Combatting Coastal Salt Air with Aluminum Cabinets

It’s wonderful living on the coast, but it doesn’t come without its own unique challenges. Salty sea air can corrode metals and painted surfaces, and the moisture can cause mold issues. Left unchecked, it can dilapidate an otherwise relaxing beach getaway. Let’s take a look at how one homeowner used Moduline aluminum cabinets to combat the harsh coastal environment and revitalize their garage. 

The Problem

The garage workshop was outdated and, more importantly, furnished without thought to the coastal climate and sea air. The wooden cabinets were warped from moisture and seasonal temperature changes, which caused many of the drawers to stick and the doors to sit out of square. The porous wooden cabinets were prone to mold, and keeping the surfaces clean and disinfected was a constant struggle. The owners’ collection of tools and fishing gear had long outgrown the pegboard wall and cabinet storage, and lack of organization made what should be a relaxing space feel cluttered and stressful.

The Storage Solution

The first step was to remove the warped wooden cabinets and pegboard, and replace them with Moduline aluminum cabinets. Aluminum is the perfect material for a beach house. It’s resistant to corrosion, moisture and mold so it’s much easier to maintain the cabinets and keep them looking like new for years. The homeowners spoke with an expert cabinet designer at Moduline, who helped create a layout for the space that could get all the tools off the wall and into drawers where they would be protected from the elements. They chose to add a mix of small and tall drawers for different tools and tackle, and overhead wall cabinets to store bottles, cans, etc. Being lighter than steel, the aluminum cabinets were quick and easy to install so renovations never dragged on. 

Finishing Touches

More Improvements

Once the storage issue was solved, the space needed a few more improvements to really make it a comfortable space to hang out and work. The floor was epoxied to be resistant to moisture and easier to maintain. Rustic looking, removable ceiling slats were added to hide the insulation, while allowing for easy access in the future. Instead of paint or wallpaper, which have a tendency to deteriorate in salt air, the homeowners chose to apply vinyl flooring to the walls. It has the advantage of snapping together easily, while being stain-resistant, low maintenance and economical. It comes in a variety of wood finished that add to the rustic coastal aesthetic, without being prone to the elements like real wood. The space was finished off with some additional electrical outlets and new high-efficiency LED lighting on the ceiling and under the overhead cabinets.

The Results

The result is a beautiful, relaxing garage space to do repairs, pack for fishing trips and more. The installed cabinets fit everything the owners needed to store, as well as provide extra room to grow into. The drawer units have Moduline’s patented QuikDraw® latch system, so the drawers open and shut effortlessly. The overhead cabinets with lift-up doors give lots of storage at eye level and the base cabinets have adjustable pull-out shelves, so there’s no need to bend over looking for one specific bottle, jammed in the back of a cabinet. Between the cabinets and walls being much easier to keep clean and new looking; the additional lighting to make the space feel bright and less cave-like; and the storage cabinets keeping the clutter organized and out of sight, this garage can finally be called a place to get away. 

How You Can Get Moduline Cabinets for Your Garage

Now that you’ve seen how dramatically a Moduline storage solution and some simple improvements can transform a space, take a moment to explore our cabinet systems and see how Moduline cabinets can help you reclaim your wasted space. The peace of mind you’ll gain from never having to address the problem again will be well worth it!