Spice Up Your Patio With a Cool Corner Storage Cabinet

As the weather warms up, it's time to start planning how to refresh your outdoor living space for the summer. One easy way to upgrade your patio or deck is by adding a storage cabinet specifically designed for the corner. Corner cabinets are a savvy solution for maximizing every inch of your outdoor area while keeping essentials tidy and protected from the elements. With options ranging from repurposed vintage pieces to custom designs with specialized features, corner storage cabinets allow you to add function and flair to your space.

We'll explore popular materials, essential features to consider, and fun ways to incorporate a corner storage unit for activities like grilling, gardening, or lounging with drinks. By the end, you'll be overloaded with inspiration to choose or even DIY the perfect corner cabinet for enhancing your unique outdoor oasis.

Why Add a Corner Cabinet to Your Patio?

Maximize Your Space

One of the biggest perks of utilizing a corner for storage is the ability to take advantage of often under-utilized areas. The corners of most standard patio and deck layouts end up becoming dead zones or get filled with potted plants. A corner cabinet, on the other hand, tucks neatly into the 90-degree intersection without interfering with existing furniture arrangements or traffic flow. The triangular footprint fits perfectly to gain a few extra square feet of storage. Since most quality corner cabinets come equipped with shelving, you can multiply storage capacity by utilizing vertical space as well.

Extra Storage

Speaking of shelving, a corner cabinet allows you to neatly stow away all the outdoor living essentials that tend to clutter your patio when left out in the open. Things like patio cushion covers, outdoor dishware and glassware, pool toys, gardening tools, and grill accessories all benefit from having a enclosed, dedicated storage spot. Not having to haul these items in and out of the garage or house keeps them accessible for impromptu use while protecting them from the elements.

Added Functionality

Beyond just providing sheltered storage, many corner cabinets incorporate specialized features that enhance the functionality of your outdoor living space. For example, you can find corner cabinets outfitted with:

• Built-in coolers for drinks
• Wine refrigerators to store and serve vino outdoors
• Extra counter space or work areas for food prep or gardening tasks
• Dedicated racks, holders, and hooks for stowing grilling tools

With some creative design, you can build or buy a corner cabinet tailored to however you plan to utilize your patio and deck. The benefits go well beyond basic storage!

Choosing the Right Corner Cabinet

Ready to add organization and interest to your outdoor oasis with a corner cabinet? Here are some key considerations as you evaluate options to find the perfect fit.

Size

First, examine your space closely to determine ideal dimensions for your new storage unit. Take measurements of the precise corner area you plan to fill, accounting for any permanent built-in features already occupying the space. Make sure to factor in room for cabinet doors to fully swing open without blocking pathways or bumping into other objects.

Many manufacturers offer corner cabinet models in standard sizes, but custom building one yourself or working with a carpenter allows tailoring to your exact spatial needs.

Material

When selecting a material, durability and weather resistance are top concerns for an outdoor storage cabinet. Pressure-treated lumber offers a classic look but requires diligent sealing and maintenance. More hardy options include:

• Teak wood - Naturally weather resistant and beautiful but pricier
• Stainless steel - Rust-resistant and easy to clean
• Aluminum - Lightweight but sturdy
• Recycled plastic lumber - Low maintenance and eco-friendly

Look for reinforced corner joint construction and cabinet designs with overhangs or sloped tops to keep interior contents dry.

Features

Think about what type of organizational systems and storage options will work best your specific patio items. Handy interior features to look for include:

• Adjustable shelving
• Cabinet doors with reliable seals
• Drawers on smooth roller glides
• Wine glass racks
• Towel bars and hooks
• Spice racks or magnetic strips for knives and tools
• Locking mechanisms for security

Ventilation slats and holes also promote air circulation and moisture control.

