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Comparing Outdoor Cabinetry and Putting Materials to the Test Part I: Strength

 

In our last post, we spoke with Werever Production Manager Chris DePaul about materials used in building outdoor cabinets. He concluded that High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was a better material for building outdoor cabinets than either Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or foam resin, because of its strength, durability, and easy care.

But what does all that mean to you?

This month, we put all three materials to the test–mimicking real world scenarios, similar to what you could encounter at home.

 

First is the strength test. We test the impact that each material can absorb. Why is that important? You want a cabinet that’s going to last, not get seriously damaged if it gets hit by something–kids horsing around, maybe a ball being tossed around gets away from someone, your brother-in-law sitting at your bar top gets carried away laughing and kicks your cabinets, etc. How much punishment can these materials handle?

 

Second is the thread test. Why is this important? PVC cabinets are held together with screws. Foam resin panels are held to PVC with screws. How do these materials perform at holding screws in place?

You want to spend your time enjoying your outdoor kitchen, not worrying about damaging it.

In our next installment, we’ll put these materials to the durability test, and see how HDPE, PVC and foam resin hold up to a pressure washer and heat.