How to Build Custom Built-Ins (Quick Overview)
These DIY built-ins turn a home office wall into base cabinets, a built in desk, and arched bookcases, all made from 3/4 inch plywood. You build a base anchored to the studs, add cabinet and drawer boxes on each side, join them with a wood desktop, then build and arch the bookcases on top. Here is how the whole thing came together. This is a big multi part build, so it is to be continued.
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that I was unable to complete the Fall ’22 One Room Challenge due to unforeseen circumstances that took us away from home for several weeks in November and December. The good news is that I finally finished the built ins for our home office/guest room and it looks Ah-mazing! I’m so happy with how it turned out and can’t wait to share the process with you! Grab a coffee and get comfortable because there is A LOT to cover! In fact, I will probably have to break it up into multiple posts because there is so much that went into these built ins.
Ok so where to begin…
After building the base and screwing it into the studs, I built cabinet and drawer boxes for either side. I made them out of 3/4″ plywood and put them together with wood glue and pocket holes using my Kreg jig tool.
Here are all of the pieces cut for the cabinets and ready to assemble. I made sure that the bottom of the cabinets was raised 3/4″ more than the sides to accommodate the 1×2 trim that will be added later.
I had to make cutouts in both base cabinets to make room for power outets and the internet router and cables to be hidden. To do this I drilled through the cabinets on the four corners of the intended cutout and then used a jigsaw to cut them out completely.
I used outlet extenders so that the electrical box would be flush with the cabinet and I could put on the outlet covers.
For the desk top, I used 1″ thick select pine boards that I glued/screwed together. In hindsight, I should have used a harder wood for the desktop but I’ll get to that later.
Next was building the custom bookcases. Again I used 3/4″ plywood and ripped everything down with my circular saw and Kreg jig rip cut guide.
I also used these super handy corner clamps to hold everything in place while gluing and screwing the bookcases together.
Once I dry fit the bookcases on top of the desk, I cut out arches for the top of each of them. I did this using the string trick to trace the arch and then cut them out with the jigsaw. The arches will connect with the 1×2 trim that will go on the front of the bookcases and shelves.
I anchored the bookcases to the walls and then installed the arches and trim with wood glue and my brad nailer. Wood filled the holes, caulked the seams and now they’re ready to be primed and painted! It’s starting to take shape!
DIY Built-Ins FAQs
What are the built-ins made of?
The base cabinets, drawer boxes, and bookcases are all 3/4 inch plywood, joined with wood glue and pocket hole screws. The desktop is glued up from 1 inch select pine boards, finished off with 1×2 trim on the front.
How do you hide outlets and cables in built-ins?
Drill the corners of the opening and cut it out with a jigsaw so the cabinet fits over the outlet and router. Outlet extenders bring the electrical box flush with the new cabinet face so the cover plates sit flat.
How do you cut the arches on the bookcases?
Use the string trick to draw an even arch, like a compass made from a pencil and string, then cut along the line with a jigsaw. The arches tie into the 1×2 face trim for a finished, custom look.
Do built-ins need to be anchored to the wall?
Yes. Screw both the base and the bookcases into the wall studs. This keeps the unit from tipping and gives the whole assembly its built in, permanent feel.
What wood is best for a built in desktop?
I used select pine, but in hindsight a harder wood like maple or oak would hold up better to daily desk use and dents. If your desk will see heavy use, spend a little more on a harder hardwood top.
To be continued!
About the author: I’m Selene Teitelbaum, the DIYer behind Selene Builds Things. I build furniture and home projects and share beginner friendly tutorials so anyone can make something they are proud of. More about me.
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