Building outdoor cabinets can provide useful storage for your patio, deck, or yard. Choosing the right type of wood is crucial for cabinets that will stand up to the elements. Here is an in-depth look at the best options for outdoor cabinet wood.
Introduction
When selecting wood for outdoor cabinets, you need a material that can withstand exposure to moisture, sun, bugs, and temperature changes. The wood should be resistant to rot, cracking, and warping so your cabinets maintain their structure and appearance over time.
Certain woods naturally have properties that make them suitable for exterior use. Understanding the characteristics of different wood types will help you pick the right one for your specific climate and project requirements.
Cedar
Cedar is one of the best woods for outdoor cabinets. Its natural oils make it resistant to water, decay, and insect damage. There are two main types of cedar to consider:
Western Red Cedar
This is an excellent choice as it has a reddish color and straight, even grain. Western red cedar contains oils that act as natural preservatives. It has a relatively low density and shrinks and swells minimally with changes in moisture content. These properties help outdoor cedar cabinets maintain their structural integrity.
Eastern White Cedar
Also known as northern white cedar, this wood has a yellowish hue and fine, uneven grain pattern. It is more expensive than Western red cedar but also more decay-resistant. The closed grain of Eastern white cedar makes it easier to paint and stain without the wood absorbing too much pigment.
Both types of cedars have aromatic oils that repel moths, ants, and termites. Overall, cedar provides natural durability at a reasonable price point. It is easier to work with than heavier hardwoods like oak. Cedar’s relatively soft and lightweight nature makes it suitable for doors, drawers, shelves, and other cabinet components.
Teak
Teak is often considered a premium choice. This tropical hardwood has a tight, straight grain and attractive golden color when newly milled. It weathers to a silvery-gray patina. Teak contains natural oils that help it stand up to sun, rain, insects, and fungal decay.
Although it is more expensive than cedar, teak is tremendously resilient for outdoor use. It does not require paint, stain, or frequent maintenance to preserve its integrity. Teak has an exceptionally high oil content of up to 70% of its total mass. These natural oils repel moisture and add greatly to its longevity.
Teak is a dense, strong wood that lends itself well to cabinet doors, joints, and other structural elements. Its hardness makes it somewhat more difficult to work with than cedar or pine. However, its exceptional weather resistance compensates for any extra effort during construction. Teak is an ideal choice for superior outdoor storage in hot, humid climates.
Redwood
For cabinet projects on the West Coast, redwood is a top contender. This conifer wood has a reddish-pink tint and straight grain. Redwood contains tannic acid and resin that act as natural pest repellents and preservatives.
Redwood is moderately priced – less than teak but more than pine. It is lightweight and easy to work with using basic carpentry tools. Redwood has good dimensional stability even when exposed to moisture. It resists cupping, warping, and Checking better than many other woods.
Redwood does become brittle after prolonged sun exposure. Applying a UV-inhibiting sealant helps prolong its life. Overall, redwood is an excellent economical option for backyard cabinet projects in Pacific regions.
Pine
For interior shelves and surfaces, pine can be suitable if properly finished and sealed. Yellow pine species such as longleaf, shortleaf, and loblolly have moderate rot resistance due to their resin content. White pine is too prone to decay for exterior cabinet use.
Pine is inexpensive and machines well. Knotty pine has an attractive rustic look. Pine works well for cabinet frames, shelving, and hidden structural areas if protected by a water-repellent coating. A good primer and paint finish will help pine withstand outdoor conditions. Avoid direct ground contact to prevent premature rotting.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Luminber such as pine that has undergone chemical pressure treatment has improved resistance to fungal decay and insects. Copper chromium arsenate (CCA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) are common outdoor wood treatments.
Pressure-treated wood contains toxic preservatives and may leach chemicals when exposed to rain. Allowing the wood to weather for a few months before use reduces potential leaching. Basic safety precautions include wearing gloves while cutting and avoiding burning pressure-treated material.
While cheaper than cedar or teak, pressure-treated wood is susceptible to moisture damage, especially at cut edges. Annual cleaning and resealing are recommended for optimal weathering. Advantages include rot protection and cost savings compared to naturally durable exotic woods.
Composite Wood
For minimal maintenance and maximum stability, composite wood is an alternative to natural solid wood. Composite woods such as Trex are a mixture of wood fibers, polymers, and inorganic fillers. The combination results in improved resistance over wood alone.
Composites will not crack, splinter, or decay like solid wood. They require no staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and performance. Composite panels have exceptional dimensional stability even in wet conditions. This makes them a good choice for doors and shelving.
While durable, composites lack the elegance and warmth of real wood’s grain patterns. They tend to cost more than natural woods like cedar and pine. Composites can develop stains and mold growth if debris accumulates on the surface. Overall, composite wood is a durable and stable but more expensive choice.
What Type of Wood to Make Outdoor Cabinets Out of: Key Considerations
- Decay and rot resistance
- Ability to withstand moisture
- Suitability for paints and stains
- Desired aesthetic appearance
- Amount of necessary upkeep
- Lifespan under local climate conditions
- Strength and workability
- Cost and availability
Carefully weigh your options to select the ideal wood species for your specific outdoor cabinet project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Cabinet Wood
What is the most waterproof wood for outdoor cabinets?
Teak is the most water-resistant natural solid wood. Its dense grain and high oil content make it highly resistant to water damage.
What type of wood repels insects?
Cedar and teak contain natural oils that deter termites, ants, and wood-boring beetles. Their aromatic compounds disrupt the chemical scent trails insects use.
Do you need to seal outdoor wood cabinets?
Sealing is recommended for most woods besides teak and high-quality cedars. The sealant protects the end grain, miters, andunfinished surfaces where moisture can penetrate into the wood.
How long does pine wood last outside?
Depending on climate and treatment, exterior pine cabinets may last 4-7 years before replacement. Frequent sealing is required to slow weathering and deterioration.
What is the strongest wood for outdoor furniture?
Teak rates as the strongest wood, followed by white oak and Western red cedar. Teak has an interlocking grain that makes it highly wind and moisture-resistant.
Is pressure-treated wood safe for outdoor cabinets?
Yes, pressure-treated lumber is designed for prolonged outdoor exposure. Allow the wood to weather to reduce chemical leaching. Wear gloves and mask when cutting to limit exposure to preservative chemicals.
Is composite or real wood better for outdoor cabinets?
Composite requires virtually no maintenance but lacks the visual appeal of real wood. Naturally durable woods offer a classic look if properly sealed and periodically refinished.
Conclusion
The optimal wood for outdoor cabinets depends on your project requirements, budget, and regional climate conditions. Teak and cedar provide exceptional resistance at a higher cost. Pine and redwood are more affordable but require diligent sealing and refinishing. Alternatives like pressure-treated timber and composite materials offer durability with less maintenance. Carefully weigh the options to pick the ideal species for your backyard storage needs. Match your construction methods to the properties of the selected wood. With proper materials and techniques, your custom outdoor cabinets will provide years of reliable service.