Step 1: Assemble cabinet
First I cut my plywood and assembled the outer cabinet (with one center divider). I attached them together with wood glue and pocket hole screws.
My first cabinet build! Building a cabinet seemed way more intimidating that it actually was. Breaking it down into simple steps and tackling them one at a time, this project is totally doable.
Supplies:
3/4 in birch plywood
1/8 in hardboard
2x2 poplar
1 x 2
Surface mount hinges
Push to open latches
Edge banding
Wood glue
Stain and polyurethane
Step 1: Assemble cabinet
First I cut my plywood and assembled the outer cabinet (with one center divider). I attached them together with wood glue and pocket hole screws.
Step 2: Add legs
I cut my poplar pieces at 10° angles, and attached them to each other using pocket holes and scrap 1x2s for extra support. Then, I drilled through the bottom of the cabinet and into each leg with 2.5 in screws. I countersunk these screws and used woodfiller to hide the screw head. You can also add some wood glue here, but I forgot to do that!
Step 3: Add edge banding
This was my first time using edge banding and I’m in love! You just iron it onto those ugly plywood edges, and it gives a clean finished look. It can also be easily sanded or stained.
Step 4: Attach doors
Next I cut and attached my doors. This was the part I was nervous for, but I learned some tricks! First, I cut my doors a tad bit big, and sanded them down to size. This may not be the “right way” but it left me with more room for error. Once they were the right size, I added more edgenbanding to them to hide the ugly edge. I also bought face mount hinges, which were very easy to use. Finally, I found it was easier to attach the doors when they were in the closed position (this way there would be no question on how the doors would sit when they were closed). This meant that I had to install the doors before attaching the back of the cabinet.
Step 5: Add in shelving
Next, I used some scrap wood to make shelves. I attached these with pocket holes and wood glue, and then added edge banding on the front faces. (This photo was taken after I had already attached the back of the cabinet, but I did add the shelves BEFORE attaching the back)
Step 6: Attach Back
Now it’s time for the back! I attached the hard board to the back of the cabinet with liquid nails and Brad nails.
Step 7: Add hardware
I didn’t want any handles or pull, so I installed these push to open latches. These were so easy to install and very affordable!
Step 8: Stain and seal
I always struggle with stain. After debating on painting vs staining for way too long, I wound up staining the whole thing Special Walnut, then sealing it with 2 coats of polyurethane, sanding with 220 grit sandpaper in between coats. I always recommend testing out your stain options on some scrap wood before making a decision on a color, and don’t forget to use wood conditioner first!
I am so proud of myself for this one! It was my first time building a cabinet and for a first time, I think it came out pretty great.
Amazingly great job for a "first cabinet build"! Very Midcentury Modern
Appreciate that so much. Thank you!
Awesome! Beautiful as well! You are a clever and talented crafts woman!
you are too kind. thank you so much
Whether it be in your office, kitchen or garage, cubbies are the perfect way to keep your things...
We had two shelving units in our living room to store books and DVDs. I painted them to fit in with...
Installing DIY built in cabinetry can be easy and affordable when you are using unfinished pre-made...
These colorful blooms are a pretty addition to any outdoor space — and you don’t need to worry about...
Coffee Filter Garland I had my cute friend Shyla make this awesome Coffee Filter Garland for my...
Time for something fresh that feels like spring for my front door!
We drink coffee in our house every morning, and I started researching different ways to use the left...
Spring has finally arrived. time to get outside and do some spring cleaning and a few chores. Spring...
Homemade Fabric Softener? Why not! I started making my own DIY Laundry Soap, click here for...
Make your home smell wonderful with a simmering pot - it's inexpensive, it's natural (no chemicals),...
I once told a friend that I could make a 32 oz. bottle of Dawn last about 6 months. She didn’t seem...
This little chest of drawers was cute but in rough shape and missing a drawer. So I gutted it and...
Finding a good location to hang your towels in the bathroom could be a challenge, especially if...
I gave this ornate chest of drawers a makeover with just a little paint and some love.Taking old...
I don't usually decorate for the Easter holiday, but I was feeling an itch to come up with some...
Are you getting excited for spring and looking for ideas to freshen up your home? How about a simple...
I've created a couple Easter crafts this year, but this one is my favorite because it focuses on the...
So I’ve been pondering this idea about adding a vent to my exposed duct work in the basement for...
These linen fabric baskets are perfect for serving and storing bread, your favorite craft project,...
Anyone else having spring fever at the moment? Not the allergies – although I have that too – but...
I used fallen tree branches to upcycle a dollar store vase for a fresh spring look.
Most days, I'm desperate to keep my three-year-old son quietly occupied while I wrangle my newborn...
I recently purchased a chandelier for our bedroom ceiling. This has some antique gold detail on it...
Today I am sharing a project that we did when we renovated our Laundry/Mudspace at the lake. I...
You know I love my garland for every season and holiday! Here are two ways to make beautiful Easter...
Are you loving the vintage clay pottery trend as much as I am lately?I must admit at first I wasn't...
Got a blank wall and 30 minutes? Paint an arch! This is such a great way to liven up a space or try...
A client I had in the past msgd me asking for a dresser for her master bedroom! Gave me the general...
I refinish furniture for a living and staging that furniture for photographs is part of the job, so...
My husband has an enormous CD and record collection. Thousands of CDs. Our best friend (owner of a...
Here is perhaps one of the easiest ways to make a scented diffuser using twigs, diffuser reeds and a...
I've see these so many different ways, from covered with twine to wrapped in yarn. My version...
I absolutely love having my home smelling like my favorite scents but I don’t like all of the...
Learn the easiest and fastest way to clean your indoor trash cans during Spring Cleaning sessions...
Everybody loves throw pillows, but we also know that the beautiful ones are a bit pricey. So I’ll...
Get the steps to create a photo banner to decorate for your next celebration. Photo banners are...
Want to add an archway to up your home improvement game? This DIY archway tutorial will help you...
Remember when I did a makeover on my laundry nook? You can find all the details on my blog. Well I...
Have a question about this project?