Building your own outdoor cabinets can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can construct durable and attractive storage solutions for your patio, deck, or yard. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to build outdoor cabinets from scratch.
Planning Your Outdoor Cabinets
Before you start building, take time to plan your outdoor cabinet project. This will ensure you end up with storage solutions that meet your needs and fit the space.
Determine the Purpose
What do you want to store in your outdoor cabinets? Gardening tools and supplies? Pool floats and toys? Grilling equipment? Decide on the intended purpose so you can choose designs and dimensions accordingly.
For holds-it-all storage, wider and deeper cabinets tend to work best. For housing just a few items, slimmer one-door designs may suffice.
Choose a Location
Pick out the spot where your outdoor cabinets will live. Under your patio overhang is a prime position to keep contents shielded from rain. Next to the grill or pool is handy for accessing items in those areas.
Make sure to leave enough clearance so cabinet doors can fully open without obstruction. Also check for pipes, vents, electrical lines, or other fixtures that could get in the way when installing.
Select Materials
Outdoor cabinets need to stand up to sun, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Water-resistant materials are essential. Options include:
- Cedar – Naturally rot-resistant softwood. Requires periodic sealing/staining.
- Redwood – Durable softwood that can withstand moisture. Grades A through D are suitable.
- Teak – A tropical hardwood that handles weather extremely well. More expensive but long lasting.
- Synthetic lumber – Manufactured wood made from recycled plastics is low-maintenance.
- Aluminum – Lightweight but dent-resistant metal that holds up outdoors.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Waterproof plastic material used for trim, doors, and panels.
Choose materials that fit your budget and aesthetic tastes. Talk with local home improvement stores for advice on outdoor-rated woods in your area.
Design the Cabinets
Sketch plans for your cabinets including dimensions, layouts, and styles. Simple square or rectangular boxes are easiest to build as a beginner. Opt for open shelving, enclosed cabinets with doors, a mix of both, or customized drawers based on your needs.
Consider how the cabinets will attach to a wall, post, or freestanding frame. Also factor in door openings, hardware, and finishing touches.
Construct the Cabinet Box Framework
The cabinet box forms the core structure to mount your shelves, doors, and drawers onto. Follow these steps to build a sturdy framework:
Cut Pieces to Size
Cut your side panels, top and bottom supports, middle dividers, and back panel to the correct dimensions from your plans using a circular saw. Clamps and a straightedge guide ensure straight cuts. Wear safety glasses and sawdust mask when cutting.
Attach the Sides
Attach the front and back panels between the side pieces using exterior wood screws, keeping the boxes square. Pilot holes prevent splitting. For freestanding cabinets, attach the top and bottom supports across the front and back panels too.
Add Middle Dividers
Cut any middle shelves and vertically divide the cabinet space as needed. Center and attach dividers between the sides with interior screws.
Secure the Back Panel
Cut the back panel to size. Attach to the back edges with weatherproof wood glue and galvanized finish nails for strength. Predrill holes to prevent splitting.
Add Doors, Drawers & Shelving
Once the cabinet box is complete, you can outfit the interior storage space:
Install Fixed Shelves
Cut shelving boards to size. Position and attach them inside the cabinet with shelf pins, metal L-brackets, or cleats where desired. Ensure shelves are level.
Attach Doors
Measuring carefully, saw doors to size and attach them centering on cabinet fronts with exterior rated hinges. Install knobs or pulls for ease of opening.
Build Drawers
Construct drawers with a plywood bottom, 1×2 sides, and 1×2 front face frame. Mount drawer glides and slide each drawer into place in the cabinet.
Consider Glass Doors
For display cabinets, use moisture-resistant plywood with rabbet edges to frame out openings for inset tempered glass panels. Attach with specialty glass door hinges and hardware.
Apply Protective Outdoor Finishing
Sealing your wood cabinets is crucial to resist weathering. Use these all-weather finishing tips:
Sand Surfaces
Lightly sand all cabinet pieces to remove any saw marks and create an even surface for finishing. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
Apply Water-Repellent Coating
Use an exterior-grade clear water-repellent wood conditioner according to manufacturer instructions. Let dry completely.
Add Top Coat
Coat all wood surfaces with 2-3 layers of exterior polyurethane or varnish for maximum protection. Lightly sand and wipe cabinets clean between coats.
Treat Hardware
Remove door knobs, pulls, and hinges. Spray with a rust-preventing enamel coating before reattaching them.
Helpful Hints for Installation
Follow these tips for smoothly installing your finished cabinets:
- When mounting on walls, use corrosion-resistant lag bolts anchored into wall studs
- Keep bottoms of cabinets slightly elevated off the ground for drainage
- Caulk around cabinets where they meet walls, railings, or ceilings
- Make sure doors and drawers function smoothly after installation
- Consider lining interiors with moisture barrier paint or polyurethane
- Hang cabinets level and attach securely together if installing multiple units
- Leave small gaps between cabinets for water drainage and air circulation
With proper design, materials, and construction techniques your hand-built outdoor cabinets will store your gear successfully outdoors for many years to come. Maintain the finish and repair any damage promptly and they can last decades in any climate. Building your own cabinets allows you to create custom storage tailored exactly to your space and needs, with options to suit your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Outdoor Cabinets
What type of wood works best for outdoor cabinets?
Cedar, redwood, and teak are excellent woods for outdoor use due to their natural weather and rot resistance. Pressure-treated lumber is another very durable option. Choose furniture-grade boards for best results.
What construction techniques make cabinets water-resistant?
Using wood glue and galvanized or stainless steel fasteners creates moisture-proof joints. Keeping the bottom elevated, allowing for drainage, and sealing all surfaces also prevents water damage.
What kind of finish should be used on outdoor cabinets?
An all-weather exterior varnish or polyurethane designed for outdoor wood furniture provides the best protection on cabinet surfaces. Apply multiple coats for better durability.
How can I prevent outdoor cabinet doors from warping?
Use plywood or solid wood not susceptible to warping. Allow space for ventilation, keep interiors dry, and apply weatherproof finish to all door surfaces and edges to limit moisture penetration.
Should I treat the hardware on outdoor cabinets in any special way?
Yes, remove all hinges, pulls, latches and locks and spray thoroughly with an enamel coating designed for metals to limit rusting. Reattach them after it dries.
What is the best way to mount cabinets outside securely?
Attach wall cabinets directly to wall studs with corrosion resistant lag bolts. For cabinets on posts or freestanding, anchor the posts in concrete below the frost line or use metal stand-off brackets.
How can I give my outdoor cabinets a custom look?
Stain or paint the wood in your favorite hues. Opt for cabinet styles like shaker, inset panels, or raised fronts. Use decorative hardware pulls and hinges in black, rubbed bronze, or stainless steel.
What should I use to waterproof the interiors of outdoor cabinets?
Line the walls and floors with heavy plastic sheeting before installing shelves and drawers. A clear polyurethane sealer painted inside can also protect from moisture.
Where is the best place to position outdoor cabinets on a deck or patio?
Locate them under an overhang or eve whenever possible to provide protection from rain. Place near the related activity like next to a patio grill or poolside furniture.
Conclusion
Building sturdy and stylish outdoor cabinets for storage and organization is an achievable weekend project for any intermediate DIYer. Following the techniques outlined above for material selection, weatherproof construction, secure installation, and protective finishing will allow your hand-crafted cabinets to withstand the elements for many years of reliable use. Whether attached to a wall, mounted on posts, or freestanding, well-built outdoor cabinets add function and personality to your patio, deck, or yard.