Toughest Outdoor Cabinets for Your Patio: A Practical Guide

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Tough outdoor cabinets are much more practical than permanent outdoor structures. A permanent structure with a frame is not just costly, it limits your design opportunities and functionality. 

Instead of applying for a bunch of permits and finding reliable contractors, many homeowners choose outdoor cabinets as a faster, more flexible option. I don’t mean repurposing indoor cabinets, either.

While reusing an indoor cabinet as an outdoor cabinet sounds cost-effective, it doesn’t work well in practice. 

You need a durable outdoor cabinet built to withstand weather, pests, sun, and anything else the great outdoors throws at it.

If you’re torn between building a permanent structure or a mobile outdoor kitchen, I’ll share some practical ideas so you’re not wasting your time and money. You’ll learn about materials, different types of cabinets, and how to get the most out of this purchase. 

If you’re short on time, the essential features I recommend for your outdoor cabinets are:

• High-quality materials that last for several decades, particularly HDPE or aluminum
• Multiple shelves so you can organize silverware, food, and appliances
• Flooring to prevent dirt or insects from making their way inside
• Non-permanent structures that can be rearranged on a whim
• Functional add-ons that don’t require a permit, like a sink or grill
• Check out ExtCabinets for HDPE cabinets or Home Depot for stainless steel cabinets

The 4 Primary Materials for Outdoor Cabinets: Which is Best?

While outdoor cabinets can come in a plethora of different materials (and material combinations), there are four go-tos that are worth exploring. Homeowners return to these classics because they’re a staple that protect your items and reduce repeat trips back to the house.

Let’s take a look at how HDPE, aluminum, stainless steel, and PVC stack up to each other – I’ll pick the best option, then a runner-up at the end.

Waterproof, Eco-Friendly, and Long-Lasting: HDPE Outdoor Cabinets

Why is HDPE such a talked about material these past few years? According to a 2021 remodeling impact report by NAR, 30% of homeowners remodeled to replace worn-out materials, surfaces, or finishes – and that’s not all!

Another 20% remodeled because they wanted to improve livability with more functional features. HDPE outdoor cabinets provide both functionality and long-term durability in one package, so it’s no surprise it’s the current darling for outdoor kitchen set-ups.

Top Benefits:

• HDPE is eco-friendly, easily recycled and reused in everyday applications
• This flexible thermoplastic is waterproof, so there’s no risk of mold, rot, or warping
• Built to last, HDPE cabinets have no risk of denting, scratching, splintering, or peeling
• HDPE is FDA-approved for food safety and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food
• Last but not least, HDPE doesn’t stain or fade, staying beautiful for decades

Downsides:

• Not all brands commit to 100% HDPE, instead using cheaper materials with HDPE overlays. Some outdoor kitchen brands use HDPE inside and out so you get the full range of benefits – no guesswork needed!
• HDPE is rather heavy, so you may need a little help during spontaneous redesigning
• HDPE has a higher price point than other options on the list – that said, it lasts far longer and needs far less maintenance, which pays for itself in time

Price Range:

HDPE outdoor cabinets have a diverse price range depending on their size, door style, color, and whether or not they’re 100% HDPE. The lower end of the spectrum ranges between $500 to $1,500 for smaller cabinets with fewer shelves or less visual customization options. 

Larger outdoor cabinets with high-quality materials, more visual customization, and more add-ons like countertops or grills run between $3,000 to $8,000.

You can get started by checking out HDPE cabinet and outdoor kitchen options such as ExtCabinets. 

Recyclable and Affordable, Yet Fragile: Aluminum Outdoor Cabinets 

Aluminum is beloved among beginner homeowners who are balancing a tight budget for the first time and don’t want to accidentally sink all their income into one part of their set-up.

With its eco-friendly construction and low cost, aluminum outdoor cabinets seem like a no-brainer for your patio. That said, don’t be so quick to purchase! Aluminum has a few limitations that could prove time-consuming on the maintenance end of things.

