Problem: Even if you have a large open kitchen, you may want more storage space. You've thought about getting a pre-manufactured cabinet, but you don't think it will fit well.
Solution: You can build a cabinet with adjustable shelves that will add storage space to your kitchen.
Materials list:
circular saw
saber saw
hammer
drill with drill bits, a countersink bit, and a magnetic Phillips-head bit
nail set
sand block with medium and fine grit sandpaper
measuring tape
safety goggles
drill guide
level
framing square
1"x10" and 1"x4" poplar boards
1/4" cabinet-grade plywood
shelf pins
- Measure the space for your cabinet, and then sketch out a design based on the measurement.
- Build a cabinet base out of 1"x4" boards, and secure them to the wall and floor with screws. The base should be the same height and color as the baseboard trim, and it should be recessed from the cabinet to form a toe kick.
- Measure and mark the two side pieces, the bottom piece and four shelves. Cut the pieces with a circular saw.
- Cut a board for the top piece, and then use a paint can to trace an arc on the front corners. Cut the arc with a saber saw.
- Sand any rough edges. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Measure and mark the locations for the shelf pin holes on the side pieces. The holes should be spaced so the shelves can be raised in 2" increments.
* You may find it helpful to use a scrap piece of pegboard to measure and mark your holes. The pegboard can also come in handy when it's time to drill the holes.
- Set your drill guide for a depth of 1/2". Center the guide over each mark, and drill the holes.
* A drill guide is used for making straight, uniform holes.
* If you don't have a drill guide, you can attach a drill stop to help you make holes at the proper depth.
- Align one side piece with the top piece, and pre-drill three holes. Use wood glue and 6-penny finish nails to attach the pieces. Attach the bottom piece in the same manner, and then attach the remaining side piece. When nailing, leave the nail heads 1/4" above the surface, and then drive them below the surface using a nail set.
* Be sure the holes for the shelf pins are facing inside the cabinet before you attach the side pieces.
- Measure and mark a piece of 1/4" plywood for the back of the cabinet. Cut the plywood with a circular saw, and secure it to the cabinet using wood glue and finish nails.
- Sand and condition the wood of the cabinet, and stain it in a well-ventilated area. After the stain dries, apply one or two coats of polyurethane finish.
- Attach a nailing plate in the upper back corner of the cabinet, and secure the cabinet to the wall through the nailing plate. Secure the cabinet to the base plate with screws.
* A nailing plate is used for extra support when the back of a piece of furniture is too thin to attach to a wall.
- Measure the interior width of the cabinet and subtract 1/8". Use that measurement to cut shelves from 1"x10" poplar boards. Sand, condition, and stain the shelves, and apply one or two coats of polyurethane finish. After the polyurethane is dry, insert shelf pins into the cabinet and install the shelves.
* You may need to use a different stain on the shelves. Use a scrap piece of poplar to find a stain that will match your cabinets.
)
