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How to build external cupboard doors?

I am wanting to make 4 doors for this unit. I need to use weather resistant material as it is exposed to the elements.

I have some 6mm marine ply left over that I can use for the backing of the doors. I would like some sort of cladding/panelling for the front but I am also conscious of budget. I wanted to use concealed hinges so need something sort of thick. Could I potentially just make the part near the hinge thicker?

im very stuck and need some ideas!

thanks

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EricL

Hello @mmryan

I recommend looking at using 90 x 19mm 5.7m Merbau Joined Set Length Pre-Oiled Decking. It's rated for outdoor use and is thick enough that you can use concealed hinges. You can do a combination of building a merbau frame and use the marine ply as the cover for the door. You can build it however you wish with the merbau on top to give it that heritage look or have the marine ply on top for a flat modern finish.

My best advice is to let the merbau season first to allow all the oils to wash away before you build your doors.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know,

Eric

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @mmryan

The @merbau that @EricL has suggested certianly would work well and have a stand out look. It will be heavy is the only draw back I can think of.

One of the external claddings over the marine ply could be used, it would be lighter and by the nature of what its for it should stand up to being outside.

With the base of your bench. I would actually see if you can get some sort of distance between the place where it sits and the base, even 1cm just so it dosnt sit in water. Lengths of merbou across at say 4 points would work.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @mmryan

as @erikc suggested you will need 19mm material if you want concealed hinges. Otherwise I would be more inclined to continue to use marine ply and piano hinges. They aren’t weather resistant but if regularly sprayed with WD40 they will last a few years before easily and economically replaced.

Concealed hinged will corrode eventually a more complex to install and you need to use thicker material.

Nailbag

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