How to Build Your Own Kitchen Cupboard

A kitchen cupboard can be fancy or plain.

Constructing a kitchen cupboard requires basic building skills and attention to detail. Careful measuring and using correct materials will ensure the cabinet doesn't look like it's made by an amateur. Build the cabinet to match other cabinets, but consider creating a cupboard that is hybrid. In other words, the cabinet will stand out visually in contrast to other nearby cabinets. In this case, it will have features that are unique. Even if the cupboard is painted or stained in a different color, however, it must incorporate colors used in other parts of the kitchen to fit well.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tools
• Kitchen design books
• Kitchen remodeling magazines
• Sketch pad
• Graph paper
• 3/4-inch plywood
• Wood veneer
• Furring strips
• 2-inch nails
• 3-inch stainless steel screws
• Glass shelving
• Shelving hardware
• Wood glue
• Pre-made cabinet doors
• Hinges

Instructions

1. Measure the space to allow for the cupboard. Decide whether the cabinetry will be freestanding or attached to a wall. Review home design books and magazines to select which style of cupboard to build. Create the basic look by drawing a rough draft on a sketch pad. Fine-tune the design and use graph paper to develop the precise measurments.

2. Create the design on tracing paper in real dimensions. Cut the basic pieces of the cupboard from 3/4-inch plywood. Construct the framing of the cabinetry from furring strips and and secure with 2-inch nails and 3-inch stainless steel screws. Counter sink all nails and screws. Cover the exterior of the cupboard with plywood, secured in place with 3-inch stainless steel screws.

3. Construct interior shelves for the cupboard from 3/4-inch plywood or buy glass panels to install. Use shelving accessories inside the cabinet area to support the shelves. Sand and stain interior shelves, if made of wood, before placing them inside the cabinet.

4. Cut wood veneer sections to fit the cabinet exterior. Glue all sections carefully. Add glue to one piece of the veneer at a time, let the glue dry until tacky and press into place on the cabinet. Allow each veneer section to dry thoroughly before adding another section.

5. Install pre-made doors purchased to fit cabinet openings. Buy solid wooden doors if the cabinet is all wood. Add doors with glass panels if the cabinet will be used to display art objects or china. Install hinges that fit the style of the cupboard in a metal finish that matches other hinges in the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Improve the overall look of the cupboard by adding crown molding around the top perimeter or base of the cabinet. Wire the cabinet for lighting if dishes will be stored in it.

• Construct the cupboard to be heavier at the bottom. A free-standing cupboard can easily become top heavy when dishes or other items are added. Create weight in the bottom by adding extra layers of 3/4-inch plywood or heavier framing. Never add an upper section on the cabinet with glass, especially, until the bottom of the unit is stabilized with added weight.

References

• Kitchen Weekly: Building a Hutch
• My Next Kitchen: Design Kitchen Cupboards
• Ezine Seeker: How to Build Kitchen Cabinets

Resources

• Rockler: Making Your Own Kitchen Cabinets
• Kitchen Bath Ideas: Slideshow of Hutch Designs