I've been trying to think 'outside the box' and come up with some more modern, creative design materials for the outside of my grill enclosure. I recently saw an article about a small custom built home in the Hamptons. The architect used a material called SKATELITE which had a number of benefits both from cost, durability and aesthetics perspectives. It was originally developed to construct skateboard park ramps and is a weatherproof, pressed resin/paper material.

Personally, I think this could look pretty cool on an outdoor kitchen. It is a little pricey at $185 for a 4x8 sheet, but not too crazy compared to other materials and easy to work with.

Its supposed to have the the best properties of plywood and masonite : weatherproof, fire resistant, smooth and durable. Here are some of the benefits listed on the website:

Safe Temperature: Metal ramps overheat in direct sunlight and may cause skin burns. Skatelite stays a comfortable temperature in any condition.

Fire Resistant: Skatelite is fire resistant and self extinguishes even under intense flames.

Cleaner Friendly: Skatelite is unaffected by paint thinners and chemicals. It maintains its smooth finish even after the clean up crew removes graffiti.

Maintenance Free: Skatelite is long lasting despite excessive use and punishing weather conditions. If damage is done, the material can easily be replaced.


Here are some shots of it used sheathing a home :



and inside (used on the floors of the kitchen, walls and as a screen on the right) :



Full slideshow and article here.

What do you guys think?!