Help me build my outdoor cabinet

[CraigA]

Hi all, I'm looking to build an external cupboard to store old toys, porta cot, golf clubs, Xmas tree and anything else I can't fit in my small shed.

 

As much as it is going to be outside, in Melbourne, I plan to locate it under a carport in an area where it won't get wet from rain or touched by the sun (maybe one side for 1 or 2 hours tops during summer). Humidity will change and be high in winter etc but as I said water from rain won't be an issue at all.

It will be free standing and as it is in a carport but I also need to lock it for security. It will be around the back of the house where 2 town houses have been built on sub divided land.

I trust the current tenants (they are our properties) but the occasional delivery person, guest etc does go around the back. I won't store anything of sentimental value that can't be replaced. Therefore it doesn't need to be fort knox but at the same time secure enough that someone would have to use significant force to break in.

Dimensions will be roughly 2.7 x 2.0 x .75m (WxHxD)

I'm slowly building the plans in my head as I go, but I was hoping for some advice on what type of timber I should use. This is not my strong point. Treated vs not treated. Dressed vs not dressed.

I was thinking that the main 6 post would be approx 100x100mm.

I am considering using plywood panels for the sides, back, doors and roof. Although it won't look as nice, in my mind this would be less work and cheaper. Thoughts? Ideas on what thickness?

I am trying to keep the costs as low as possible. So if I have to do a bit of sanding to save significant money that's ok.

Any other advice you might have would be great too. Looking forward to your help and sharing my journey. 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @srimalj,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

If I were to try to emulate the doors in Craig's inspiration image, I would start with a sheet of 15mm Plywood cut to the correct size for the opening, then paint it with 3 coats of exterior paint on all sides to ensure it is fully sealed and protected from the weather. 

I would then attach some Hardie Groove Lining to the face of the door using 20mm Fibre Cement Screws and Liquid Nails, ensuring I don't overdrive the screws and punch through the back of the plywood.

I would then use H3 mouldings to create the framed details on the front of the door, fixing them in place with brad nails and Liquid Nails. I would then cover the nail holes with Polyfilla Exterior Timber Filler, sand everything smooth, then prime and paint with 3 coats of exterior paint.

I would then hang the door from the frame using butt hinges.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob