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Outdoor kitchens and vintage-style steel: here is how they are made

The latest generation outdoor kitchens are characterized by their flexibility, which is interpreted through original and versatile solutions suitable for even small spaces. These models are modular and customizable, with a wide choice of equipment for outdoor cooking and with various declinations of steel. We at OF outdoorkitchens are experts in innovation, in innovative materials and finishes such as stainless steel, proposed in vintage, delabré, lacquered, hand brushed or corten versions. That said, many curious people ask us how to get steel in vintage version. Let’s see it in today’s article.

Different techniques for a single result: an aged and aesthetically valuable steel

One of the strongest trends for outdoor kitchen is vintage steel. There are several techniques to age steel and turn it almost into a vintage material, with the appearance of having a few years behind. Leaving aside the natural oxidation, which rather than a “vintage” effect would have an “old” effect, one of the most interesting techniques is the use of hand machining on steel. This may include peeling, polishing and shaping the steel with a special hammer and chisel to create an aged effect. This technique requires a lot of patience and practice, but the end result can be very satisfying. An alternative technique is the use of a paint that gives an aged effect. This type of paints can be declined in various shades, from rust to antique green patina. The paint can be applied over the entire surface of the steel or only in certain areas to create a more natural mood. It is possible to use different techniques for applying the paint, such as dabbing with a sponge or using a stiff brush, with always varied results.

The visible welding technique to avoid smoothing the joints

You can also choose an outdoor kitchen worked with a steel aged by the use of a visible welding. The latter is a technique in which the welding joints are not smoothed or cleaned, but left as they are to create a more rustic and natural look. Visible welding is perfect in an urban style furniture, and is ideal for furniture and structural steel parts, such as table supports or bookcases, to create a more lived-in look. It should be remembered here that each technique has its own furniture advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your project and personal style. With the right technique and attention to details, it is possible to create an aged and rustic look that will perfectly complement your outdoor kitchen idea.

Compositional solutions are always tailored

If you are a follower of ours here on the blog, or if you simply follow our brand, you know well how we decline the use of stainless steel: in the vintage version, which we just told you about, but also delabré, lacquered, hand brushed or corten. While for the worktops (and we saw this in an article of the past few weeks) it is possible to choose from several variants of Dekton and Laminam. The current trend, however, is to use furniture systems to create tailored compositional solutions, adaptable to the different needs of outdoor spaces, such as terraces, gardens, patios, verandas and more. To be sure to be satisfied, come and visit us in our showroom, newly refurbished: our experts will be thrilled to meet you to listen to your needs.