For instance, if you want the kitchen cabinet to be 24 inches (61 cm) wide, subtract 1 1⁄2 inches (3. 8 cm) for the side panels. Your bottom panel piece will be 22 1⁄2 inches (57 cm) wide. You can make the side panels as high as you’d like your cabinet—anywhere from 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) is common. You can use solid wood if you prefer sturdier cabinets. However, manufactured wood is inexpensive and easy to work with. [2] X Expert Source Eric ShipeHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 12 July 2021. You might see cabinet instructions using medium-density fiberboard (MDF), but this isn’t as strong as plywood so it may not be a good choice if you’re looking to build strong kitchen cabinets.
Repeat this step for the remaining side piece. If you don’t want to make the shelves adjustable, it’s fine to simply make a single line of holes for the shelf to sit on.
For example, if your bottom panel is 22 1⁄2 inches (57 cm) wide, your support panels should be 22 1⁄2 inches (57 cm) as well.
For example, if your cabinet is 24 by 36 inches (61 cm × 91 cm), you should have 2 long frame pieces that are 36 inches (91 cm) long and 2 short pieces that are around 24 inches (61 cm) long—if you’re using common measurements. If you prefer a more modern-looking cabinet, you can skip the face panels and install drawers or doors directly onto the cabinet. These are known as frameless cabinets.
So, if your cabinet is 24 by 36 inches (61 cm × 91 cm), you need a back panel piece that’s 24 by 36 inches (61 cm × 91 cm). If you’re making a wall cabinet, you can also cut 1 top piece to place on the top of your cabinet. Most people making floor cabinets skip the top piece since they’ll be installing countertops instead.
You can also ask a friend to help you keep the pieces in place as you tack them. To stop the cabinet box from moving while you assemble it, clamp a block of wood to your work table. You can push the cabinet frame against it to prevent it from sliding while you work.
The top brace piece is sometimes called the top stretcher. It gives support to the cabinet.
If you’ve got a nail gun, you can quickly attach the back piece to the cabinet. Line up the nail gun so the nails go directly into the wood and not into the empty space of the cabinet.
The support braces add stability so your cabinet doesn’t warp. They’re also really important if you plan on hanging the cabinet on the wall.
Plan on drilling 2 screws onto the side of each brace and 5 screws along each side of the bottom piece.
You can install purchased shelves or make your own by cutting a piece of plywood to the width of the cabinet bottom.
For an elegant style, miter the pieces together instead of pushing them together with a standard butt joint.
To give the frame a polished look, you can fill the nail holes with wood putty. Finish nails are slightly wider than standard brad nails. They’re sturdier so they’ll give the frame more stability.
For extra wall support, install an L-bracket under the bottom of your cabinet. You can find decorative ones or hide them with a nice backsplash. To give your cabinets a professional look, go back and fill the screw holes with putty and let it dry before you stain or paint your cabinet.
Doors are totally optional, especially if you’re going for an open, airy look.
