Outdoor cabinets installed on the exterior of buildings can last for many years when properly maintained and constructed from durable materials. The lifespan of outdoor cabinets depends on several factors, including:
Materials Used
The materials used to construct outdoor cabinets greatly impact their longevity.
Metal
- Metal cabinets, especially stainless steel and aluminum, are very durable and resistant to weathering. Stainless steel can last 30+ years outdoors with proper maintenance. The thickness of the metal also matters – heavier gauge steel will last longer than thinner options.
- Metal cabinets may show superficial rust over time but will remain structurally sound if regularly cleaned and inspected. Rust can be prevented by choosing galvanized, powder-coated or enameled steel cabinets.
- Anodized aluminum is corrosion resistant and can last 20-30 years outdoors. Look for cabinets made with thick marine-grade aluminum.
Wood
- Exterior-grade plywood like marine plywood can last 10-15 years outdoors when properly sealed and painted. The thicker the plywood, the longer it will last.
- Natural cedar and redwood contain oils that help resist rot and insect damage. Unfinished all-heart redwood or cedar cabinets can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
- Thermofoil laminate sheets bonded to MDF or plywood can extend cabinet life 5-10 years by protecting the wood substrate. Laminates resist moisture, warping and scratches.
Plastics
- Fiberglass is lightweight, dent-resistant and lasts 10-15 years outdoors. Look for thick, molded fiberglass cabinets.
- Polyethylene plastic cabinets are waterproof and fairly scratch-resistant, lasting 10-15 years with proper mounting and caulking.
- PVC cabinets are durable, dent-resistant and low maintenance, lasting 10-15 years outdoors. Look for UV-inhibitors and anti-microbial additives.
Composites
- Thermoset composite cabinets made of polyester or epoxy resins reinforced with fiberglass or carbon fibers can last 15-25 years. They resist moisture, chemicals, impacts and UV light.
Concrete
- Pre-cast concrete cabinets are extremely durable, potentially lasting 30+ years outdoors. Look for fiber-reinforced concrete. Properly cured and sealed concrete is rot, mold and insect resistant.
Cabinet Construction
How the outdoor cabinet is constructed impacts its longevity:
- Joints – Riveted, welded or firmly screwed metal joints last longer than glued joints. Cabinets with overlapping doors help keep out moisture.
- Hardware – Stainless steel hinges, latches and screws resist corrosion far longer than plain steel. Self-closing hinges keep doors closed.
- Seams – Fill gaps in joints with silicone caulk. Use rubber gaskets around doors. Avoid wood joints with exposed end grain.
- Frame – Choose a sturdy frame with adequate bracing to prevent sagging and maintain alignment. Aluminum frames resist corrosion.
- Back Panel – A solid metal or fiberglass back provides stability and prevents moisture ingress.
- Insulation – Foam or fiberglass insulation helps control condensation and inhibits corrosion.
Mounting Location
Where the cabinet is mounted impacts its longevity:
- Mount cabinets in covered locations like under eaves. This protects from direct sun and rain exposure.
- Avoid mounting cabinets on the south and west sides of buildings which receive the most sun exposure. The north side is ideal.
- Mount at least 1 foot above ground level to prevent standing water and splash back from hitting the cabinet.
- Allow space between the building and cabinet for air circulation and to prevent trapping moisture.
- Use shims to create a level, plumb mounting surface if the wall is uneven.
Local Climate Conditions
Outdoor cabinets will last longer when installed in ideal climates:
- Hot, dry climates cause less deterioration than humid, rainy ones. Metal cabinets fare better than wood in humid climates.
- Coastal climates with salt air cause more corrosion of metal parts. Use high quality stainless steel hardware.
- Areas with extreme temperature shifts from hot summers to cold winters may slowly loosen cabinet parts.
- Locations with snowfall require keeping cabinet tops clear to prevent ice dam buildup and water seeping in.
- Install cabinets under cover in locations with heavy precipitation and prevailing wind-driven rain.
Cabinet Use and Contents
Cabinet longevity is impacted by their intended use and contents:
- Infrequently accessed cabinets last longer than those opened daily. Frequently used doors are more prone to wear.
- Store weather-resistant contents like tools and hardware to prevent moisture damage to cabinet interiors.
