How to Build a File Cabinet

Old metal file cabinets are a total eyesore in the home. They should be used only at work! However, if you want a file cabinet to hold your home's paperwork, you can build this file cabinet very easily using a little ingenuity. This project is great for beginners.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nails or screws
• Gloves
• Paintbrushes
• Paint or stain
• Dimensions for your project
• Wood
• 2 plastic file folder holders
• Protective eyewear
• Saw
• Hardware

1. Purchase two plastic file folder holders. You can get them at any discount or home office supply store and they look like plastic cubes in which to keep hanging file folders. Color is not important, so choose whatever looks good to you.

2. Place the file folder holders side by side and measure the dimensions. Add one inch all the way around.

3. Determine how much wood you will need for your file cabinet according to your dimensions. Make sure you account for legs and a larger top.

4. Purchase the wood, hinges, nails and stain or paint.

5. Cut the wood to size according to your dimensions.

6. Attach the base and four sides using nails.

7. Attach the top of the file cabinet using hinges.

8. Attach the legs.

9. Paint or stain the file cabinet according to your preferences and décor.

10. Remove the tops of the plastic file folder holders.

11. Place the plastic file folder holders inside. They should fit snugly.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase pre-made legs if you don't want to make them yourself.
• Trim will make your file cabinet look even more special.
• Make sure you paint or stain in a well-ventilated environment.
• Use caution when working with power tools.

[projectmgr]

on 8/25/2008 Without diagrams of an example, this is not a very useful article.