How to Build a Cabinet

Building a cabinet can be simple to extremely challenging depending on what kind you're building and what design you're working on. Regardless, all cabinets have basic parts and instructions. Each will usually take about three to four hours from start to finish, not including paint drying time. All have a carcass, basically a box, shelves, which are optional, and then some optional trim and doors as well. Options are needed depending on what room and what purpose your cabinet is for.

Things You'll Need

• Project design fitting to your needs
• Table saw
• Router
• Power drill
• Hammer
• Layout square
• Enough wood of certain size according to the specific project details
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Woodworker's glue

Instructions

1. Usually you can get wood at a hardware store or wood warehouse cut to the exact size you'll need for your project. If not, then use a pencil and tape measure to draw out where you'll need to cut. Using the table saw cut all wood to the size(s) you'll need for your project.

2. At this point, do a trial run of sorts. Remeasure all the pieces of wood you've cut and place them together without glue or nails to see how they fit. Trim whatever is necessary to create a seamless finish.

3. Use a drill to mark the sides and back of the carcass to show where nails or screws will go. Drill from the back into the sides. It is important to be sure you drill straight or you'll go right through the wood making it impossible to screw the wood together securely. Do not drill all the way through. Just enough to make a small hole in each carcass side to know where the nail or screw needs to go. Repeat this for every piece until they are all marked properly.

4. Glue each side one at a time before fitting them together. Using nails or a screw, fasten them together securely. The glue works as a way to keep the wood from moving too much as you're fastening the cabinet pieces together and adds extra strength in keeping the cabinet together.

5. Depending on the use of the cabinet, this is optional. It may take a day to sand depending on the tool(s) you use. Power sanders can cut the time down dramatically. Staining the wood is simple and usually needs some drying time.

6. If you paint the cabinet, be sure to use the proper paint and number of coats as directed by an expert as all paints are different.

Tips & Warnings

• Use some sort of marking system to label each piece of wood so you know which piece goes where on your cabinet.

• Cut accurately so as to avoid a second trip to the warehouse for more wood.

• Always know how to use all tools and take all safety precautions when using them. Be sure to wear safety glasses.

• Be sure to paint, sand and stain in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling too many of the fumes.