Outdoor wood cabinets and storage solutions can add function and style to any outdoor living space. However, because they are exposed to the elements, outdoor wood cabinets require weather protection to prevent deterioration over time. The amount of weather protection needed depends on the climate, type of wood, and cabinet construction and finish. With proper maintenance and care, outdoor wood cabinets can last for many years.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting suitable materials is the first step in weather protection. The type of wood, hardware, and finish all play a role in durability.
Wood Type
Opt for wood species that are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, such as cedar, cypress, and teak. Avoid woods like pine that are prone to problems. The grain structure also matters, where vertical grain lumber lasts longer than flat grain. Knot-free boards help too.
Some good wood choices include:
- Cedar – Has natural oils that resist water damage. Stands up well to weather and insects.
- Redwood – Dense grain repels moisture. Durable against rot and bugs.
- Teak – Contains oils that prevent swelling, shrinking, and cracking. Weathers nicely to a silvery-gray patina.
- Ipe – Extremely dense and resistant to moisture and insects. Needs no finish.
- Cypress – Holds up to outdoor exposure. Has natural preservatives.
- Mahogany – Dense, oily tropical hardwood that endures weathering.
- White oak – Dense grain and tannins protect against rot and pests.
Hardware
Marine-grade, galvanized, or stainless steel hardware are ideal for outdoor use. Avoid standard steel hardware that will rust. Brass and bronze hardware also withstand moisture well.
Finish Options
- Teak oil – Penetrates to protect teak while enhancing its natural beauty. Needs reapplication every year.
- Spar urethane – Forms a protective film on the wood while allowing the grain to show through. Needs recoating every 1-2 years.
- Exterior oil-based paints/stains – Provide a water-resistant film finish in any color, but obscure the wood grain. Require refinishing every 2-4 years.
- Marine epoxy – Used on boats, this extremely durable 2-part finish seals and protects wood. Lasts up to 7 years before recoating.
- Water sealers – Soak into the wood grain but allow natural aging. Requires reapplication every 1-2 years.
Construction Considerations
How the cabinets are constructed also determines their weather resistance:
Joints
Glued rabbet, dovetail, tongue and groove, mortise and tenon, and doweled joints are stronger and more water-resistant than nails or staples alone. Weather-proof wood glue for outdoor use is a must.
Frame
Choose a kiln-dried solid wood frame over laminates or engineered wood. Avoid particleboard or MDF which disintegrate rapidly outdoors.
Doors
Look for inset doors with full overlay for a tight seal against the cabinet front. Avoid overlap doors which can warp and allow moisture intrusion.
Drawers
Opt for drawers with dovetail joinery and undermount glides with side mounting for stability. Avoid metal tracks which can rust.
Back Panel
Marine plywood or solid wood panels are best. Avoid MDF, OSB, and thin hardboards that take on moisture.
Base
Include a built-in base frame or opt for sturdy pre-formed concrete blocks to elevate cabinets off wet ground. Never place directly on soil.
Weather Protection Strategies
Proper placement, overhangs, and maintenance boost weather protection:
Location
Choose a covered patio or gazebo area to shelter cabinets from rain, snow, and sun exposure. Avoid direct southern exposure which can damage finishes. Place against a protective wall or railing if freestanding.
Overhangs
Install soffit overhangs above the cabinets or use the roofline of a covered porch to prevent direct water contact. Overhangs give protection from falling rain and snow loads.
Sunscreens
Consider adding removable sun screens on west or south facing cabinets to reduce UV damage to finishes. These help shield from intense sunlight exposure.
Ventilation
Allow full airflow around cabinets so no moisture gets trapped. Do not tightly abut walls or surfaces. Leave space between stacked cabinets for air circulation too.
Sealing
Caulk around edges where the cabinet meets walls or adjacent surfaces. Use exterior silicone caulk that flexes without cracking. Clear silicone withstands sun exposure. Re-caulk yearly or whenever gaps appear.
Touch-ups
Inspect cabinets routinely for any finish cracking or peeling. Sand and spot re-finish these areas to protect the bare wood. Address issues before major damage occurs.
Seasonal Protection
Use breathable canvas covers or vinyl shields over the cabinets in extreme winter or for extended seasonal storage. Prevent piled snow or ice from accumulating on tops.
Maintaining Outdoor Wood Cabinets
With proper care and maintenance, outdoor wood cabinets will last for many years:
- Inspect cabinets monthly for any signs of damage, wear, pests, or moss growth. Address issues right away.
- Wash cabinets with a mild detergent and soft cloth 2-3 times per year. Avoid harsh cleaners. Use a wood restorer to revitalize graying wood.
- Check caulking and hardware for integrity. Re-caulk gaps when needed. Replace deteriorating hardware.
- Apply a fresh coat of exterior finish every 1-2 years. Sand lightly and clean prior to recoating.
- For painted cabinets, sand, prime, and repaint every 2-4 years or when the coatings peel.
- Remove doors, clean hardware, check glides, and tighten joints annually. Lubricate hinges.
- Keep gutters and downspouts cleared to prevent water running off roofs onto cabinets.
- Consider hiring a professional to refinish cabinets if finishes become extremely worn.
How Much Protection Do Specific Wood Types Need?
The amount of weather protection varies slightly depending on the type of wood:
Cedar
- Has good natural resistance so mainly needs refinishing every 2 years with spar urethane or marine grade varnish.
- Benefits from overhangs, ventilation, raised base, and location under a covered porch or patio.
- Wash occasionally with cedar cleaner/brightener to remove graying and revitalize.
