How to Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinet Frames

Cabinet frames can be built yourself.

Kitchen cabinet frames can be built with little woodworking knowledge. These frames attach to the front of the cabinets. Most cabinet frames are built using 1 1/2-inch wide material. The material should be 3/4-inch thick. They can be stained the same color as the doors and drawer fronts. Cabinet frames should be built from hardwood, which can be purchased from your local home improvement store or from a lumber yard.

Things You'll Need

• Table saw
• Chop saw
• Pocket boring jig kit
• Power drill
• Carpenter's glue
• 1 box grabber screws, 1 1/2-inch long
• Sander

Instructions

1. Measure the cabinet box to develop a list of parts. You should have two sides: a top and a bottom. Use 1 1/2-inch wide material to build your cabinet frames. Cut the top and bottom one inch smaller than the cabinet opening; these are called rails. Cut the sides the same length as the height of the cabinet; these are called stiles.

2. Cut each piece of wood to width using a table saw.

3. Cut each piece to length using a chop saw.

4. Place the ends of the top piece into the pocket boring jig. Drill a hole in the end of the top using the drill bit provided with the pocket boring kit and a power drill. Drill a second hole on the opposite edge of the piece. Repeat with the bottom section.

5. Place one side section face down on a flat surface. Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the top piece and butt-joint it into the side. Place a grabber screw into the pocket hole and fasten the two pieces using a power drill.

6. Repeat with the bottom section. Attach it to the side using glue and a power drill. Attach the opposite side to the top and bottom sections. Allow the glue to dry for 20 minutes.

7. Sand the face of the cabinet frame using a sander.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses while using machinery.

References

• Kreg: Pocket Boring Jig