Building outdoor cabinets with cinder blocks is an excellent way to create durable, long-lasting storage and organization for your patio, deck, or backyard. Cinder block cabinets are weather-resistant, sturdy, and can be customized to suit your needs. With some basic DIY skills and the right materials, you can build cinder block cabinets to store gardening supplies, pool toys, grilling accessories, or anything else you need to keep outside of the house.
Benefits of Using Cinder Blocks for Outdoor Cabinets
Cinder blocks offer many advantages for outdoor cabinet projects:
- Durability – Cinder blocks are incredibly sturdy and can withstand all types of weather conditions year after year. The cement construction is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage.
- Affordability – Cinder blocks are an budget-friendly building material. They are inexpensive compared to wood, metal, or stone.
- Customization – The modular cinder blocks allow you to configure them in any shape or size. Build short cabinets, tall lockers, or anything in between.
- Aesthetics – Painted or stained cinder block cabinets add charming, rustic visual appeal to your outdoor living space. The texture pairs well with natural environments.
- Easy to Build – No advanced carpentry skills are needed. Cinder blocks stack securely in place without requiring complex joinery or fasteners.
For long-lasting outdoor storage that looks great and protects your belongings, cinder block cabinets are a fantastic DIY option.
Planning Your Cinder Block Outdoor Cabinet
Before you begin stacking the blocks, take some time to plan out your cinder block cabinet design. This will ensure you construct a cabinet that meets your needs and fits the space properly.
Determine the Cabinet Location
Choose a level area of your patio, deck, or yard where you want to build the cinder block cabinet. Consider how much foot traffic passes by that area and allow enough space to open the cabinet doors fully.
Decide on Dimensions
Measure the area where the cabinet will go and determine what size cabinet will fit appropriately. Standard cinder blocks are 8 inches high by 8 inches deep by 16 inches wide. Most DIY cinder block cabinets are 16-32 inches deep and 24-96 inches wide. The height can vary based on your needs.
Choose a Design Style
Cinder block cabinets can have simple square or rectangular shapes, or more complex multi-level, L-shaped, or U-shaped designs. Sketch your ideas to visualize the finished look.
Determine Interior Elements
Decide how you will outfit the interior – with open shelves, enclosed cubbies, hooks, racks, or a combination of elements. This will determine how many cinder blocks you need.
Select Materials
Along with cinder blocks, you will need mortar, capped blocks for the top surface, wood for shelving and doors, and finishes like paint or stain. Choose durable outdoor-rated products.
How to Build the Cinder Block Frame
With your plan in place, it’s time to stack the cinder blocks to form the cabinet frame.
Clear the Area
Remove any grass, plants, stones or debris from the site where you will build the cinder block base. Level the ground if needed. Gravel, sand, or patio pavers help stabilize an uneven area.
Lay the First Course
Place cinder blocks lengthwise on the ground where you want your cabinet. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between each block to allow space for mortar. Level blocks and check for square.
Add Mortar
Spread mortar atop the first layer of blocks. Use enough to create a 1/4-1/2-inch mortar joint but don’t overdo it. Keep mortar off block faces.
Install the Second Course
Place the next row of cinder blocks perpendicular to the first layer. Stagger blocks for stability. Tap with rubber mallet to adhere.
Build Up Height
Repeat steps, alternating direction each row, until cabinet reaches desired height. Let mortar cure overnight before stacking more than 3-4 layers.
Cap Blocks
Once full height is reached, lay cap blocks sideways across the top layer to create a flat surface. Cap blocks protect interior from moisture.
Adding Cabinet Doors
Once your cinder block skeleton is complete, you can build and attach doors to enclose the cabinet.
Measure Door Openings
Determine the width and height of each door needed by measuring the front opening at locations where you plan to install doors. Account for clearance.
Cut the Wooden Frames
Cut 2×4 lumber to size with a miter saw to create door frames that will fit the openings, allowing adequate space for hinges and latch clearance.
Attach Plywood Panel
Use screws to affix a full sheet of 3/4-inch outdoor plywood to the backside of each door frame. Cut plywood to size if needed.
Install Hinges
Mount heavy-duty exterior hinges to the door frames and cinder block sides using masonry hardware. Install doors and test for proper functionality.
Add Latch
Attach a latch, gate hook, or slide bolt to keep doors closed securely when cabinet is not in use. Child safety latches are also an option.
Adding Interior Elements
Now the fun part – outfitting the inside of your cinder block cabinet! Think through what you intend to store and build features to accommodate those items neatly and efficiently.
