Expert: Jamie Yocono - 3/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I like the look of cherry, teak, and mahogany wood.  I am having outdoor wood
cabinets built and want to know what wood would work the best in terms of
quality and durability.  Also, can you advise how the would should be prepare to
protect from weather since these cabinets will be  exposed to the elements

ANSWER: Jacqueline,

In terms of water resistance and durability to the elements, the best wood would be Teak. Then Mahogany, with Cherry being last. More importantly, finish is a big factor, too. But Teak can withstand the weather much better than the other two.

The bad part is that Teak is probably four times as expensive. Ouch.

Cherry can rot out quite quickly when exposed to the elements, so I would avoid Cherry at all costs for an exterior application.

I like to use a wood finish called CWF, which stands for Clear Wood Finish. I think it's more common on the east coast than the west. Thompson's Water Seal is good, too; I've had some luck with it. Watco Danish Oil makes a product that is specially formulated for Teak, so if you end up going with Teak, you might look for that. It should be available at any good paint or hardware store. McCloskey's makes a spar varnish that is EXCELLENT for outdoor applications, so you might want to do a little research on that and consider using it.

Make sure that the cabinets are built with fasteners that won't rust, and glue that won't be affected by moisture. Those details are just as important as the type of wood, and the finish.

Hope this helps!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We live in California.  Do you have other wood recommendation for us for the outdoor that is not so costly?

ANSWER: Jacqueline,

You didn't mention the style of these cabinets, but you might want to consider a nice plywood for building them. Make sure it's an exterior plywood, so that it will hold up to the moisture outside.

If you don't want plywood, another wood to consider might be white oak, or even cedar. You haven't mentioned if they will be outside in the elements, or just outside, like in a garage. If they have the chance of getting wet from rain or snow, I would go with solid wood. I like white oak, as its durable and strong. Many old barns were made of it, it's tough!

Hope this helps!

Jamie Y

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The outdoor cabinets will be exposed to all elements:  rain, sun, wind, etc...Is douglas fir & cedar good to use.  Is a marine varnish good to use on them?

Answer
Jacqueline,

Cedar is an excellent wood for outdoor applications, Doug Fir wouldn't be near the top of my list, however.

Marine varnish is highly protective and is a great choice for anything that is exposed to the elements. Some woodworkers even thin it down, maybe 50/50 with mineral spirits or turpentine, and rub it into the wood. It will absorb a little better that way. You can apply 2 coats thinned, then one coat full strength and you will have great protection. Make sure you let each coat dry before applying the next one.

Make sure you don't forget to coat the bottoms of the feet, or whatever touches the ground. Water will wick it's way into the wood up through the feet.

Good luck,

Jamie in Vegas