In the shop where I work, we have been asked to design/build some cabinetry that will live outside. They are to be used as kiosks in locations from Utah to Florida so the material we choose needs to stand up well to varied climates. A material that comes in different colors would be great because painting/finishing wouldn’t be an issue. The kiosks would be placed on casters so they can’t be too heavy. Ideally the learning curve on the material would be short as we are usually under the gun to produce.
I’ve looked at a product called Azek which is an exterior architectural trim material that comes in sheet form. I’m just not sure how it would work for cabinets. We’ve tried just about every “regular” wood product option with not a lot of luck. Am I searching for the Holy Grail?
Thanks in advance for any input.
-Paul
Replies
What's it like on price?
Scrit
Scrit,
Haven't talked to my sales rep. about price yet. Wanted to find a few otions and then let him come with a price. I'll let you know.
Thanks,
-Paul
You'll find lots of experience with Azek over at Breaktime.
Without going to plastic (and that's what Azek is -- PVC), there are wood-based sheet goods which are spec'd for exterior use --- siding plywood ("T111"), marine plywood, MDO-faced plywood, and many others.
Jamie,
We've used all the options you've listed. The complaint has been that these materials require additional maintenance in the field not too long after they get installed. The paint/finish that's required for these hasn't stood up. An example: We built one out of ext. grade ply, with several coats of ext. paint. Followed what the manufacturers' instructions were on treating each. The kiosk was sent to an ocean side location in S. Carolina. Six mos. later it is un-usable.
I will check-in over at Breaktime.
Thanks,
-Paul
UnclePaul, I work for a state DOT and we make tens of thousands of square feet of traffic signs each year using a plywood product called high density overlay (HDO).
It has a resin impregnated kraft paper laminated on both faces of the plywood.
We apply sign sheeting over one side, and then the other side is left untreated. We get at least 10 years of life, and up to 15 years out of this material.
Good luck on your cabinets.
Thanks for the info, I will look into it. That's closer to the durability that we are looking for.
-Paul
UnclePaul ,
As has been suggested MDO or HDO otherwise known as "signboard "will stand up to the elements with astounding results . The majority of billboards and signs you see along highways is made of this product .
dusty
Thanks Dusty. MDO or HDO is probably the way we will go. If the designers don't object!!!
-Paul
HDO or MDO are probably your best options, Any of the PVC or cellular core plastic stuff is VERY unstable. The stuff expands and contracts dramaticly with heat.
Aside from the sheet goods think about the hardware. Especially if it needs to be knock down. It should all be weather resistant and comercial quality. I have built a few booth setups for artists to be used in out door festivals. It is quite a challenge to make something that can withstand the abuses of a traveling show artist. The first set I made only lasted one season! I was mortified.
Mike
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought about he plastics moving so much, but you are right-good call. We made up some PVC signs for another division of our company, left them outside for pick-up in the Florida sun and they buckled pretty badly. Forgot all about that horror show........Most likely MDO is what we'll use.
These kiosks we need to build always get casters, so overall strength/durability is the main focus. We've moved away from hinged doors in favor of sliding doors - less hardware to fail. Also, we are getting away from putting drawers in the things. It took some pretty spectacular failures to convince the "higher - ups" to let the cabinetmakers make some of the design choices. Too many behind the desk designers with no practical woodworking knowledge making critical desicions about our approach. I think we've remedied a great deal of that , now it's time to prove it. Sorry for the mini- rant....
Thanks again,
-Paul
Thats funny. I am lucky to not have to deal with that sort of politics.
Mike
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled