Outdoor cabinets provide stylish and functional storage for items used in yards, patios, and gardens. When planning an outdoor living space, investing in quality outdoor cabinets is an important consideration. Here is an overview of what impacts the cost of outdoor cabinets, along with average price ranges.
Factors That Influence Outdoor Cabinet Pricing
Several key factors determine the cost of outdoor cabinets:
Materials
The most common materials used for outdoor cabinets include:
- Wood: Teak, cedar, and redwood are naturally weather-resistant woods ideal for outdoor use. Wood is an affordable option but requires regular sealing and maintenance.
- Plastic: PVC and HDPE plastics withstand weather and resist fading. Plastic is lightweight and affordable but lacks the beauty of real wood.
- Wicker: Hand-woven from synthetic or natural fibers, wicker has a stylish, organic look. Wicker requires protection from direct sun and rain.
- Wrought Iron: Extremely durable and low maintenance, wrought iron has an elegant, classic style. It can be relatively heavy and expensive.
- Stainless Steel: Modern, sleek, and rust-resistant, stainless steel is very durable but also very expensive.
The material affects the cost, with plastic and wood being the most budget-friendly options and stainless steel and wrought iron the most expensive.
Size
The overall dimensions and storage capacity impact cost. Larger cabinets with greater cubic footage or more shelving units will be pricier than smaller, simpler cabinets. Standard cabinet widths are 12″, 18″, 24″ and 36″.
Doors and Drawers
The number of doors/drawers and the door style influences price. Multiple compartments with doors cost more than open shelves. Specialty door styles like arched or glass-front doors raise costs.
Hardware and Features
Upgrades like soft-closing hinges, pulls, locks, lighting, electrical outlets, and other hardware/features increase the price. Waterproofing and extra-sturdy fasteners also add cost.
Quality and Brand
Higher-end designer brands made with thicker, grade A materials, quality hardware, and expert construction cost more than budget options. The quality and workmanship affect longevity.
Typical Price Ranges
Given these factors, here are typical price ranges for outdoor cabinets:
- Basic plastic or wood cabinet: $100 to $300
- Mid-range all-weather wicker cabinet: $250 to $800
- High-end teak cabinet with doors/drawers: $500 to $2,000+
- Stainless steel cabinet: $1,000 to $4,000+
Large, intricate multi-cabinet sets with amenities like electrical and plumbing can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
For a typical wooden cabinet around 24″ wide x 36″ high with shelves and doors, expect to invest $300 to $700 depending on materials and features.
Getting the Best Value
To get the functionality you need at the best price:
- Select the right size based on storage needs and space available. Avoid oversized cabinets.
- Consider lower-cost materials like wood or plastic unless set on a specific look like wrought iron.
- Minimize special features and opt for shelves over pricier drawers/doors if practical.
- Compare brands and quality – sometimes paying a little more pays off in durability.
- Take advantage of sales and clearance pricing, especially at season’s end.
Investing in quality outdoor cabinets made of weather-resistant materials will pay off for years to come by keeping valued items protected and organized outside the home. Carefully measuring the space, determining must-have features, comparing material and construction quality, and shopping sales can help keep costs lower. With some advance planning, it’s possible to get beautiful, functional outdoor cabinets tailored to your space at a reasonable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do basic outdoor plastic cabinets cost?
Basic plastic cabinets typically range from about $100 to $300 depending on size, features, and quality. Mid-range to larger plastic cabinets with doors and shelves can cost $200 to $600.
What are the least expensive options for outdoor cabinets?
The least expensive options are typically plastic or unfinished wood. You can find some smaller, simple plastic outdoor cabinets for under $100, while basic wood cabinets tend to start around $150-$200.
What are premium outdoor cabinets made of?
Premium outdoor cabinets are constructed from high-end materials like teak, cedar, or redwood woods, powder coated aluminum or stainless steel, or marine-grade composites. These cost from the mid-hundreds into the thousands.
Are second-hand or custom-built cabinets less expensive?
Sometimes. Quality second-hand cabinets can offer savings, but may need updates or repairs. Custom-built allows you to minimize unnecessary features and optimize for space, but low-cost materials and DIY construction is required to save significantly over buying pre-fabricated cabinets.
Can I find any good deals on clearance outdoor cabinets?
Definitely. Clearance sales at the end of summer and fall are great times to score discounts on floor models, discontinued styles, open box items, and more. You can often save 50% or more buying quality closeout outdoor cabinets.
Conclusion
The cost of outdoor cabinets varies based on size, construction, materials, features, brand and quality. Basic smaller plastic or wood cabinets start around $100 to $300. Larger, high-end wood or metal cabinets with amenities can run from the mid-hundreds into thousands of dollars. Carefully evaluating your needs, shopping sales, and finding the right balance of quality, durability, and features for your budget allows investing in outdoor cabinets that provide lasting value.