Style

An outdoor corner cabinet acts as piece of patio or deck furniture, so it should complement your existing aesthetic. Look for corner cabinets that match other outdoor storage and match or contrast nicely with overall design choices like:

• Patio material - brick, concrete, stone, composite decking
• Other outdoor furniture style - wicker, metal, wood
• Railings and architectural accents

Some popular style options include:

• Rustic - Weathered wood, galvanized metal
• Farmhouse - Whitewashed wood, chicken wire accents
• Modern - sleek lines, composite materials
• Industrial - steel, cinder blocks, pipes

Cool Design Ideas and Inspiration

Ready to get creative with how you utilize corner real estate? Browse these clever ideas and examples to match your patio activities and lifestyle.

Repurposed Cabinets

Breathing new life into salvaged materials is a sustainable approach for a one-of-a-kind corner cabinet. Some fun options include:

• An old kitchen cabinet or hutch
• Vintage luggage racks or lockers
• Retired chest freezer converted into a dry bar
• Recycled 55-gallon steel drums as miniature kitchenettes

Sand down, paint, or stencil for personalized flair. Add hooks, shelves, or other functional elements suited to its new purpose.

Potting Bench Station

Does your green thumb need more space to store pots, seeds, tools, and other gardening gear? Install a custom designed potting bench cabinet, or retrofit an existing cabinet with handy features like:

• A removable work surface for repotting plants
• Baskets, bins, and shelves for organizing supplies
• Hooks for hanging tools
• A section for harvested veggies awaiting transport to the kitchen

Beverage Center

Elevate your patio happy hours with a corner beverage station. Build or buy a cabinet equipped with:

• Wine refrigerator to keep bottles properly chilled
• Interior racks and stemware storage
• Extra counter space for mixing cocktails
• Integrated cooler for beer, soft drinks, and ice
• Glassware hooks and bottle openers

Grilling Cabinet

Grillmasters will appreciate keeping all the BBQ essentials organized yet handy. Look for or design a storage cabinet just for grilling gear.

• Seasoning racks
• Towel hooks
• Cubbies for plates and tools
• Pull-out trays
• Paper towel holder
• Side hooks to hang heavy gloves or aprons

Installing and Securing Your Corner Cabinet

Once you've selected the perfect corner cabinet design for your patio, it's time to get it up and anchored. Here are some tips for smooth installation:

• Reinforce using provided hardware - Most cabinets include mounting clips, screws, and pre-drilled holes to attach firmly to a wall.Utilize at least two points of contact for stability.
• Ensure full door clearance - Double check that doors and shelves will fully open without obstruction before permanently securing in place.
• Level from all sides - Use shims or spacers as needed to ensure the cabinet top and base sit level on the floor or deck.
• Seal joints - Caulk or weatherstrip along any joints, corners, and the cabinet bottom to prevent water seepage.

Seeking extra security or installing on softer ground like grass? Consider pouring a concrete slab as a foundation to bolt the cabinet down to.

Styling and Organizing Your Corner Cabinet

Now for the fun part - it's time to outfit your new storage unit! Keep contents organized and ideas flowing with these tips:

• Add coordinating baskets, bins, or trays for specialized zones.
• Use magnetic strips to hold knives and metal tools in place.
• Paint the back with chalkboard paint to label shelves.
• Stencil on designs or add trim for personality.
• Install interior lighting so you can see inside at night.
• HOOK

Get creative with using every inch - you could even add a vertical tool organizer on the back of the door! Frequently re-assess stored items and edit down clutter for maximum efficiency.

Outdoor corner cabinets offer excellent bang for your buck when it comes to enhancing patio storage and style. Clever corner placement takes advantage of unused space without interfering with the room's flow. Meanwhile, weather-resistant construction and secure doors keep your outdoor living essentials protected and organized.

Hopefully the ideas and tips provided have inspired creativity for designing the ideal corner cabinet setup to serve your unique needs. The options are endless - potting bench, beverage station, grilling headquarters, or simple shelving. Your cabinet can be rustic or modern, built-in or freestanding. The final step is to get busy installing your customized storage solution to enjoy a more functional and beautiful outdoor living area all season long.