Choosing the right kind of wood for outdoor cabinets is crucial for ensuring their durability and performance. The ideal wood should be able to withstand the elements while retaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time. There are several factors to consider when selecting wood for outdoor cabinetry including weather resistance, moisture tolerance, stability, hardness, appearance, and cost.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor cabinets experience wide temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, rain, snow and other weather conditions. The wood selected must be able to endure sun, moisture, insects and fungal decay. Some of the commonly used weather-resistant woods include:
Teak – Teak has natural oils that make it highly weather-resistant. The oils help repel water and prevent cracking, splitting, and warping due to moisture. Teak has good dimensional stability and is less susceptible to swelling and shrinkage. It has a high resistance to rot and decay. The rich brown color of teak darkens to a silver-grey with exposure to sun and rain.
Cedar – Cedar contains natural preservatives called thujaplicins that make it resistant to insect damage and decay. It has moderate resistance to moisture and shrinking. The naturally light color turns gray after prolonged exposure. Western red cedar is more stable than eastern white cedar.
Redwood – Redwood has tannins, resins and oils that protect it from insects, fungi and weather. It has good dimensional stability with minimal shrinking and swelling. The color ranges from pinkish-brown to deep red, turning gray on exposure.
Ipe – Ipe is an extremely dense and hardy Brazilian walnut. It has high natural moisture and insect resistance. Ipe is durable, stable and resists rotting and decay in outdoor applications. It develops a silver patina when exposed to the elements for extended periods.
Marine Plywood – Marine plywood is manufactured with waterproof adhesive that resists delamination. It is treated to prevent fungal and termite infestations. The multiple layers make it dimensionally stable. It is commonly used as a substrate for overlaying outdoor cabinets.
Moisture Tolerance
Wood tends to expand and contract with changes in moisture content. Outdoor cabinets experience regular wetting from rain and moisture condensation. The wood should be able to tolerate moisture fluctuations without developing cracks, peeling or warping. Some moisture tolerant woods are:
- Teak
- Ipe
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Cypress
- White oak
- Black locust
Woods like pine and fir have low moisture resistance and are unsuitable for prolonged outdoor exposure. Marine plywood is manufactured for wet applications and has high moisture tolerance.
Stability
Wood stability refers to its ability to retain original dimensions without excessive warping, shrinking or swelling. Changes in temperature and humidity cause the wood to shrink and swell, resulting in cracked joints or warped panels.
Stable wood choices like teak, ipe, cedar and redwood undergo minimal dimensional changes outdoors. Their dense cellular structure makes them resistant to checking and splitting. Woods like aspen, cottonwood and elm have poor stability.
Quarter-sawn lumber is more stable than plain-sawn due to its straight grain orientation. Plywood and marine plywood are engineered to be dimensionally stable.
Hardness
The hardness of wood influences its durability and resistance to scratches, scrapes and dents. Harder woods are able to better withstand the abuses of outdoor use.
Some dense, stiff woods ideal for outdoor cabinets:
- Ipe – Extremely hard and dense. Holds screws and takes finishes well. Requires pre-drilling.
- Teak – Moderately hard and strong. Takes nails and screws easily.
- White oak – Very strong and wear-resistant. Difficult to work with hand tools.
- Ash – Hard with excellent bending strength. Dents and scratches easily.
- Maple – Strong and dense but prone to moisture-related defects outdoors.
Softer woods like pine, cottonwood and aspen are more prone to dinging and surface damage outside.
Appearance
The visual appeal of wood should be factored when choosing materials for outdoor cabinetry. Woods like teak, ipe and cedar have rich grains and coloration. They develop a dignified silver-gray patina when left unfinished outdoors.
Redwood has a distinctive red tone while woods like maple and ash have creamy white sapwood. Unfinished softwoods like pine tend to look bland outdoors. An opaque paint or stain can provide color options for less attractive woods.
Cost
Exotic hardwoods like teak, ipe, and mahogany are premium materials that command very high prices. Domestic hardwoods such as oak, maple and walnut are moderately priced. Common softwoods like pine and cedar are the lowest cost options for outdoor use.
Plywood sheathing with a durable overlay like fiberglass or aluminum can also create cost-effective and low-maintenance outdoor cabinets.
Best Woods for Outdoor Cabinets
Taking into account all the deciding factors, below are some of the best wood choices for outdoor kitchens and cabinetry:
Teak
Teak is the premier wood for outdoor furniture and cabinets. It has:
- Extremely high weather and moisture resistance. Ages gracefully to silvery-grey.
- Moderate hardness – easy to work with but prone to seasonal movement.
- Expensive but worth the unparalleled longevity. Needs no sealing or maintenance.
- Stunning wood grain with natural oils. Takes finishes well if desired.
Teak is ideal for contemporary style cabinets and exotic natural looks in outdoor kitchens. It should be used for primary structural parts.
Ipe
Ipe excels in:
- Supreme hardness and density – highly scratch and scrape resistant.
