How to Build Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers

Cabinets and drawers are major features in nearly every kitchen.

When it comes down to it, cabinets and drawers are little more than boxes. They're either hung on a wall or pulled out of a space. This makes the actual construction very easy. What can take a bit more effort is getting the measurements exactly right. With drawers in particular, if you're even a little bit off with the measurements, there might be some problems with the finished product. Using plywood will save you money, but you can use any type of wood you prefer.

Things You'll Need

• ½-inch plywood
• 1 by 1 lumber
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Table saw
• Drill
• Screws
• Nails
• Hammer
• Wood glue
• Hardware
• Finish

Instructions

Cabinets

1. 

   Don't forget to account for obstructions such as wall-mounted microwaves when measuring cabinet space.

   Measure the wall where the cabinets will be installed. Make sure the measurements are accurate (length, width, depth) so that you have enough wood for the project.

2. Cut the frame for the cabinet. The body of the cabinet is made of four separate pieces (sides, top and bottom back). Apply a coat of wood glue to the joints then nail them together.

3. Cut and hang support rods. Made from 1x1 lumber, the support rods hang vertically and are the same length as the sides of the cabinets (measured from the interior). Screw them in securely, using the studs as an anchor whenever possible.

4. Fill the space between the support rods with the plywood backing for the cabinets. Screw these securely into the wall.

5. Measure and cut the door panel or purchase a pre-cut cabinet door. Mark the location of the hinges on both the door and the cabinet, but only install them onto the door panel at this time.

6. Mount the cabinet onto the wall. Screw it into the support rods from the top, bottom and sides to ensure a tight fit. Hang the door in place and add the necessary hardware (doorknob or handle). Paint or stain the cabinets.

Drawers

1. 

   A secondary front face helps keeps the drawer from sliding in too far.

   Measure the opening for the drawer. Be very exact since a drawer that's even marginally too big won't budge. Subtract 1 inch from the measurements of the width and height of the opening and anywhere from a ¼ inch to 2 inches from the depth. Subtract another ½ inch from the height to account for the bottom of the drawer.

2. Transfer the measurements onto the plywood and cut the different components to size. Cut an additional front panel 1½ inches larger than the front dimensions.

3. Glue and nail the side panels to the front and back ones. Use 1½ inch finishing nails. Measure the dimensions of box and cut a bottom panel to those exact same measurements.

4. Fasten the bottom to the drawer frame with 1-inch brads (nails). Apply a coating of wood glue to the front of the frame and lay the secondary front panel on top (making sure to center it). After the glue dries, screw the two pieces together from the inside of the drawer using wood screws.

5. Attach hardware to the front panel. Also attach roller guides if your drawer opening already has them.

References

• Helpful Kitchen Tips: Building Kitchen Cabinets -- Here's a Quick Do-It-Yourself Guide
• UBuild: Simple Drawer 1-2-3