How to Build a Primitive Kitchen Cupboard

Primitive kitchen cupboards, also known as prim cabinets, are simple yet beautiful cabinets. Most widely known for their tall shape, prim cabinets originated hundreds of years ago when there were very few tools and materials, yet there was still a need to sort and organize kitchen items, especially canned goods and spices. Through the years, the same techniques of using few tools and materials have continued. Although prim cabinets are simple to build, a professional cabinetmaker will still charge a premium price.

Things You'll Need

• 1" thick x 6" wide rough cut lumber
• Hand crosscut saw
• Bar clamps
• Wood glue
• Hinges
• Door pull

Instructions

Building

1. Measure the opening where your cabinet will go. Note the height, width and depth measurements.

2. Select four 1-inch thick by 6-inch wide boards to form the sides of your cabinet. Cut each board to your height measurement with the crosscut saw.

3. Glue the edges and clamp two boards together. Repeat with the remaining two boards. These will form your sides.

4. Subtract 2 inches from your width measurement and crosscut two pieces of lumber to this measurement.

5. Glue the edges and clamp two boards together. Repeat with the remaining two boards. These will form your top and bottom pieces.

6. Assemble all four sides of your cabinet. Glue and clamp your project together.

Building the Door

1. Select enough boards to cover the cabinet opening. Cut all boards to your height measurement.

2. Glue the edges and clamp all boards together to form the door.

3. Attach the door to the cabinet front using rustic-looking hinges.

4. Install the door pull.

Making Shelves

1. Measure the inside dimensions of your cabinet.

2. Select two boards and crosscut them to the inside dimension.

3. Glue the edges and clamp the boards together. This will make one shelf.

Tips & Warnings

• Prim cabinets are meant to look worn and rough. It is not necessary to be gentle with the materials when building.

• Hand tools are sharp and can cause injury. Wear proper protective equipment at all times.

References

• Primitive Kitchen Cabinets
• Woodpile Primitives
• The Old Country Cupboard