Top Benefits:

• Aluminum is lightweight, easy to shuffle around when you feel like redesigning
• This eco-friendly material can be recycled infinitely without a loss in quality – around 75% of all aluminum ever made is still being used today. 
• Homeowners who enjoy a sleek, modern aesthetic will love the sheen of aluminum outdoor cabinets
• Aluminum is more budget-friendly compared to stainless steel
• If you don’t plan on keeping your home in the long-term, aluminum has a good two decades or so before it shows its age

Downsides:

• Aluminum is a little weak and prone to denting – dents are costly and difficult to fix
• An aluminum cabinet are still pricier than PVC and wood
• This metal corrodes easily and can become splotchy, which is hard to scrub out
• If you want to customize your aluminum cabinets, think again – aluminum is ridiculously difficult to paint since paint applications flake right off

Price Range:

Since aluminum is one of the more affordable materials on the market, expect to pay between $500 to $800 on the lower end of things. These cabinets are usually smaller and come with fewer shelves or compartments.

A larger aluminum cabinet with add-ons like a kitchen sink or pull-out drawers will range between $1,500 to $4,000.

If you’re curious to see your aluminum outdoor cabinet options, Home Depot has a solid selection.

Easy to Clean and Sustainable, But Prone to Rust: Stainless Steel Cabinets 

Stainless steel is an indoor and outdoor kitchen staple for good reason. With its resistance to scratches, dents, mold, and rot, stainless steel holds up well in the great outdoors.

Does that mean your outdoor kitchen should have stainless steel cabinets for grilling sessions or entertaining guests?

Top Benefits:

• Stainless steel is very eco-friendly – up to 60% of all stainless steel used today was previously recycled. 
• This material is incredibly easy to clean. With the exception of extreme spills, all you need is a rag and a little soap and water. 
• Stainless steel outdoor cabinets will last for decades if properly maintained, such as regularly wiped down and frequently checked for any rust.
• You won’t have to worry about your steel outdoor kitchen materials warping, wrinkling, or splintering from pressure and humidity.
• Stainless steel is a very unattractive metal to both mold and pests – the non-porous surface doesn’t grow fungus and pests can’t chew through it.

Downsides:

• Stainless steel is pretty heavy – for comparison, an aluminum cabinet will be roughly two-thirds lighter than a stainless steel counterpart. This detail can be an issue if you like to renovate frequently and want to move your furniture around.
• Despite its misleading name, stainless steel is prone to rust when exposed to enough moisture over time. As such, you need to regularly wipe it down and check your fixtures for any growing spots.

Price Range:

If you only need a tiny outdoor kitchen cabinet to supplement your island, you can find some solid stainless steel options in the $300 to $600 range. 

If you want larger stainless steel cabinets with more room to house appliances or built-in grills, expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000. 

If stainless steel sounds like your kind of material, you can find an impressive selection at Stainless Steel Supply.

Budget-Friendly, Yet Potentially Bad for Your Health: PVC Cabinets

Are you one of 70% of homeowners considering using eco-friendly materials for your next renovation? You’ll want to be careful around PVC, then – this material has come under fire lately for possible health hazards to both people and the environment. 

Top Benefits:

• PVC is a highly affordable material, often chosen by new homeowners or homeowners renovating on a tight budget
• With a material regularly seen in tubing and pipes, it’s unsurprising that it’s pretty lightweight compared to stainless steel and wood
• PVC holds up well to humidity and won’t rust, mold, or corrode

Downsides:

• PVC is a material facing scrutiny by both homeowners and environmental sciences due to a possible harmful chemical makeup. When it degrades, it leaches harmful chemicals. 
• While this material is often used in long-term piping solutions, it becomes rather brittle and weak when repeatedly exposed to sunlight.

Price Range:

PVC isn’t as expensive as stainless steel or HDPE – both the lighter weight and reduced benefits contribute to the lower price, so expect to pay between $150 and $500 for PVC outdoor cabinets.

You can find PVC at mainstream retail outlets like Amazon or Home Depot, though I personally can’t recommend it. If you want an affordable option that’s not a possible health or environmental hazard, I recommend aluminum instead.

The Best Outdoor Cabinets for Your Patio: HDPE or Stainless Steel

HDPE stands tall as the most well-rounded option due to its longevity, durability, and visual customization options. While it has a higher price point and is on the heavy side, these are minor details for the sheer value you’ll enjoy for many decades.

This material is followed closely by stainless steel – while steel needs a little more maintenance, it’s still easy to clean and holds up well to most outdoor hazards.

The 3 Main Types of Outdoor Cabinets for Patio

Now that you’ve got a strong idea on which outdoor material will be worth the cost, let’s narrow down the types of outdoor cabinets. It’s never been easier to purchase simple storage or go the extra mile with more function.

A Simple Storage Solution 

Some outdoor cabinets are as simple as they come – a hardy unit to store anything and everything your heart desires. Approximate sizes you should consider for your patio are:

• 2 x 2 – this is a smaller size for storing garden tools, shoes, or cleaning supplies
• 2 x 4 – this longer size is well-suited for storing tools, appliances, and food
• 2 x 5 – this size is well-suited to large families who need more appliances or add-ons

Outdoor Storage With a Basic Add-On (or Two)

Do you want to enjoy several functionalities with your outdoor cabinet aside from storage? Consider investing in outdoor cabinets with kitchen add-ons to save you time on installation and construction.

Simple add-ons that will help with cooking, grilling, and cleaning include:

• Fridge
• Drawer
• Trash pullout

Kitchen Add-Ons to Get the Most Out of Limited Space

Patio space is limited – why not fit in more add-ons to transform it into a little outdoor kitchen? Since your deck can only fit so much weight, an outdoor cabinet with add-ons is sometimes the most effective way to build an outdoor kitchen.

Some manufacturers provide functional add-ons for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, such as:

• Sink
• Grill
• Side burner
• Ice chest

Why Outdoor Cabinets are Superior to Outdoor Kitchen Structures 

You may still be wondering if you should commit to a permanent kitchen or grilling structure, especially if you plan on owning your home for a long time.

Non-permanent outdoor cabinets have several benefits you may find appealing over a static structure – including in the long-term.

No Permit or HOA Approval Needed 

If you’re planning on drilling a permanent structure into the ground for your outdoor kitchen, you’ll likely need a permit. Permits can run you an extra few hundred dollars depending on where you live and will also require some paperwork.

That doesn’t even take into account the wait time needed for a contractor – or yourself! – actually building the structure. This process can take weeks or even months depending on the builder’s experience level, the materials used, and the permit approval process. 

Want to skip these steps? Non-permanent outdoor cabinets don’t need permits, which means you can start using them immediately after purchase. You may need permits for other parts of your outdoor kitchen, though.

Cabinets are Far Less Expensive Than Permanent Structures 

With no need for a permit or time-consuming construction costs, outdoor cabinets are affordable and easy-to-use. 

A permanent grilling structure starts racking up costs quickly. As I touched on in the previous section, a major contributor to the cost is the amount of permits involved: you may need several to cover features such as electricity or plumbing.

Depending on how many you need, you can spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars just to get permission.

Secondly, you’ll need to spend more to find skilled contractors and technicians to plan and build your structure. A plumber can cost anywhere from $45 to $150 per hour – expect to pay between $250 to $500 just to install a sink with plumbing.

Outdoor cabinets today can come with add-ons such as sinks or grills that don’t need expensive installation. 

Easier to Organize Compared to Floorless Outdoor Kitchen Structures

Outdoor grilling structures don’t automatically mean you’ll have space to organize all your supplies, appliances, and food. Whether you’re building yours from scratch or hiring a contractor, you have to go out of your way to create a functional cabinet.

