Which Weatherproof Outdoor Cabinets are Best for High Humidity?

Are you eager to put together an outdoor set-up so you can work, play, or relax? You need to ensure your weatherproof outdoor cabinets can hold up to repeated humidity.

While humidity may not seem like a big deal – it’s just moisture, right? – you’ll notice the impact over time. Some outdoor cabinets will rust or corrode, losing their previous sheen and eventually getting a one-way trip to your local recycling facility. Other cabinets may develop mold, a notorious health hazard that can result in asthma, headaches, and even allergic reactions.

Which weatherproof outdoor cabinets can hold up to mist, rain, or plain ol’ humidity spikes? We’ll take a look at popular outdoor cabinet materials and put them to the test so your set-up can truly withstand whatever the weather throws at it.

Header Source Image: ExtCabinets

Source Image: ExtCabinets

Wood is a Beautiful Short-Term Option, But Degrades Over Time

There’s no shame in wanting a beautiful wooden outdoor kitchen to match your wooden chairs or antique wooden table. However, wood offers the fewest benefits of weatherproof outdoor cabinets.

On the plus side, thick coats of varnish can push back moisture for between one to ten years (though it greatly depends on the type and the skill of the application). These coats also reduce the risks of scratches and scuffs from misuse. 

On the other hand, improperly applied varnish can expose your wood to mold build-up over time. Mold is very fond of porous surfaces, particularly when they’re neglected in the long-term. Once the mold has taken hold of your wooden furniture, there’s a high chance you won’t be able to salvage it – talk about a waste!

If you don’t want to constantly check your wood for possible mold spots or reapply varnish every few years, consider the next options on the list.

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Stainless Steel is Durable and Easy-to-Clean, Yet Corrodes Easily

Stainless steel is a common sight for both indoor and outdoor moisture resistant cabinets due to its long-term durability. It doesn’t develop mold and is resistant to scratches, which is wonderful…and yet it’s still not the best option!

Stainless steel cabinets – and any other outdoor kitchen equipment – don’t hold up well to humidity because of their tendency to rust. If you don’t wipe them down on a regular basis, you could end up with a messy orange surprise out of nowhere.

If you want your outdoor kitchen to be a place of relaxation and shrugging off the worries of the world, scratch these not-so-moisture resistant cabinets off your list.

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Aluminum is an Affordable Option With Several Downsides 

Aluminum is a popular material for outdoor kitchens since they’re a little cheaper than stainless steel. If you’re looking to save on costs, you’ll certainly stay within your budget – sadly, they’re one of the lesser weatherproof cabinet options.

Aluminum is the opposite of stainless steel in terms of how it reacts to the environment – while it doesn’t rust, it will corrode when repeatedly exposed to moisture. While rust appears like orange fuzz, corrosion looks like peeling or patchiness. This corrosion will gradually result in unsightly splotches that are very difficult to remove (while rust can merely be wiped away with common household cleaning items).

While stainless steel easily holds up to dents and scratches without losing its sleek appearance, aluminum is too weak to claim the same. Your aluminum outdoor cabinets will easily dent and scratch if you’re not careful – it’s also hard to buff these out unless you’re experienced.

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PVC Holds Up Well to Moisture, But is a Known Health Hazard

PVC is a commonly used thermoplastic that doesn’t rust or corrode from moisture, immediately putting it higher on your list of weatherproof outdoor cabinet options. If you’re thinking of putting PVC cabinets in an outdoor kitchen, though, beware!

PVC has been linked to harmful side-effects over the years, whether it’s in piping or everyday products. Using PVC cabinets to store your food – or as a surface for chopping food – could be a health hazard over time. 

It’s also worth noting PVC doesn’t hold up well to heat or sunlight. It has a tendency to wrinkle and degrade with repeated sunlight exposure, which isn’t ideal if you live in a sunny environment.

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HDPE is All-Around Weatherproof for Your Outdoor Projects

When you want to avoid rust, corrosion, and mold growth, HDPE outdoor cabinets are the most well-rounded solution. This thermoplastic is tough enough to hold up to the elements without so much as a wrinkle. 

HDPE is a high-density thermoplastic frequently used to create pipes, chemical tanks, and snowboards. With such an impressive resume, it’s more than capable of holding up to a high humidity day or a rainy weekend. It also doesn’t share the health hazards of PVC and isn’t porous enough to develop mold like wood. Lastly, it lacks the corrosion issues of aluminum and the rust potential of stainless steel.

HDPE saves you time having to constantly wipe down your cabinets or double-check them for growing issues. In fact, this material is so tough, we offer a lifetime warranty on all our HDPE outdoor cabinetry.

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HDPE Weatherproof Outdoor Cabinets are the Cream of the Crop

Finding weatherproof cabinets that actually live up to the title is a tricky job. Fortunately, HDPE is a solid option all-around whether you’re worried about health hazards or fading color.

PVC, stainless steel, aluminum, and wood are some of the most popular indoor and outdoor kitchen materials. However, HDPE is the cream of the crop by being resistant to mold, corrosion, and rust. Its colors won’t fade from sunlight exposure and you don’t have to worry about scratches or dents ruining its finish.

Want to reduce maintenance on your outdoor set-up and spend more time doing what you love? Contact us today for a free quote on our moisture resistant cabinets and outdoor kitchens!