Waterproofing IKEA or other indoor furniture for Outdoor Coop

[Justicedog]

I've got an old IKEA dresser that I was wanting to repurpose into an outdoor, hospital coop to be available to use when needed. I'd like to be able to do it with as little cost and effort possible.

What needs to be done to water proof an indoor furniture item for outdoor use? Or, is it something that just cannot be done and I shouldn't waste my time and money and just buy some cheaper small coop?

Can you share any pictures of any of your repurposed coops?

 

[3KillerBs]

If the piece is made of actual wood -- solid wood, not laminate over some form of pressboard or chipboard -- you might be able to use good quality, outdoor paint to help preserve it but you would need to make an actual roof using actual roofing materials. That is, shingles, metal roofing, plastic roofing, etc. Additionally, you'd have to get it up off the ground in some fashion to prevent rot.

If it's made from indoor-grade plywood, OSB, chipboard, or that cheap pressboard that is almost like super-heavy cardboard then forget it. These materials do not withstand water at all and simply disintegrate. .