I'm currently living in a home with a MIL unit that desperately needs renovating before I can rent it out, but for reasons I can't control, I have to delay the actual renovation for quite a while—maybe a year or more. In the meantime, I'm eager to build kitchen cabinets, especially since I'll have my first baby later this year, and this might be my last chance for a big project like this. The catch is that I don't really have space indoors to store these cabinets while I work on them and after they're built.
So, I'm wondering how detrimental it would be to store the cabinets outside for an extended period. I live in San Francisco where it rarely freezes or gets too hot, but it does get foggy often. My plan is to keep the cabinets off the ground using some 2x4s and wrap them in poly sheeting for protection. I can also place them in a shaded area for most of the day.
How bad do you think the cabinets will be after being stored this way for a year or more? Should I just wait, or is there a way to go ahead with my project under these conditions? It's worth noting that the room where they'll eventually go has windows open almost all year, so it's generally a similar temperature and humidity to outside.
3 Answers
Yeah, moisture really does a number on wood. I grew up in the Midwest, so I know how strange it sounds to leave windows open all the time, but if you're set on doing this, make sure to protect them as best you can. Just be prepared for some potential issues down the line.
Honestly, I think leaving them outside for that long could lead to bad results. Even if San Francisco's temperatures are mild, the moisture from fog could still warp the cabinets. If possible, try to find indoor storage. That way your hard work won't go to waste!
I wouldn't risk it, especially with the Bay Area's humidity. Moisture can really damage wood over time. If you’re really eager, why not do the bulk of the work like planning and cutting, and store flat-packed parts indoors until you're ready to assemble them? That way, you’ve got your project done when you're ready to install, without exposing the wood to the elements.