Cabinet Doors? Outdoor Kitchen Design Discuss Cabinet Doors? in the Outdoor Kitchens and Living Rooms forums; Hey Guys & Gals, I'm building outdoor bar seating beside our oven. The construction is metal stud with hardibacker then ...

[Ken524]

Hey Guys & Gals,

I'm building outdoor bar seating beside our oven. The construction is metal stud with hardibacker then stucco. The bars will have some doors on one side so the bar-stools can be stored inside the bar when not in use ( clever, huh? ).

I need some custom sized doors for the storage area. Any ideas on what type of wood or material I should use? I will be painting them with exterior latex.

I'm thinking about MDF or particle board because it's easy to work with. Anyone have other ideas for materials? Would finish grade plywood hold up better?

Thanks!

[egalecki]

When I had to tile a kitchen counter, I think my cabinet guy called what he supplied MDF. It's very water resistant, which you'll need where you're doing this. That would get my vote over particle board or plywood (which would need to be the treated kind and I don't know that you can get that in finish grade). There's a particle board called advantek we use for subfloors, which is really good for wet locations, but I don't know that I'd want to use it for doors- it's pretty heavy and I don't know that you'll be happy with screws, hinges, and particle board..... I see sagging loose doors in the future. MDF is a lot lighter, so not as much of a problem.

Just my two cents...

[Ken524]

Thanks Elizabeth!

[blacknoir]

Be sure to apply a good sealer. I'd recommend multiple coats of thin shellac followed by a high quality exterior paint. There are water resistant versions of MDF but they are not cheap. Standard MDF that you get at your box store is not water resistant. It will suck up water easily and will also get moldy easily.. but so will any untreated wood. If you seal it you'll be fine.

[Ken524]

Thanks Shay, that's exactly what I needed to know!