Build Kitchen Cabinets

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If you want to save money, or if you simply enjoy working on home improvement projects, you should consider building your own kitchen cabinets. With the right tools and information, you can build cabinets to complete the kitchen of your dreams.

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Getting Started

Measure your kitchen and create a scale drawing that includes the cabinets you want to build.;

Locate cabinet building plans online, in books or at home improvement stores.;

Estimate the amount of wood necessary in order to properly calculate the cost.;

Visit your local lumber supplier that sells cabinetry, and look at various types of finished wood.;

You must also consider the type of finish you want for your cabinetry. If you’re planning on painting or glazing cabinets, you can select less expensive wood since the grain and color won’t be apparent.;

Give your measurements to a lumber store employee who can help calculate and estimate the cost according to the material you choose.;

Hickory is a great choice if you want dramatic wood grain contrast. This type of wood is often chosen when a rustic country look is desired. It’s highly durable, heavy and exceptionally strong.;

Cherry is lavish, versatile, rich in color and very distinctive. It has deep red highlights, striking pin knots, small dark streaks and attractive pitch pockets. This choice is synonymous with luxury and extravagance and it’s perfect for contemporary as well as traditional style.;

American Red Oak is very versatile, durable and exceptionally beautiful in country and traditional kitchens. The grain is bold with spectacular patterns that include small crimson pin knots and dark streaks. Choose Red Oak if you want delicate to deep color that will remain handsome for many years.;

White Oak is also very versatile, and it’s a good choice for medium to dark finish. It is known for having open grain, and it varies in color from beige to medium brown.;

Maple is a good choice if you plan on painting or glazing the cabinets you build. It also looks lovely when stained since the grain can be curly and contain many interesting patterns. The color of maple is buttery white to light rosy brown.;

If you want an outdoorsy look, consider choosing knotty pine. The grain is generally straight, and creamy in color. Knots are the main characteristic of this rustic wood.;

Ash has open grain that’s ring porous, and it’s a great choice for those who want wood that borders on white to brown. It doesn’t absorb stain very well, and it’s often varnished with the natural color left unstained.;

Mahogany is very sturdy, has straight grain and it’s definitely one of the best woods to consider when you build kitchen cabinets. The color ranges from light crimson to brownish yellow to deep red.;

Construction

Create a final draft of kitchen dimensions and cabinet measurements.;

Choose final plans to fit your kitchen, and interchange cabinets if necessary to obtain a perfect fit.;

Make a list of necessary supplies including exact dimensions of wood pieces necessary to build your kitchen cabinets.;

Purchase your supplies from a home improvement or lumber supply store.;

Build your cabinets according to step-by-step plans of your choice.;

Stain or paint your finished cabinets according to product label instructions.;

When creating your final plans, be certain that drawers and doors won’t impede doorways when open.;

There are numerous cabinet building plans available online, and they are completely free. Simply print the plans of your choice to begin building the kitchen of your dreams.;

When selecting wood, choose boards that are clean, straight and flat. Be sure to examine the corners for damage.;

Many lumber supply stores and home improvement centers cut wood to order for a small fee. When you’re ready to build your kitchen cabinets, consider paying a little extra and have the parts professionally cut. They’ll be guaranteed to your specifications or replaced at no extra charge.;

If you opt to cut your own wood, take measurements twice to be certain they’re correct, and draw lines with the assistance of a framing square or combination.;

Double-check every cut to make sure all edges are square, and correct cuts that aren’t with a plane before lightly sanding all edges.;

Make cabinet assembly a breeze by labeling all parts with a pencil. Use arrows to indicate direction of assembly to save time and frustration.;

To easily glue a cabinet together, rest the parts on end on a clean, flat surface, and bond the bottom, sides, top and shelves. The back should be glued on last, and pipe clamps should be attached with wood shims or scraps in place so the wood isn’t damaged.;

You can easily check to see if partially assembled cabinets are square. Just measure diagonally across each corner, and if the numbers match, the piece is square. If it isn’t square, simply tap the edges with a rubber mallet before fully pounding in finishing nails.;

Don’t forget to offset two by fours at the base on cabinets that set on the floor. Doing so will allow them to stand flush against the wall. Otherwise, it may be necessary to remove the lower wall molding.;

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