DIY Wood Storage Cabinets

Nickell Morgan
by Nickell Morgan
10 Materials
$200
7 Days
Easy
I needed some storage for my apartment and I wasn't willing to pay an arm and a leg for solid wood pieces so I decided to make my own! This was my first build so I'm confident you can tackle this project if you're a beginner like me!
You can make with or without shelving. I needed both. This project is so versatile!
Once I determined the size I wanted my storage unit to be, I made a comprehensive shopping list and cut list (included in the free PDF on my blog!) and cut all the wood down to the appropriate sizes.
When all the wood had been cut down, I started making the side panels by drilling the pocket holes on both sides of the 1x12 and the outer edge of the 1x8 pieces on the 3/4" setting of the kreg jig. I spaced the pocket holes about 6-8 inches apart and I also made sure the wood grain was going in opposite directions.


After I drilled all the pocket holes, I added some wood glue on one edge of the 1x8 or 1x12 and clamped them together. I then used the 1.25" pocket hole screws and screwed the wood panels together using the specialty drill bit that came with the pocket hole system.
After the two pieces were joined, I took my 1x2 and glued it down to the outside panel (the side without the holes) and clamped it down.


I flipped the entire panel so the pocket holes are facing up and drilled pilot holes and screwed the panel to the 1x2. I drilled screws on the outer edges as well as where the 1x8 and 1x12 were joined, so I used 4 screws in total and repeated this for the other sides. I had a little overhang so I sanded the wood down to make sure everything was flush.
Next up, I grabbed the 2x2 board, glued it to the side and clamped it down and drilled the pocket screws into the wood. Here is where you need to stools to prop the ends up so you can attach the 2x2. Repeat it on the opposite side.
Assembling the top support seems pretty straight forward but this was actually the most difficult for me. I placed the side panels on the floor and wedged the 2x2 pieces in between (one at a time). I made sure the corners were square with my speed square then clamped them into place.


Once I had both the top and bottom 2x2's clamped into place, I screwed 2.5" pocket hole screws to hold it in place with the sides. Note I did NOT glue the 2x2s to the wood panel just in case I wanted to disassemble this unit later on.


I assembled the bottom panel by adding pocket holes to the 1x8 and 1x12 in a similar manner as the side panels. I then added 2x2's by gluing and screwing 1.25" pocket hole screws to either side of the panel. Next up, I added a single pocket hole on the edges of the 2x2 (on the 1.5" kreg jig setting) as well as the edges of the 1x8 and 1x12 that will connect to the side panels. I secured the bottom support the same way I did the top support by clamping and ensuring it's square. I aligned the bottom and screwed in 2.25" pocket screws into all the holes (trust me, it's going to be more secure with the larger screw).
Measure how tall you need the bottom shelf and mark for reference. Add the shelf inside the unit and use your hand to hit it into place (don't go hurting yourself here. If it's too tough, grab scrap wood and a hammer and hammer it into place). You'll want to check that the shelf is level in the front and clamp it into place.


Once the shelf is leveled and clamped, screw in 2.5" pocket hole screws in the holes of the 2x2 and level the back of the shelf. Once the back is level, screw in 2.5" pocket hole screws in the holes of the 2x2 and 1.25" pocket hole screws into the remaining holes. Repeat this for the rest of the shelves.
I placed the unit front side down (you may want help for this part, it's getting heavy!) and made sure the plywood was aligned on the back and drilled pilot holes that were slightly smaller than the shaft of the 1.25" wood screws then drilled in the wood screws along the perimeter. You can add as many as you like but the main goal is to get it nice and secure.
I cut two 1x12's down to 29 inches since I wanted mine to be flush but there is another option outlined in the handy dandy PDF I put together for you. Choose your size and make sure the unit is still face down. I clamped the 1x12's into place then drilled pilot holes that were slightly smaller than the shaft of the 1.25" wood screws then drilled in the wood screws along the perimeter. That's it! So Easy!!
Want to actually SEE how I built this cabinet? Check out my video.


I also have a step by step guide on my blog (with PDF images to help you as well as a comprehensive guide FREE for you to download).
Suggested materials:
  • 1x12x8 pine boards
  • 1x8x8 pine boards
  • 1x2x8 pine boards
See all materials
Nickell Morgan
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 3 comments
  • Keith McFadden Keith McFadden on Mar 24, 2018

    Wow! I did not see that you had built this cabinet until after sending you all the information I did before. You did an amazing job. I thought you were going to build a cabinet out of pallet boards. That would have been much more work. I really like the one you did. I'm still going to build a dresser out of pallet boards because I think it's challenging and I need to try to see if I can do it. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to follow you and see what else you build. I love the encouragement you give other people who are thinking about doing this and are not sure that they can.

    • Nickell Morgan Nickell Morgan on Mar 25, 2018

      Thanks so much Keith! Of course you can give me a follow I don’t mind 😊 I can’t wait to see how your dresser comes out. It sounds like it will be beautiful!

  • Jackson Jackson on Jun 20, 2021

    Wow! Nice job! I wouldn't call you a "beginner!" icon

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