Shelving
Cut plywood or 2×4 boards to size and attach with masonry anchors to create shelving at desired heights inside the cabinet.
Hooks
Install galvanized metal hooks along the interior walls to hang tools and lightweight items. Space hooks evenly to maximize storage.
Racks
Use metal or wooden racks attached to the side walls to hold shovels, rakes, brooms, and other long-handled tools vertically and conveniently.
Cubbies
Build cubbies with cinder blocks and boards to partition the interior into organized sections for odd-shaped items. Great for tidy tool storage.
Pegboard
A pegboard panel mounted to the back wall provides customizable storage for small tools, gloves, spray bottles, and accessories. Arrange as needed.
Finishing Your Cinder Block Cabinet
Applying finishes will complete the build and allow you to add color and character to coordinate with your space.
Clean the Blocks
Use a wire brush to remove any dried mortar or debris from the exterior cinder block walls so the surface is prepared for finishing.
Choose Products
Select outdoor-rated masonry paint, stain, or sealer in your desired color and sheen. Waterproofing sealant is also an option.
Apply Finish
Follow product instructions to roll, brush, or spray the finish evenly across all visible cinder block surfaces. Fully coat all sides.
Seal the Concrete
Use an exterior-grade concrete sealer on the interior concrete floor to prevent moisture absorption and make cleaning easier.
Let Dry
Allow adequate drying time for all finishes before placing items in the cabinet or shutting the doors. Enjoy your finished cinder block cabinet!
Tips for Success Building Cinder Block Cabinets
Follow these tips to ensure your cinder block cabinet build goes smoothly:
- Always wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when cutting and stacking cinder blocks and mortar.
- Level and square each row carefully as you stack blocks. Use a level and measuring tape.
- Alternate mortar joint alignment with each row to lock blocks in place securely.
- Account for door and hinge thickness when framing door openings to ensure proper clearance.
- Pre-drill holes for screws and anchors to prevent cracking and splitting masonry and lumber.
- Use exterior-rated finishes and hardware designed for weather, rust, and UV resistance.
- Caulk around doors, corners, and seams with exterior silicone to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Add a layer of gravel or sand in the cabinet floor for drainage before sealing the concrete.
- Keep combustibles away from any ignition source – do not store flammable materials inside!
FAQs About Building Cinder Block Cabinets
Some commonly asked questions about constructing cinder block cabinets:
How many cinder blocks do I need?
This depends on your cabinet dimensions, but estimate 1 block per square foot of surface area as a general rule. Build your frame then purchase 10% extra.
What type of mortar should I use?
Use type S or N mortar which offer high strength and durability. Do not use concrete adhesive instead of mortar between blocks.
What lumber works best for the shelves and doors?
Exterior treated pine or cedar are good options that can handle weather exposure. Avoid warping by using the heartwood or kiln-dried boards.
How do I ensure the cabinets are waterproof?
Water seal the interior concrete floor, use exterior wood, caulk seams, and apply waterproof finish to the cinder blocks for optimal water resistance.
Can I build on grass or soil instead of a solid base?
It’s best to build on flattened gravel, concrete pads, pavers, or patio blocks to provide the most stable foundation.
How much weight can cinder block cabinets hold?
Filled cinder blocks can support thousands of pounds. Just be sure to reinforce shelves properly if loading with extremely heavy items. The cabinet structure itself is very sturdy.
What’s the best way to cut cinder blocks?
Use a circular saw with a masonry blade or a chisel and hammer. Wear protective gear when cutting to avoid debris. Cut blocks may also be purchased.
Can I stain or paint the cinder blocks?
Yes, use masonry paint or outdoor-rated cement stain to add color to your cinder block cabinetry. Just clean blocks thoroughly before application.
Conclusion
Building your own cinder block cabinets is a straightforward weekend project that can provide you with durable, customized outdoor storage. With some planning, the right materials, and safety precautions, you can create a functional design to organize lawn and garden supplies, grilling tools, pool toys, or any other outdoor equipment.
The weather-resistant cement blocks are perfect for holding up against the elements year after year. Coat them with exterior paint or stain to add decorative appeal in your backyard space. Add shelves, hooks, cubbies, and other interior storage elements to customize the organizational systems to your needs.
With the information provided above, you now have the knowledge to start your cinder block cabinet project. Just gather your supplies, put on some work gloves, and get ready to stack those blocks! You’ll have a personalized, heavy-duty outdoor cabinet that looks great and serves your storage needs for seasons to come.