Making your own outdoor cabinets can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can create durable and stylish outdoor cabinetry to store items or add extra countertops in your backyard or patio. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of building custom outdoor cabinets from scratch.
Planning Your Outdoor Cabinet Design
Before starting construction, take some time to plan out your ideal outdoor cabinet design. Here are some tips for planning:
Consider the Location
- Where will your outdoor cabinets be located? Against the house, on a patio or deck, or freestanding?
- Take measurements so you can design cabinets to fit the space properly.
- Make sure the location is level and has adequate support for cabinet weight.
Decide on Functionality
- What will you store in the cabinets? Grilling tools and accessories? Gardening supplies? Drinks and glassware for entertaining?
- Plan interior shelves, drawers, racks, and storage areas accordingly.
- Will you need to store long items like grilling utensils? Account for this in your measurements.
Choose Materials
- Outdoor cabinets need to withstand weather and heavy use. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are good wood options.
- Consider moisture-resistant plywood for cabinet boxes, along with durable exterior finishes.
- Stainless steel hardware can prevent rusting. Look for weatherproof cabinet door hinges.
- Select weather-resistant finishes like outdoor-rated paint or stains.
Design for Accessibility
- Standard cabinet height is 34-1/2″, but you can customize this based on your needs.
- Add extra storage with tall cabinets (up to 40″), or go lower for accessible seating areas.
- Incorporate easy-open drawers, pull-out shelves, and slide-out tray storage.
- Include locks to secure valuable items, or leave cabinets open-faced for quick access.
Gathering Materials and Tools
To build sturdy outdoor cabinets, you’ll need the right mix of materials and tools:
Lumber
- moisture-resistant plywood for sides, bottoms, shelves, etc
- cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated boards for framing
- exterior-grade boards for doors and drawer fronts
Hardware
- exterior wood screws (stainless steel)
- weatherproof cabinet hinges
- lid stays for any cabinet doors you want to stay open
- drawer slides if including drawers
- locks if desired
Finish Materials
- weather-resistant wood primer
- exterior semi-gloss paint or wood stain
- polyurethane for extra protection
Tools
- circular saw
- jigsaw
- drill/driver
- carpenter’s square
- level
- tape measure
- sandpaper
- wood glue
- clamps
- paintbrushes
Cutting Cabinet Box Pieces
Once your design is set, it’s time to start cutting pieces for the cabinet boxes:
Measure Carefully
- Use your plans to measure and mark all pieces needed for sides, tops, bottoms, shelves, etc.
- Double check measurements before making any cuts for accuracy.
Cut Box Sides
- Cut the two side pieces for each cabinet box first using a circular saw.
- These will determine the overall width and height of the cabinets.
- Cut edges perfectly straight for solid cabinet construction.
Cut Shelves
- Measure and cut shelves to desired widths and depths using a circular saw or jigsaw.
- Shelves should be 1/2″ narrower than cabinet side width for proper fitting.
Cut Cabinet Tops and Bottoms
- Top and bottom panels require only width cuts to match side panel dimensions.
- Bottom panels can be pressure-treated plywood for moisture resistance.
Cut Back Panels
- Back panels keep cabinets square and rigid. Make them 1/8″ smaller than width and height.
- Cut using a jigsaw for easy fitting into cabinet frames.
Assembling Cabinet Boxes
With all pieces cut, it’s time for assembly. Follow these steps to assemble sturdy cabinet boxes:
Join Sides to Shelves
- Position side pieces vertically and shelf pieces horizontally.
- Predrill and drive 2″ exterior screws through side panels into shelves.
Attach Top and Bottom
- Place top and bottom panels and clamp sides in place.
- Drill pilot holes and attach top and bottom with 2″ screws.
Install Back Panel
- Slide the back panel piece into the cabinet box grooves.
- Attach by nailing or screwing through the sides or edge screwing into panels.
Create Face Frames
- Measure front opening and build simple face frames to attach finished cabinet fronts.
- Use 1×2 and 1×4 cedar or redwood pieces cut to fit.
- Attach with weatherproof wood glue and nails.
Adding Doors, Drawers, and Hardware
The doors, drawers, and hardware are what really give your cabinets functionality. Here’s how to add these elements:
Hang Cabinet Doors
- Build doors from cedar, redwood, or exterior plywood, in sizes to fit openings.