- Decay and insect resistant. Tolerates wet conditions well.
- Rich brown/black coloration and pronounced grain patterns.
- Expensive, difficult to work with and brittle when dry.
- Best for bench tops, trim, doors, and accents due to extreme durability.
Redwood
Redwood stands out for:
- High moisture resistance – checks and warps minimally.
- Natural decay resistance but lower strength than teak or ipe.
- Distinctive pink to reddish brown heartwood. Turns silvery-gray.
- Relatively affordable, easy to work and readily available.
- Ideal for shaker style cabinet boxes, doors, trim and shelving.
Cedar
Cedar offers:
- Excellent decay and insect resistance. Safe for food contact surfaces.
- Prone to shrinking/swelling but takes paint and stain well.
- Low density makes it easy to work with. Softer than teak or ipe.
- Has a pleasant aroma and attractive grain patterns.
- Cost-effective for cabinet boxes, shelving, and paneling.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is designed for moisture resistance:
- Bonded with waterproof structural adhesive.
- Multiple laminated layers resist delamination and splitting.
- Treated to prevent rotting, fungal and termite damage.
- Stable substrate for veneers, overlays and laminates.
- Relatively affordable and widely available.
- Use for carcasses, drawer boxes, paneling and shelving.
Construction Considerations
Proper construction is key to creating durable outdoor cabinets that survive the elements:
- Use marine adhesives and sealants for weather-resistant bonds.
- Select exterior grade screws and hardware. Use stainless steel fasteners near water.
- Allow for ventilation behind panels to promote drying and air circulation.
- Use durable water-resistant finishes like penetrating oils or marine varnish.
- Allow wood to acclimate to expected service conditions before installation.
- Apply UV inhibiting surface treatments to retard graying and degradation.
- Design sloped tops, overhangs and drip edges to direct water runoff.
- Check building codes for special requirements in wet, coastal and wildfire zones.
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect cabinets annually for deterioration and wood damage. Address issues promptly.
- Wash with a mild bleach solution annually to remove mold and mildew.
- Refinish as needed to maintain protective coating integrity.
- Re-caulk joints and sealants every 2-3 years to prevent moisture entry.
- Consider applying water repellent treatments every few years for added protection.
- Keep drain holes clear and ensure proper clearance beneath cabinets.
- Level cabinets properly so doors close squarely and completely.
Advantages of Wood for Outdoor Cabinets
Despite requiring some maintenance, wood has many virtues as an outdoor cabinet material:
- Unmatched natural beauty that improves with age.
- Can be crafted into high-end custom cabinetry.
- Easier to repair damages than many other materials.
- With proper care, wood cabinets last decades outdoors.
- Wood adds warmth and elegance to any outdoor space.
- Sustainable and environmentally responsible choice.
- Good value for the lifespan achieved.
Wood that is appropriate for the climate, correctly installed and routinely maintained is one of the best options for durable and stylish outdoor cabinetry. Choose wood species like teak, ipe or cedar to create an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for generations. With stunning grains and sophisticated weathered patinas, wood cabinets impart a sense of timeless quality to outdoor kitchens, pool houses, patios and other settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Wood Cabinets
What is the most weather resistant wood for outdoor cabinets?
Teak is widely regarded as the most weather resistant wood. It has high natural oil content and tight grain that repel water. Teak can last 50 years or longer in outdoor applications with minimal maintenance.
What lumber is best for outdoor cabinet carcasses?
Marine plywood and redwood are excellent choices for structural framing and carcasses. The bonded layers of marine plywood resist delamination while redwood is naturally decay resistant.
Should I use plywood or solid wood for outdoor cabinets?
Plywood makes a stable substrate but real wood siding achieves a superior finish. Use marine plywood for the inner structure and real wood for exposed parts. Composite panels are also durable options.
What wood is best for outdoor cabinet doors?
Teak, ipe and cedar are great woods for cabinet doors outside. Their density and oil content help doors resist moisture damage. Redwood offers a cost-effective alternative.
Should I paint or stain outdoor wood cabinets?
Paint and solid stains help seal the wood from moisture. Film-forming finishes need regular upkeep though. Oils enhance natural color while allowing the wood to gray gracefully. Some woods like teak and ipe can be left unfinished.
How often should I waterproof outdoor wood cabinets?
Applying water repellent treatments every 2-4 years helps maintain the wood’s moisture resistance. Refinish paint or varnish as it starts looking dull. Oiled wood may need re-oiling annually.
Conclusion
The ideal wood for outdoor cabinets combines aesthetics, workability, durability and stability. When selected properly and cared for, wood cabinets develop a refined, timeworn look. They add warmth, charm and functionality to any outdoor living area. Use rugged and weather-resistant species like teak, ipe, cedar or redwood to craft handsome cabinets that can be enjoyed for decades in outdoor environments. With proper construction techniques and periodic maintenance, wood cabinets can withstand the elements and become cherished outdoor features.