Outdoor storage is useful, especially when pool toys and equipment need to be stored away for the season and when the gardening equipment needs to be stored away until the following season. An outdoor deck storage cabinet provides shelves and space for storage and protection from the weather, as the cabinet itself is treated against harsh conditions and water damage. While it may take you a couple of hours to build the outdoor cabinet, it will provide you with storage options for years to come.
Instructions
1. Measure the space where you wish to place your outdoor deck cabinet with the measuring tape. Since there is no standard height or width for deck cabinets, you can custom build it to suit your deck design and available spacing. Write down the height of the available space, the width of the space and the desired depth of the cabinet using a pencil.
2. Place four plywood sheets in front of you. Use the measuring tape, pencil and square measure to draw the lines required to make the frame for the cabinet. The two side frames must measure the depth and the height. The top and bottom pieces must measure the depth and the width, except you should subtract an inch from the width measurement to make room for the 1/2-inch thickness of the side panels in the given space.
3. Place three additional plywood sheets down in front of you. Use the top and bottom measurements from the previous steps and draw three identical rectangles. These three pieces will serve as shelves in the cabinet.
4. Cut the seven plywood pieces using the table saw. Follow the straight pencil lines drawn in previous steps to ensure an even and straight cut. When done, sandpaper the surfaces and edges to avoid cracks and splinters in the plywood.
5. Take one of the side pieces and turn it on its side. Take the top piece of the cabinet and place it perpendicular to the side piece. Attach it evenly using the square, level and clamp. Hammer three to four nails into the side piece, so they all extend through the side into the top piece. Repeat this step with the bottom piece on the opposite end of the side piece, along with the three shelves where you prefer to locate them. While some prefer even shelving space, you may want one large space and two smaller shelves.
6. Line the second side piece up, so it is placed parallel to the original side piece. Use the level, clamps and square to evenly line up the loose ends of the shelves, top and bottom pieces. Hammer nails into the side piece in the same manner as before, so the frame becomes complete. Place the frame upright.
7. Measure the total width and height of the frame to get the measurements for the back panel and cabinet door. Write them down using a pencil. Use the square, pencil and measuring tape to draw two large rectangles on the two remaining pieces of plywood using the width and height measurements. Cut the two pieces using the table saw. Sandpaper both pieces as done with the prior pieces.
8. Line the back panel up against the frame, so the corners meet the frame's corners. Use the clamp to hold it in place and the square to ensure it is even. Hammer nails all around the perimeter of the back piece, so it attaches to the frame itself.
9. Place the cabinet door piece up to the open side of the cabinet and clamp it evenly in place as done with the back piece. Use the square to ensure it is even and straight. Place the two hinges along the left side of the cabinet door, so one end of the hinges is on the front of the door and the other is on the left side of the cabinet. They should be evenly apart. If you are unsure, divide the height of the cabinet into three and place the two hinges between the three compartments. Use the 1/4-inch screws and a screwdriver to attach the hinges. Use the small installation holes provided on both ends of the hinges for guidance.
10. Attach the hinge lock on the right side of the cabinet in the same manner as the door hinges. The hinge lock also has installation holes, so use the same sized screws and screwdriver. If the cabinet is extremely tall, consider using two hinge locks for extra protection.
11. Spray the entire cabinet with waterproofing. Follow the directions on the product you have chosen, as each manufacturer often has different application and amount measurements. Use a paintbrush to apply the waterproofing, if you are using a mixture or liquid. Let the waterproofing dry before placing the cabinet in its right place.
Tags: side piece, side cabinet, cabinet door, ensure even, measuring tape