- Install weatherproof hinges designed for outdoor use.
- Use sturdy lid stays to hold doors open if desired.
Build Drawers
- Construct drawers frames from 1×4 cedar or redwood.
- Attach drawer bottoms made from exterior plywood, nailed into frames.
- Install heavy-duty drawer slides rated for outdoor use.
Add Hardware
- Attach handles or pulls to doors/drawers. Stainless steel or chrome are good options.
- Include magnetic door catches to hold doors closed.
- Install locks if you need to secure cabinets.
Applying Finishes
The right finishes will protect your wood and give your cabinets added beauty:
Sand Thoroughly
- Sand all wood surfaces with 120 and 220 grit sandpaper once assembled.
- Be sure to sand in direction of wood grain for a smooth finish.
Prime and Paint
- Use oil-based exterior primer and paint for protection and visual appeal.
- Choose exterior semi-gloss for an attractive, durable finish.
- Paint doors/drawers separately for easier finishing.
Stain Instead of Paint
- For a natural wood look, apply exterior stains in desired hues instead of paint.
- Wipe or brush on stains, let penetrate wood, then wipe away excess.
- Add polyurethane over stain for extra weatherproofing.
Installing and Securing Cabinets
The final steps are installing your cabinets securely in place:
Position Cabinets
- Place cabinets in the exact desired location, accounting for door/drawer clearances.
- Shim or adjust to make sure cabinets sit level and plumb.
Anchor Securely
- Attach cabinets through the back panel or bottom into wall studs or supporting structure.
- For freestanding units, attach boards perpendicular underneath for support.
- Check for any tipping hazard and secure firmly.
Seal Edges
- Caulk around cabinets where they meet walls, floors, etc.
- Use exterior-grade silicone caulk to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Give caulk 24 hours to fully cure before using cabinets.
Maintaining and Protecting Cabinets
Your handcrafted outdoor cabinets can provide years of service with proper care:
- Inspect annually for any damage, deterioration, or mold growth. Make repairs right away.
- Reapply exterior stains/finishes every 2-3 years to renew weather protection and appearance.
- Keep cabinet doors and lids closed when not in use to prevent moisture damage.
- Install small overhangs above cabinets if possible, to shield from rain and sun.
- Avoid placing cabinets under trees and plants that can drip sap and debris.
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water, avoid abrasive cleaners.
FAQs About Building Outdoor Cabinets
Q: What thickness plywood should I use?
A: 3/4″ plywood is ideal for cabinet boxes to provide sturdiness. Use 1/2″ for shelves and backs.
Q: Do I need a table saw to build cabinets?
A: A circular saw and carpenter’s square are sufficient for straight cuts. A jigsaw handles curved cuts.
Q: What screws should I use?
A: Exterior wood screws, coated or stainless steel, around 2″ in length. Pre-drill holes first.
Q: How deep should my cabinets be?
A: Standard depth is around 24″, but adjust based on your storage needs. Just keep proportion in mind.
Q: Should I varnish my outdoor cabinets?
A: Yes, varnish like polyurethane provides an extra layer of protection on top of paint or stain.
Q: What kind of plywood for outdoor use?
A: Look for exterior grade plywood, or CDX plywood, designed to withstand moisture.
Q: How do I keep cabinets level when installing?
A: Use shims between cabinets and floor/wall to level, then anchor into studs securely.
Q: What is the most waterproof paint?
A: Alkyd (oil-based) enamel paint creates a hard, glossy finish that seals wood thoroughly.
Q: How much overhang do I need on cabinet tops?
A: An overhang of 1-1/2″ to 2″ is sufficient to protect cabinet fronts from rain.
Conclusion
Building your own outdoor cabinets allows you to create storage customized to your exact space and needs. Follow the techniques outlined here for planning dimensions, constructing sturdy cabinet boxes, adding functional hardware, applying weatherproof finishes, and installing your cabinets securely in place. Be sure to use exterior-grade, moisture-resistant materials throughout the project. With proper care and maintenance, your DIY outdoor cabinets can provide many years of reliable service and enhance your patio, deck, or backyard.