Purchasing a pre-made outdoor cabinet means you’ll have several functional details ready to go. They include useful features such as:

• Flooring to keep out dirt, insects, and small animals like lizards and mice – many permanent outdoor structures have no floor
• Several shelves to keep items separated – not all outdoor structures take organization into account
• Manufacturers explicitly design outdoor cabinets for complex storage – many outdoor structures are bulky structures to house large appliances and little else 

More Customization Options for Outdoor Kitchens With Limited Space 

Do you have limited space and aren’t sure how to fit in all your favorite appliances or fixtures? Outdoor kitchen cabinets give you the customization needed to shift and tweak your kitchen to your exact specifications. 

For example, building a small deck kitchen is one of the most popular outdoor kitchen ideas since it kills two birds with one stone. You don’t have to spend extra money building a brand new structure and you can customize at will.

Think about how an outdoor kitchen cabinet with a sink and a grill could transform your deck into your favorite cooking and mingling space!

That’s just one of many ideas you can use outdoor cabinets for to get the most out of a small space.

Easy to Move Around and Replace on a Whim 

Let’s say you spend a few thousand dollars to go through the permit process and construct a permanent outdoor grilling structure. If you change your mind later, it’ll be costly and time-consuming to build something else.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets are mobile – often coming with wheels to make rearranging less stressful on your back – and can be moved at any time. There’s no need to hire a contractor and go through the tedious process of breaking down and cleaning up a permanent structure.

You Have Several Color or Texture Customization Options

I’m a big fan of multiple design styles, so I like to switch things up once in a while at home. If you’re in the same boat, you’ll likely grow frustrated with the limitations of a permanent outdoor grilling structure.

If you like to mix and match different colors or woodgrain patterns, you can purchase a new outdoor cabinet and swap it in. No permit, construction, or long painting sessions necessary.

Your Money Goes to the Material Instead of the Labor

Do you worry about whether or not your outdoor grilling structure will pay off once it’s done? When you invest in an outdoor cabinet, you can start using it immediately and instantly know the results.

The bulk of your money doesn’t go toward the labor of building a bulky structure, but rather, high-quality materials and timely delivery.

You Can Match Deck Boxes and Countertops to Match Your Setup 

Last but not least, you can get even more design mileage out of your outdoor cabinets with deck boxes. The deck box is a must-have when you’ve got other outdoor hobbies that need accommodation.

For example, you can purchase an outdoor cabinet to house your cooking and cleaning supplies, then a deck box to hold gardening tools. You can visually match these with similar colors or patterns while ensuring all your different supplies don’t get mixed up.

You can also match your countertops to your outdoor cabinets for a truly impressive finish. There’s a whole world of brilliant combinations just waiting for your creative touch.

Can Regular Kitchen Cabinets Be Used Outside?

Thinking of swapping in your indoor cabinets to save some money? Think again – indoor cabinets are generally not built to withstand outdoor elements like humidity, sunlight, and pests.

What seems like an economical idea will turn out to be a time-consuming nuisance. Regular kitchen cabinets are usually made of wood or plywood, both of which have to be carefully maintained. Wooden outdoor kitchen materials need varnish, impregnation, and frequent check-ups to ensure they’re not warping or inviting pests when you least expect it!

Investing in a high-quality outdoor cabinet now will be less expensive in the long-term versus swapping out your indoor cabinets every year or two.

The 3 Benefits of Outdoor Cabinets Over Regular Cabinets

Still on the fence about investing in outdoor cabinets and thinking of reusing your regular indoor cabinets? Below are three more benefits that will save you money and a lot of homeowning headaches over the years.

Outdoor Cabinets Protect Your Appliances and Food More Effectively

Your food and appliances can get ruined in a heartbeat from bad weather or a sudden pest infestation. Outdoor kitchen manufacturers explicitly design their cabinets to protect your hard-earned work as much as possible.

For example, if your outdoor kitchen is hit with a sudden shower, your waterproof cabinets won’t grow moldy or become warped. You also don’t need to rush outside and put up some last-minute covers.

