How to Build a Gun Cabinet

Sliding firearms under a bed or stacking them in your garage is not stylish or safe. Here are steps on how to build a gun cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Woodworking tools
• Woodworking plans

Instructions

1. Determine your priorities. Is the focus on displaying your guns nicely or are you trying to keep them out of youngsters' hands? This is the difference between building a nice display case or purchasing a secured gun safe.

2. Browse plans online that fit your needs. Remember, thin-walled wooden cabinets provide minimal security, even when locks are installed on the doors. Plans are available electronically from a number of online sources.

3. Review the finished measurements of the cabinet you are going to build. Be sure that it will fit into the room you are placing it, as well as through your front door.

4. Make a list of all the materials that you will need. Go to a hardware store and/or lumber yard to get your raw materials.

5. Many gun cabinet plans have glass fronts and unusually shaped dadoes and rabbets. This will require some more complex shaping. If you have minimal carpentry experience, read through the plans until you thoroughly understand them.

6. Build it. Make sure you're in a safe and comfortable work area. Set aside an area where you won't be disturbed and things won't go missing. Be sure to construct the cabinet in the right order.

7. Paint or stain the cabinet to match your decor. A fine semi-gloss adds a touch of elegance to any wood project.

Tips & Warnings

• As the saying goes, measure twice, cut once.

• If safety is a concern, consider purchasing a metallic safe.

• Store ammunition in a separate, locking drawer in a completely different location from the firearms.

• Locking mechanisms are easy to install and should be included on all cabinets.