How to Build Large Utility Cabinets

Need more utility storage?

Utility cabinets are among the most widely used cabinets install in a garage or utility room. They range in size from 36 inches tall to 84 inches and the depth of the cabinet ranges from 11 inches to 20 inches. If your need is for something larger, the best way to go is to make the depth 24 or 30 inches. If the cabinet is wider than 30 inches there is the danger of the shelves warping under the weight of the items stored in it. Increasing the depth allows more storage while keeping the width within safe boundaries.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 24-by-84-by-¾-inch plywood
• Measuring tape
• Framing square
• Wood glue
• 5 pieces of 28½-by-24-by-¾-inch plywood
• Variable speed drill
• Philips head screw tips
• 1½-inch drywall screws
• Damp cloth
• 1 piece of 1-by-2-by-28½-inch solid lumber
• 1 piece of 30-by-84-by-¼-inch plywood
• 4-penny box nails
• 3 pair of full overlay cabinet door hinges
• 2 pieces of 15-by-84-by-¾-inch plywood
• 3/16-inch drill bit
• Knobs
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Place the two pieces of 24-by-84-by-¾-inch plywood on a worktable. Measure from one and make marks at 18, 30, 48 and 66 inches. Put the framing square on the marks and draw a line across the 24-inch width of the pieces. These are the sides of the large utility cabinet.

2. Mark the end of the wood after the 66-inch line as the top of the end panels. Apply glue to the edges of one of the five pieces of 28½-by-24-by-¾-inch plywood. Stand one of the sides of the cabinet on its edge and secure the 28½-inch plywood to the bottom side of the 18-inch line with the 1½-inch drywall screws.

3. Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Repeat Step 2 with the rest of the 28½-by-24-by-¾-inch plywood on the remaining lines. Install the last piece at the very top of the sides.

4. Apply glue to the ends of the 1-by-2-by-28½-inch solid lumber. Secure it to the bottom of the sides of the cabinet and even with the front edge with the 1½-inch drywall screws. Turn the utility cabinet over.

5. Put a bead of glue on the exposed edges of the cabinet. Set the 30-by-84-by-¼-inch plywood on the cabinet. Secure it with the 4-penny box nails. Turn the cabinet over.

6. Install the full overlay hinges on the two pieces of 15-by-84-by-¾-inch plywood (doors) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Secure the doors to the utility cabinet via the hinges.

7. Mark the center of the doors at 1-inch from the edges that meet when the doors are closed. Drill a hole with the 3/16-inch drill bit. Insert the screw for the knob into the hole from the back of the door and secure the knobs to the doors with a screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

• Do not apply a finish to the large utility cabinet without proper ventilation.

References

• Plans Now: Shop Utility Cabinet Woodworking Plan
• National Business Furniture™: Utility Cabinet

Resources

• Black and Decker: Building Utility Shelves