Now that the base is built (see this post), the next step is building the cabinet box. This is very a beginner friendly DIY that anyone can do with the right tools! Here’s everything you need:
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Tools:
- Drill & Driver
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- Circular Saw
- Kreg Rip Cut Guide
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
- Clamps
- Tape Measure
- Table Saw Push Block
- Brass Set Up Blocks
- Corner Clamps
Materials:
- (1x) 3/4″ plywood 4 x 8′
- (1x) 1/4″ plywood 4 x 8′
- Butcher Block
Supplies:
*Note: your cabinet will likely have different dimensions since this is custom to my space. If you don’t want to build the cabinet door, I recommend building the cabinet boxes to a standard size so you can purchase the doors separately since that is the most difficult part to build. I will be building my own door, however, so if you’re looking to learn how to do that as well, I will cover that in the next post.
Cut List:
- (1x) Bottom 3/4″ ply 21 x 35 1/4″
- (2x) Sides 3/4″ ply 30 x 35
- (4x) Stretchers 3/4″ ply 4 x 19 1/2″
- (1x) Butcher Block Top 21 x 35 1/4″
- (1x) Back 1/4″ ply 20 x 30″
Step 1:
First, I determined how to rip down the plywood so that I could get all the pieces I needed from one sheet of plywood.
Step 2:
Rip down all the pieces using the table saw or circular saw for the crosscut pieces larger than 24″.
Step 3:
Drill pocket holes with the Kreg jig on the two sides to attach to the bottom and pocket holes on the stretchers to attach to the top and back. I forgot to do this beforehand, but it would have been helpful to pre-drill holes in the top stretchers to later attach the butcher block to. Not a huge deal, but would have made things a bit easier.
Step 4:
Using the table saw, cut a 1/4″ wide and 3/8″ deep groove measured 3/4″ in from the back on both side pieces. This will allow the 1/4″ ply back to slide into the grooves and allow the 3/4″ stretchers to attach behind the back piece. If you’re attaching the cabinet to the wall, you can do this before sliding in the back piece that way the screws will be completely hidden.
Step 5:
Next we’re going to assemble the box with wood glue and 1 1’4″ pocket hole screws. Attach the sides to the bottom first. I have the pocket holes facing outward on the sides since they will be hidden by the washer and dryer. If the side of your cabinet is visible, you may want to have the pocket holes on the inside of the cabinet instead.
Step 6:
Once you have the sides attached to the bottom, attach the stretchers to the top and back making sure to leave space for the back piece to slide into the grooves. Use clamps to hold the stretchers in place while you screw them in.
Step 7:
Once the box is assembled and the stretchers are attached, you can slide in the back panel. That’s it! You’ve built a cabinet box!
Next week, we’ll build the cabinet door so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it! You can also check out the YouTube tutorial that corresponds with this post if you need more information. Again, this isn’t the only way to do this, but it’s how I learned and is fairly simple!
Until next time, happy DIY-ing!
-Selene Builds Things