How to Build a Cabinet Base Frame (Quick Overview)
The base frame is the first step in building a custom cabinet. Cut four 2x4s to size, join them into a rectangle with wood glue and screws using corner clamps, then anchor the frame to the wall studs where your cabinet will sit. This raised base sets the cabinet height and gives you something solid to build the box on. Here is the step by step. This is Part 1 of my DIY custom cabinet series.
The laundry room progress continues! The mission? Build a custom cabinet with a pull out drawer for the trash and recycling bins! The first step? Build a base. Here’s what you need:
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me pay for operating costs for the blog and are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Materials:
- (2x) 2 x 4 x 8′
Tools:
Supplies:
Cut List:
- (2x) 2 x 4 x 18″
- (2x) 2 x 4 x 21″
Step 1:
Cut your 2 x 4’s to length. For my particular cabinet, I needed a base measuring 31 x 21″ so I cut two pieces at 31″ and two pieces at 18″. The shorter pieces fit between the longer pieces so that the total area is 31 x 21″.
Step 2:
Use corner clamps to glue and screw the pieces together.
Step 3:
Remove the baseboard and attach the base cabinet to the studs in the wall.
That’s it for the base! Super easy. I also made a YouTube tutorial that you can find HERE.
Cabinet Base Frame FAQs
Why build a separate base frame for a cabinet?
The base frame acts like a toe kick. It raises the cabinet to the right height, gives you a level and solid foundation, and provides something sturdy to anchor to the wall so the finished cabinet does not shift.
What lumber do you use for a cabinet base?
Just 2x4s. Two 8 foot 2x4s were plenty for my base. Cut them to match the footprint of your cabinet, with the shorter pieces fitting between the longer ones to form a rectangle.
How do you attach the base to the wall?
Remove the baseboard so the frame sits flush against the wall, then screw the frame into the wall studs. Use a stud finder first so your screws hit solid framing.
What are the next steps in the cabinet build?
Once the base is anchored, you build the cabinet box, then the door. See Part 2: The Cabinet Box and Part 3: The Cabinet Door to finish the project.
Next week I’ll build the cabinet box! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Until then, happy DIY-ing!
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.