- Avoid locating receptacles inside cabinets where moisture can cause electrical issues. Use weatherproof exterior receptacles instead.
- Heavier contents require stronger cabinet frames. Anchor securely to support weight.
- Ventilated cabinets protect electronics from overheating in hot environments. Integrated cooling fans help.
Maintenance
Proper preventative maintenance is key for maximizing outdoor cabinet lifespan:
- Inspect cabinets yearly for signs of damage, wear or water ingress. Repair issues immediately to prevent bigger problems.
- Check and reapply protective finishes like paints, stains or oils to wood cabinets every 2-3 years.
- Use touch up paint on metal cabinets when any rust or paint chips appear to prevent further degradation.
- Keep cabinet tops clear and free of debris. Clean out any standing water after rains.
- Lubricate door hinges and locks yearly to keep moving smoothly.
- Re-caulk any gaps or cracks in seams to maintain water tightness.
- Consider replacing door gaskets, catches or hinge bushings at first signs of wear.
Expected Lifespans
With proper materials, construction, installation and maintenance, the expected lifespan for outdoor cabinets is:
- Stainless Steel: 30+ years
- Anodized Aluminum: 20-30 years
- Fiberglass: 15-25 years
- Thermoset Composites: 15-25 years
- Exterior Grade Plywood: 10-15 years
- Cedar or Redwood: 15-20 years
- Laminates: 10-15 years
- Polyethylene: 10-15 years
- PVC: 10-15 years
Concrete cabinets can potentially last over 30 years. Less durable materials like plain steel may degrade in under 10 years. Location and climate are also major factors influencing real-world lifespans.
Maximizing Outdoor Cabinet Longevity
You can maximize the lifespan of outdoor cabinets by:
- Choosing durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass or composites.
- Using exterior-grade wood species like cedar and maintaining protective finishes.
- Ensuring sturdy, water-tight construction with rust-proof hardware.
- Mounting cabinets in protected locations away from direct sun and rain.
- Installing in mild, drier climates instead of humid, coastal ones.
- Avoiding heavy contents or frequent opening and closing.
- Practicing regular inspections, cleaning and maintenance.
- Replacing worn parts like hinges before they fail.
With careful product selection, installation and maintenance, quality outdoor cabinets can easily last 20-30 years or longer on building exteriors. Compromising on any of these factors will shorten lifespan.
FAQ
How long do metal outdoor cabinets last?
Metal outdoor cabinets generally last 20-30+ years with proper maintenance. Stainless steel can last 30+ years. Anodized aluminum and powder coated steel typically last 20-30 years. Plain galvanized steel may last 10-15 years.
How long do wood outdoor cabinets last?
Exterior plywood cabinets last 10-15 years. Unfinished cedar or redwood can last 15-20 years. Laminate covered wood cabinets may last 10-15 years outdoors. Maintaining protective finishes is key.
How long do plastic and fiberglass outdoor cabinets last?
Fiberglass, polyethylene, PVC and fiberglass reinforced polymer cabinets typically last in the range of 10-15 years outdoors. Higher quality materials with UV inhibitors can reach 15-25 year lifespans.
How long do concrete outdoor cabinets last?
Pre-cast reinforced concrete outdoor cabinets can potentially last 30+ years with proper maintenance. Concrete resists rot, mold and pests very well. The longevity depends on concrete curing and sealants.
Where is the best place to mount outdoor cabinets?
Install cabinets in covered locations like under eaves and on north facing walls for longest life. Allow space between the cabinet and wall for air circulation. Mount 1+ foot above ground level.
Do outdoor cabinets need maintenance?
Yes, yearly inspections, cleaning, touch-up paint, re-caulking gaps, lubricating hinges, and other preventative maintenance extends outdoor cabinet lifespan significantly.
Conclusion
Outdoor storage cabinets and enclosures can last for many years when constructed from durable materials like stainless steel, mounted properly, and well-maintained. Lifespans of 10 to 30+ years can be expected depending on the quality of the cabinets. Maximizing longevity requires selecting optimal materials for the climate, sturdy construction, protected mounting locations away from direct sun and rain, avoiding heavy use, and practicing preventative maintenance. With appropriate product selection and care, outdoor cabinets will enhance the function and aesthetics of exterior spaces for decades.