Outdoor Cabinets Stay Beautiful for Decades (Certain Materials, That Is!)

Most indoor cabinets aren’t built to withstand fading, peeling, wrinkling, or buckling from the elements. They’re built for your quiet and clean home, so they quickly show their age when exposed to sun, wind, and humidity.

Painted wood and plywood are cost-effective indoor options, but they don’t hold up well to the elements in the long-term. Wooden cabinets need to be varnished or impregnated to push back humidity, while plywood has a tendency to peel apart unless you use a marine-grade construction.

When you use outdoor cabinets explicitly made to weather the outdoors, such as HDPE or stainless steel, you save time and money. You don’t have to constantly check all your furniture to make sure they’re not falling apart when your back is turned.

High-Quality Outdoor Cabinets Can Boost Your ROI Significantly

Spending a little more on your outdoor kitchen now can pay off handsomely later. Outdoor kitchen ROI ranges between 55% to 200%, with high-quality materials contributing significantly to this percentage.

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense: why would your outdoor kitchen fetch a high price later if you have worn out, rusted materials? Since outdoor cabinets are an extremely functional option that also contributes to your kitchen’s design, they should be prioritized when considering ROI.

How to Store and Organize Your Outdoor Kitchen Supplies

Getting curious on how much mileage you can get out of your outdoor cabinets? Below are the best ways to keep your kitchen organized, safe, and stylish year-round.

Use Shelves for Organizing Silverware and Appliances

Outdoor cabinets are handy when you’ve got a bunch of supplies and few places to put them. You can use shelves to organized appliances such as:

• Silverware like forks, spoons, knives, tongs, straws, etc
• Appliances like blenders, pots, pans, etc
• Beer mugs and wine glasses
• Napkins, towels, rags, coasters
• Portable fans, insect lamps, other quality-of-life tools

Take Advantage of Temperature-Controlled Storage for Ingredients

Whether you live in a cold, rainy climate or somewhere with plenty of sun, a little temperature control can keep your food fresher for longer. While you shouldn’t confuse your outdoor cabinets for a refrigerator, certain materials can help with issues such as:

• Keeping cold items colder for longer
• Keeping hot food hotter for longer
• Preventing something icy from melting too quickly, such as prepping drinks for a party

HDPE is waterproof and regularly used for cold applications such as boat hulls or piping. Stainless steel also retains heat well, though the surface becomes hot easily from sun exposure.

Protect Your Food With Tough Stackable Containers

Even the toughest outdoor cabinets will still see the occasional bug or lizard crawling inside. Trust me – you don’t want to take the chance that you’ll find a beetle in your food, because it’ll ruin your whole appetite. 

Alongside purchasing tough, long-lasting outdoor cabinets, protect your food with bags and tupperware. Rubbermaid is a staple I’ve used for years thanks to their airtight, leakproof designs.  

I also recommend using stackable containers for anything made out of cloth, such as towels, napkins, and coasters. Insects like to chew or burrow into these materials, not to mention humidity that can set in when you least expect it and cause nasty mildew. 

High-Quality Outdoor Cabinets are a Wise Patio Investment 

Outdoor cabinets boost the ROI of your home and pair well with staples such as deck boxes. Most importantly, outdoor cabinets make your outdoor kitchen a more comfortable and convenient place to be.

A permanent outdoor fixture may look elegant, but the trade-off is a much higher cost and fewer opportunities to change your kitchen’s design on a whim.

Outdoor cabinets let you redesign to your heart’s content without sacrificing functionality – you can also enjoy them immediately after purchase. 

Need more ideas to bring your patio to life? The following articles have ideas, pictures, and tips to get you closer to your dream kitchen:

• 24 Practical Outdoor Sink Ideas to Make Life Easier [Pics]
• 21 Easy & Affordable Outdoor Grill Station Design Ideas
• Outdoor Lighting Design for a Radiant Patio or Backyard