Teak vs polymer outdoor kitchen cabinets comes down to one choice: real wood, or plastic made to look like wood. Polymer cabinets are built from materials such as PVC and molded resin, with a wood grain created by molds and finishes. Solid teak cabinets are the wood itself, so the grain and the weather resistance go all the way through.

In short: polymer offers wipe-clean surfaces and a wood-look finish. Solid teak gives you real wood outdoors that you can leave to silver or keep a honey tone with a quality outdoor teak sealer. If you want a genuine wood kitchen in full sun, choose teak.

Shop teak cabinets   Get design help

What polymer outdoor cabinets are

Polymer, PVC or “faux wood” outdoor cabinets are made from plastics rather than wood. A common build uses closed-cell PVC for the cabinet boxes and molded resin or laminate for the doors, with stainless steel hinges and slides. The wood-grain look comes from the molds and applied finishes, not from wood.

What solid teak cabinets are

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tropical hardwood whose heartwood is rated very durable against decay. Its natural oils are why it has been used for ship and boat building for centuries. Pacific Teak Millworks makes premium, solid wood cabinetry for your outdoor kitchen in teak.

Teak vs polymer: comparison

Solid teak Polymer (PVC/resin)
Material Solid wood Plastics such as PVC and resin, or laminate
Wood grain Natural grain, through the material Produced by molds and applied finishes
Direct sun Weathers to silver gray unless sealed for color At least one PVC cabinet maker requires PVC parts to be fully covered by doors and panels in direct sun to prevent warping and bleaching
Near the grill Follow the grill maker’s installation rules PVC and resin are combustible; makers call for an insulated grill jacket when the grill maker specifies one
Routine care Rinse, mild soap; apply a quality outdoor teak sealer seasonally if you want the honey tone Mild soap, water and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners
Look over time Silver patina or warm sealed honey tone, your choice Factory finish

Who each is best for

Polymer may suit you if you want a painted, wood-look or interior-style cabinet finish outdoors.
Solid teak suits you if you want real wood in your outdoor kitchen, a natural silver patina or warm honey tone, and a material with a long record outdoors and on the water.

The real difference: looks like wood vs is wood

Polymer makers put real effort into imitating wood, and the grain is a product of their molds. That is the trade-off in one line: polymer copies the look of teak, while teak is the material boat builders chose for weather in the first place. For full-sun and waterfront kitchens the gap matters more, because PVC cabinet specs themselves can require shielding the plastic from direct sun.

Related pages

Frequently asked questions

Is polymer outdoor cabinetry the same as teak?
No. Polymer cabinets are made from plastics such as PVC and resin, molded or finished to look like wood. Teak cabinets are solid wood.

Can polymer cabinets warp in the sun?
They can. At least one PVC cabinet maker’s specifications require PVC parts to be fully covered in direct sunlight to prevent warping and bleaching. Check the specs and warranty of any polymer cabinet you consider.

How do I care for teak compared with polymer?
Teak needs a rinse and mild soap; a quality outdoor teak sealer is optional if you want to keep the honey color instead of a silver patina. Polymer is typically cleaned with mild soap, water and a soft cloth.

Can I put a grill in polymer cabinets?
PVC and resin are combustible, so polymer cabinet makers call for an insulated grill jacket when the grill manufacturer specifies one. With any cabinet material, follow the grill manufacturer’s installation rules.