How to Make a Small Storage Cabinet

Small storage cabinets in the garage make a great way to store things not used on a regular basis. Or, put small storage cabinets in closets, washrooms, utility rooms and even inside other larger cabinets. With a number of materials available to build storage cabinets, the best idea is the one that is the least expensive. This works because storage cabinets don't get displayed like kitchen cabinets or china hutches.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 36-by-18-by-3/4-inch plywood
• Framing square
• Variable speed drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit
• Wood glue
• 3 pieces of 18-by-18-by-3/4-inch plywood
• Phillips-head screw tip
• 114-inch drywall screws
• Damp cloth
• 1 piece of 36-by-19 1/2-by-1/4-inch plywood
• 4-penny box nails
• Hammer
• 2 pieces of 19-by-19 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood
• Full overlay hinges
• 3/16-inch drill bit
• 2 doorknobs

Instructions

1. Place the two pieces of 36-by-18-by-3/4-inch plywood on a worktable. Make a mark 3/4-inch from both ends. Next measure from one end and make a mark at 17 5/8 and 18 3/8 inches. Put the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the 18-inch width.

2. Make marks at 3/8 inch and 9 inches from the long edges. Drill pilot holes with the 1/16-inch drill bit.

3. Apply wood glue to opposite edges of the three pieces of 18-by-18-by-3/4-inch plywood. Put them between the two 36-inch pieces, placing one on either end and one between the lines in the center of the two pieces.

4. Connect the pieces to each other with 1 1/4-inch drywall screws. Clean up the excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Next, run a bead of glue on the center of the edges of the storage cabinet.

5. Set the piece of 36-by-19 1/2-by-1/4-inch plywood on the storage cabinet. Secure it to the small storage cabinet with 4-penny finish nails. Turn the cabinet over and clean up the excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

6. Put the two pieces of 19-by-19 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood on the worktable. These are the doors. Install the full overlay hinges on the doors according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Install the doors on the storage cabinet according to the manufacturer's instructions. Measure in from the edge of the doors where they meet in the center of the cabinet and make a mark at 1 inch. Measure from the top of the doors and make a mark at 9 1/4 inches on top of the 1-inch mark.

8. Drill a hole on these marks with a 3/16-inch drill bit. Install a knob on both doors through the holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the splinters from the backs of the doorknob holes before installing the knobs.

• Do not apply a finish to the small storage cabinet without proper ventilation.

References

• Home Shelving Guide: Build Your Own Shelves