Installing an outdoor kitchen can be a great way to extend your living space and take advantage of nice weather. However, being outside exposes your outdoor kitchen cabinets to the elements year-round. Proper care and maintenance are essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your outdoor cabinets have a long lifespan. Here are some tips on how to protect cabinets in outdoor kitchens.
Choose cabinets made for outdoor use
The first step is selecting cabinetry designed specifically for outdoor environments. Look for the following features:
Waterproof construction
Outdoor kitchen cabinets should be made of marine-grade plywood or stainless steel rather than standard plywood. These materials are waterproof and resistant to rot and mildew. Avoid any cabinets made of particleboard or MDF, which will deteriorate quickly outside.
Rust-resistant hardware
Look for stainless steel hinges, handles, and fasteners. These will not rust or corrode like standard hardware.
Durable finishes
See that the cabinets have a UV-resistant finish to prevent fading and surface degradation. Powder coating, high-quality paints, and stainless steel finishes are ideal for outdoor use.
Tight seals
Quality outdoor cabinets will have full wraparound door frames, thick weatherstripping gaskets, and extra measures like tongue and groove construction to keep moisture out.
Add extra protection
Even the best outdoor cabinets need some extra protection from the elements. Here are some tips:
Use an overhang
Install the outdoor kitchen under an overhanging roof or pergola. This will shield the cabinets from direct sun and rain exposure.
Apply UV protection
Coat the cabinets every year with a UV resistant sealant made for outdoor use. This adds an extra barrier against fading.
Keep cabinets covered when not in use
Get outdoor cabinet covers or a grill cover that extends over the full outdoor kitchen. Take down and store the covers during the off-season or any extended period of disuse.
Ventilate properly
Allow airflow behind the cabinets to inhibit moisture buildup and mildew. You can elevate cabinets slightly or use spacers.
Check for leaks
Periodically inspect under and behind cabinets for any water intrusion issues. Fix any leaks right away before major damage occurs.
Clean regularly
Wipe down cabinet exteriors and interiors regularly to prevent dirt buildup. Use mild soap and water.
Maintain the finish
Proper prep work and maintenance are key to getting long service from your outdoor cabinet finish:
Prepare the surface
Before painting or staining, clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to improve adhesion. Fill any holes and dents for a smooth finish.
Apply primer
Use a high-quality primer formulated for outdoor use before the topcoat. This improves durability.
Use UV-resistant finishes
Choose exterior-grade paint, gel stain, or powder coating designed to resist fading and flaking. Do not use interior paints or stains outside.
Apply finish properly
Follow all label instructions for drying times between coats, thinning the finish, and maximum coatings for the best durability.
Refresh finish yearly
Lightly sand and reapply the finish annually. This maintains the protective barrier against the elements.
Repair any damage
Immediately touch up any nicks, scratches, or compromised areas in the finish to avoid moisture intrusion.
Address moisture issues right away
If your outdoor cabinets get wet from rain or leaks, take quick action:
Wipe down exterior surfaces
Use a clean rag to wipe away all standing water. Remove doors and shelves to dry interior surfaces.
Allow cabinets to air dry
Keep doors open and run fans to accelerate drying. Do not seal up cabinets until fully dry.
Watch for swelling
If cabinet wood or substrates absorb moisture, swelling can distort doors and prevent proper closure.
Sand and refinish affected areas
Areas with finish degradation or swelling will need sanding to repair surface defects before refinishing.
Check for mold/mildew
Inspect regularly for any fuzzy white or black growth and clean right away with a mildew remover.
Repair or replace damaged components
Severely deteriorated cabinet boxes, doors, or hardware may need replacement.
Questions and Answers
How often should I apply UV protection sealant to outdoor cabinets?
You should plan to apply a UV protectant sealant once a year before the summer season to maintain maximum protection. Reapply mid-season if cabinets get heavy use.
What kind of paint works best for outdoor kitchen cabinets?
High-quality 100% acrylic latex paints formulated for exterior use work best. They provide good protection and hold up better than cheaper paints in outdoor conditions.
Should I keep my grill cover over the outdoor cabinets while grilling?
No, remove any covers over your outdoor cabinets while the grill is in use. The heat and smoke can be trapped under the cover, leading to grease buildup and possible fire hazards.
What should I look for when inspecting cabinets for water intrusion?
Check under and behind cabinets for standing water, swollen wood, bubbling or cracked paint, rust spots on hardware, and any sagging or warping that prevents doors and drawers from closing properly.
How can I prevent moss and mildew growth on outdoor cabinets?
Good ventilation, limited moisture exposure, and regular cleaning are key. Also apply a mildew-resistant sealant and make sure your exterior finish fully covers all surfaces with no gaps or cracks.
What hardware materials work best for outdoor kitchens?
Solid stainless steel hardware is ideal for the high moisture conditions found outdoors. Avoid any hardware with plastic, wood, or non-stainless steel components.
Conclusion
Outdoor kitchens provide great convenience for backyard gatherings and grilling. But the moist, humid conditions outside can take a real toll on cabinets over time. Protecting your investment requires using outdoor-rated cabinets, applying weatherproof finishes, maintaining the finish, and addressing any moisture intrusion promptly. With proper care, your outdoor kitchen cabinets can stay in top shape for many years of reliable service. Implementing these best practices will keep your cabinets looking as good as the day they were installed.