Redwood
- Also has natural oils that help it hold up outdoors. Follow similar care as cedar.
- Use quality primer and paint every 3-4 years for added protection over stains.
- Ensure finish coats fully seal end grains which are most vulnerable.
Teak
- Requires no finish but benefits from annual teak oil to enhance its weathered gray patina.
- Needs overhangs in extreme hot and wet climates to prevent splitting.
- Wash with teak cleaner 2-3 times per year. Light sanding can refresh grayed teak.
Ipe
- Needs no finish or just light oil application once a year.
- Direct sun exposure can cause some surface cracks over time. Provide shade with screens or overhangs.
- Clean annually with deck cleaner and light sanding.
Cypress
- Use marine varnish or spar urethane finish every 1-2 years for protection.
- Prime and paint every 3-4 years works well on cypress too.
- Shelter under overhangs or covered area to limit direct rainfall.
Mahogany
- Use spar varnish or marine grade finish every 1-2 years.
- Limit sun exposure which can discolor finishes.
- Needs good ventilation and air circulation to prevent moisture issues.
White Oak
- Apply teak oil annually to protect and seal the wood grain.
- Use quality primer and outdoor paint every 2-4 years.
- Allow space between cabinets and surfaces for airflow.
Outdoor Cabinet Care by Climate
The amount of weather protection also depends somewhat on the climate:
Hot and Dry Climates
- Focus on shade, airflow, and UV resistant finishes.
- Avoid dark stains which absorb heat. Use lightweight covers.
- Inspect for checking and splitting which result from dryness.
Cold and Snowy Climates
- Remove heavy snow loads promptly from the tops of cabinets.
- Consider extra sealing around base joints to exclude moisture.
- Use breathable canvas covers over cabinets in extreme winter.
Coastal and Humid Climates
- Allow maximum ventilation to prevent moisture issues. Raise base up off ground.
- Use zinc or stainless steel hardware that withstands corrosive coastal air.
- Apply extra coats of exterior finishes and recoat more frequently.
Rainy and Wet Climates
- Ensure full roof overhangs and covered location.
- Check for trapped moisture and water leaks routinely.
- Use finishes like spar urethane that repel liquid water effectively.
Key Takeaways
The amount of weather protection needed for outdoor wood cabinets depends on:
- Wood type – Cedar, teak, and other rot-resistant woods need less protection.
- Construction – Dovetail joints, water-resistant back panels and bases, and inset doors provide superior weather resistance.
- Placement – Covered, overhanging locations limit direct exposure to rain, sun, and moisture.
- Maintenance – Refinishing, cleaning, caulking, and seasonal covers must be kept up regularly.
- Climate – Extra steps may be needed in extremely hot, cold, coastal, or rainy environments.
- Finish – Penetrating oils need more frequent reapplication than film-building varnishes and paints.
With careful material selection, construction, placement, and maintenance, outdoor wood cabinets can retain their beauty for many years despite the stresses of weather exposure. Taking steps to properly protect wood used outdoors will prevent major deterioration and extend the service life significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Wood Cabinet Weather Protection
Outdoor wood cabinets require proper weather protection and care to withstand exposure to the elements. Here are answers to some common questions about safeguarding outdoor wood cabinets:
How often should I apply finish to outdoor wood cabinets?
- Every 1-2 years for penetrating oils like teak oil or tung oil.
- Every 2-4 years for film-forming varnishes, marine finishes, and exterior cabinet paints.
What kind of paint works best for outdoor wood cabinets?
Exterior oil-based paints and 100% acrylic latex paints hold up best outdoors. Avoid indoor latex wall paints which don’t withstand moisture and sun.
Should I keep my outdoor cabinets uncovered?
It’s best to have roof or overhang coverage. For extended winter storage or major storms, use breathable canvas covers to protect the wood from heavy snow and moisture buildup.
How can I revive gray, weathered wood cabinets?
Lightly sand to remove dead wood fibers and apply wood restorer, teak cleaner, or other wood revitalizer to refresh the color and seal the surface. Refinish with a protective outdoor sealer.
What should I look for when buying outdoor cabinets?
Choose furniture-grade solid wood over composites and avoid particleboard or MDF. Look for dovetail, mortise and tenon, or rabbet joinery and inset doors. Check for adjustable, corrosion-resistant hardware too.
Is it okay to use indoor cabinets outside?
No, most indoor stock cabinets will quickly deteriorate outdoors. Outdoor cabinetry is specially constructed with water-resistant woods, finishes, joints, and hardware to withstand the elements.
Should I cover the tops of outdoor cabinets in the winter?
Yes, use a fitted breathable cover. This will prevent moisture damage from accumulating snow. Make sure to allow ventilation so condensation doesn’t build up under the cover.
How often should outdoor wood cabinets be cleaned?
Clean cabinets with a mild detergent and soft cloth 2-3 times per year. Avoid harsh cleaners. Inspect cabinets monthly for any maintenance issues that should be addressed.
What kind of caulk or sealant should I use on outdoor cabinets?
For weather sealing wood joints, use a flexible exterior-grade silicone caulk. These are waterproof and won’t crack or dry out like latex caulks. Ensure the sealant is compatible with any cabinet finishes.
Conclusion
Outdoor wood cabinets offer beauty and function to outdoor living areas. With proper material selection, construction, placement, maintenance, and weather protection, they can provide many years of service and enjoyment. The amount of safeguarding needed depends on the climate conditions, wood type, and cabinet quality. With sensible precautions and regular care, your outdoor wood cabinets can withstand the effects of weather exposure. Investing in prudent protective steps will extend the life of your outdoor wood cabinetry.