Building beautiful and functional outdoor wood cabinets can seem daunting, but with the right planning, materials, and techniques, it is an achievable DIY project. As experienced woodworkers, we offer our best tips on designing, constructing and installing custom outdoor cabinets that will withstand the elements in your backyard or patio.
Selecting the Right Materials
Choosing weather-resistant materials is crucial for outdoor wood cabinets. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Wood Type: Opt for naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar, cypress, or teak. Stay away from porous woods like pine that will deteriorate quickly outside.
- Exterior Plywood: Use marine-grade or exterior-rated plywood that can stand up to moisture. Apply water-sealant to the edges and backs of the plywood sheets.
- Hardware: Stainless steel hardware will not rust or corrode. Look for exterior-rated screws, hinges, pulls, and latches.
- Finish/Sealant: Protect your wood with multiple coats of exterior-grade polyurethane, varnish, or sealant. Reapply every 1-2 years.
Constructing the Cabinet Boxes
Follow these steps to build a sturdy and square cabinet box:
- Cut plywood sides, top, bottom and shelves to size according to your plans.
- Attach cabinet sides to top and bottom panels with exterior wood glue and screws. Clamp securely.
- Add fixed shelves as needed, checking for square as you assemble.
- Add water-resistant back panel, cut to size, and attach firmly.
- Consider including ventilation holes or slats to allow airflow and reduce moisture.
Doors and Drawers
You have several options for doors and drawers:
- Plywood panel doors – Simple and inexpensive. Attach with exterior hinges.
- Louvred doors – Provide ventilation while concealing contents.
- Glass panel doors – Allow you to see inside while keeping elements out.
- Drawers – Built with moisture-resistant undermount slides and exterior-rated plywood.
Finishing Touches
- Attach cabinets securely to wall studs or posts with corrosion-resistant lag screws.
- Add any needed trim pieces and fill all screw holes with exterior wood filler.
- Finish with water-sealant. Allow to fully cure before use, reapplying yearly.
- Install weatherstrip foam on door frames and drawers for a tight seal.
- Add latches, pulls, and hinges rated for outdoor use.
With proper planning and construction methods, you can create durable and stylish outdoor wood cabinets tailored to your space. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make outdoor wood cabinets waterproof?
Use marine-grade plywood, water-sealant on all surfaces, weatherstripping on doors/drawers, and ventilation. Avoid porous woods like pine. Reapply sealant yearly.
What is the most weather resistant wood?
Teak, cedar, cypress, and redwood are naturally rot-resistant woods ideal for outdoor projects. Ipe is also extremely durable.
What kind of plywood is best for outdoor use?
Exterior-grade and marine plywood are designed to withstand moisture. Apply waterproof sealant to the edges and backs.
Should I build cabinets directly on a concrete patio?
No, allow for airflow underneath. Attach cabinets to wall studs or posts, elevating above patio surface.
How far apart should I space outdoor cabinet screws?
Use screws at least every 12-16 inches along cabinet sides, top and bottom. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
What is the best sealant for outdoor wood cabinets?
Exterior polyurethane, varnish, or epoxy formulated for outdoor use will protect the wood and repel moisture.
Conclusion
Building durable and stylish outdoor wood cabinets is achievable with careful planning, proper materials like weather-resistant wood, marine-grade plywood, and stainless steel hardware, and construction methods tailored to outdoor use. Protect your project with multiple coats of water sealant applied yearly. With attention to detail, you can create custom cabinets to enhance your outdoor living space.