Learn how to build kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets add value to a home in addition to providing a great deal of useful storage space, but they can be very expensive. However, if you have previous experience with carpentry, you can make the cabinets yourself and eliminate the price of hiring a professional; that’s how.
Tools needed
Table saw / circular saw
A dowel jig or horizontal boring tool
Mallet
Drill
Route
Clamps to glue
Sandpaper
Required materials
Cabinet grade plywood for casing (frame)
Door plywood, false front insert and kick plate
1 “x 6” oak for front frame
Tacos
Hinges
Knobs
Glue
Nail Finish (6d)
Self Drilling Screws
Drawer materials and slides (if necessary)
Countertop Materials
Instructions
The bottom of the cabinets should be 3ΒΌ inches high and the size should be the same as the floor of the cabinets minus the sides, front, and back of the cabinets. Use the table saw or a circular saw to cut the plywood to the desired length and nail it all together.
Use the cabinet grade plywood to create the cabinet floor and use some glue and some finishing nails to attach it to the base. Then glue and nail the sides of the cabinet to the base, using the clamps to secure them in place while driving the nails. Make sure the casing is correctly square. Now you can place any bookshelves you plan to include.
When the case is finished, move on to the front frame; cut the oak wood to the required length then decide where the dowel holes will go and attach the front frame and studs (vertical pieces) to make sure everything fits properly. Use the dowel jig or horizontal boring tool to drill the required holes for the dowels you are using. Apply wood glue to the studs, dowels, and dowel holes, and then put dowels into the chosen holes with the mallet for proper placement. Use the clamps to hold the assembly together until the glue dries and everything is dry in place.
Drill holes along the top, middle, bottom, and sides of the front frame to keep it glued to the case. Apply glue to the edges of the plywood (the carcass) and the front frame and use clamps to hold the front frame in position. Make sure the front frame is properly aligned before tightening the clamps. Next, drive the 6d finish nails into the pre-drilled holes to secure the front frame in place.
You can choose to order pre-made doors or you can make them too. As with the front frame, use dowels, clamps, and glue to attach the doors; however, for doors you must use the router to create a slot for the door insert. Glue, fasten and nail the drawers as well and install the drawer and door guides.
Install door inserts and sand all cabinet segments then attach doors and drawers. Fill all nail holes with wood putty and apply whatever finishing touch you want, such as stain, varnish, and polyurethane.
Attach the drawers, doors, knobs, handles, hinges and put the cabinet in place. Use a drill and self-drilling screws to secure the cabinets to the wall, and lastly, attach the cabinet top and you’re done.
Tips and Warnings
Use a clamp to hold a ruler or other straight item on the plywood when cutting to act as a guide.
Whatever height or width the counters are, build the frame about 3/4 inch lower and narrower so that the cabinets are the designated size when the doors and counters are positioned.