materials and rough surfaces trap dirt easily and are more time-consuming to keep tidy.

Oiled thermally modified wood, stainless steel, and smooth composite don’t absorb dirt and can be wiped clean quickly. Film plywood is an affordable, durable, and easy-to-maintain choice for countertops. It may not stand out visually, but it’s very practical. Keep your utensils protected from dust and debris by storing them behind cabinet doors or in drawers, and have a sufficiently large trash bin within reach.

3. Pay special attention in front of the grill

Grease often spatters in front of the grill, showing up on the floor first. Wood absorbs splashes quickly unless it’s treated with a protective product. Even though treated decking repels some dirt, grease stains can still remain. The easiest way to protect a wooden floor is to use a separate mat in front of the grill every time you cook. If splatters have already soaked in, sanding and applying a protective treatment can restore the wood to almost its original condition.

A tight-pored paving stone is a practical, durable flooring choice for a summer kitchen. It won’t absorb grease, withstands heat, and is easy to wash. Treating it with a stain-resistant product helps keep it neat with little effort.

4. Protect appliances year-round

Grills, pizza ovens, and smokers don’t do well when left in the open. Always protect them when they’re not in use. The manufacturer’s own cover is the best option: it fits snugly, stays on in the wind, and prevents dirt and pollen from accumulating. Without it, you’ll be washing the grill before every use during pollen season. At the end of grilling season, place your appliances under a shelter or move them indoors. It’s also smart to cover fixed cabinets and countertops over winter with a tarp that lets air circulate, so moisture doesn’t build up and the structures stay in good condition year after year.

5. A ready-made solution saves effort

You don’t have to build a summer kitchen from scratch. If you already have a patio, you can choose a movable prefabricated shelter and a separate outdoor kitchen module. Many ready-made shelter options are surprisingly functional. Most models come with an aluminum frame and a polycarbonate roof that handle different weather conditions but are still light enough to move.

Source: K-rauta 75 Vantaa’s purchasing manager, Jari Kuntsi.