How to Build a Basement Storage Cabinet

One of the nice things about having a basement is that it can add storage space to your home. If you add cabinets to your basement, you are able to organize things you are storing and have them easily accessible. Because basements sometimes have a limited amount of space (and possibly height), you may need to build a smaller cabinet than you can buy in a store. The steps in this article will help you build a cabinet which is 6-feet tall by 2-feet wide by 2-feet deep, which should fit nicely in most basements.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood which is 2 feet wide by 6 feet long
• Six pieces of 3/4-inch plywood which are 2 feet long by 2 feet wide
• Wood screws
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• One Piece of 3/4-inch plywood which is 2 feet 1-1/2 inches wide by 6 feet long
• One piece of 3/4-inch plywood which is 2 feet 1-1/2 inches wide by 5 foot 11 inches long.
• Three inside hinges
• Cabinet handle

Instructions

1. Build a rectangle with the two pieces of 2-feet-by-6-feet plywood and two pieces of the 2-feet-by-2-feet plywood. The long pieces are the sides and the shorter pieces will be the top and bottom. The top piece should sit between the long pieces and should be even with the top edge of the sides. The bottom piece should be between the sides and offset 1 inch from the bottom edge of the sides. Connect these four pieces with screws.

2. Place your shelves in the cabinet frame. The shelves are all made out of the other four 2-feet by 2-feet pieces of 3/4-inch plywood. The bottom of a shelf should be 1 foot from the top of the shelf below it (each shelf will be 1-foot high). Screw each shelf into the sides of the cabinet. Continue this for all the shelves.

3. Place the 2-feet 1-1/2-inches wide by 6-feet long piece of plywood on one of the open sides of the cabinet. This is the cabinet back. Screw it in along the perimeter, or outside edge, of the plywood.

4. Place the hinges on the inside of the remaining open side of the cabinet. The hinges should be approximately 1 inch from the top, 1 inch from the bottom, and in the center. Make sure they are secure.

5. Attach the 2-feet 1-1/2-inches wide by 5-feet 11-inches long piece of plywood to the hinges. This is the door of your cabinet. Attach the handle to the front of the door on the opposite side of the hinges.

Tips & Warnings

• You can place your shelves wherever you want in your storage cabinet. Be sure you measure the placement before you put them in.

• These plans will give you a cabinet which is 6-feet high. Make sure the height of your basement can fit a 6-feet-high cabinet before you start building. If not, make adjustments to the height as necessary.

References

• Cabinet Making