How to Build Your Own European Style Cabinets

Custom cabinetry adds appeal to any home. And sleek, European cabinets are easier to build that you might think.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 Melamine
• 1/4 Melamine
• 3/4 Plywood
• Edgebanding
• Table Saw or Panel Saw
• Drill
• Countersink Screws
• Square
• Tape Measurer
• Circular Saw
• Level
• Bondo
• Shelf Pins

Instructions

1. Measure the space in which you plan to put your new cabinets and develop a materials list.

2. Make a cut list. Base cabinets are 32 inches high. They sit on 3 inch toebases and are topped by a 1 inch countertop. Upper cabinets can vary in heighth. Make sure the bottom of the cabinet is 2 feet above the countertop.

3. Attach and trim edgebanding to all visible edges.

4. Build the boxes. A base cabinet consists of a 3/4 inch melamine bottom, 2 3/4 inch melamine sides, a 3/4 (or 1/4) inch melamine back and two 3/4 inch (3 inch wide) plywood spacers flush with the top. Additionally there is a spacer between each drawer.

5. Drill Shelf Holes. If you want adjustable shelves, drill a series of holes in the front and back of each side of your boxes two inches from the edge.

6. Install your cabinets. Place the base cabinets on the toebases. Screw them together and to studs in the walls. Make sure they are level. If you're installing your own countertop, do it now. Attach scrap pieces of plywood (making certain that they are level) just below where you want to hang your upper cabinets. Rest the uppers on the scrap and screw into studs.

7. Doors and drawer fronts can be as simple as painted plywood. Make sure they are large enough to hide the box behind.

8. Add shelves, hinges, knobs and pulls.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want more complicated doors and drawer fronts, buy don't build. Building your own isn't cost effective and is time consuming.

• Edgebanding comes in a wide variety of colors.

• Don't try this alone. Get some help.

• Always measure twice. Don't waste material.