Many decide to build their own kitchen cabinets to give it a personal look without breaking the bank. Even without overdone renovations, adding cabinets can profoundly change the look of the room. Try combining different styles and shades of color to create the kitchen of your dreams.
Steps
Step 1. Design the furniture
They usually have a depth of 60 cm to allow the kitchen worktop to protrude by 2.5 cm. Their height is 86.25 cm, so with the additional thickness of the top you get to 90 cm. To calculate the size of the wall units, add another 45-55 cm to the height of the counter and subtract the total from the height of the ceiling: the result gives the total height of the cabinets. The standard depth of the wall units is 30-40 cm, while the width of the cabinets on the ground varies between 30 cm and 150 cm in increments of 7.5 cm: 37, 5 cm, 45 cm and 60 cm are the most common dimensions. Also remember to design the cabinets based on the doors you have available (unless you want to build these too)!
Step 2. Cut the side panels
Use 1.8cm thick plywood or similar material and cut it to the size of your project. Its appearance is not very important, as it will not be visible; the important thing is that it is resistant and reliable! These side panels must be 86cm, 25cm high and 60cm wide. Add a baseboard by clamping two panels together with a clamp and then cutting a 7.5x13.75cm notch in one corner with a jigsaw. This will be the lower front corner of the panels. Remove the clamps after cutting out the panels.
Adapt the measurements when cutting the panels for the wall units and skip the step of the skirting board
Step 3. Cut the bottom panel
This must be 60 cm deep. The width depends on the size of your kitchen. To calculate it, subtract the thickness of the two side panels from the final width you want for your cabinet.
You will need to make changes to the wall units
Step 4. Cut the two panels for the base
Use 2.5x15cm section wood and cut it to the same width as the bottom panel. Skip this step if you are building wall cabinets.
Step 5. Create the upper supports
Cut two 2.5x15cm pieces to the same width. These will support the top of the side panels. Skip this step if you are building wall cabinets.
Step 6. Prepare the front panels
Assemble them as a frame; these panels will form the visible area of your cabinet, so use a wood you like (and can afford!). You can use material of different sizes: 2, 5x5 cm, 2, 5x7, 5 cm or 2, 5x10 cm.
Step 7. Assemble the base
Align the flat part of a base panel with the rear edge of the base panel. Align the second base panel at 7.5 cm from the other end of the bottom to create the skirting board. Glue the pieces in this position and then secure them with screws and "L" brackets.
Step 8. Add the side panels
Connect them to the base you just created using the same technique: glue, “L” brackets and screws. Remember to line up the components so that the skirting board coincides flush with the notches you made. Use clamps, squares and spirit levels to make sure the sides are perfectly perpendicular to the base.
Step 9. Attach the upper supports
Insert and glue one so that the flat part is flush with the back edge of the cabinet and rests against the wall. Insert and glue the second one in the front, so that it rests on the work surface when it is installed.
Step 10. Nail the back panel
Measure the "back" of the cabinet and cut the back panel out of a 1.2 '' thick piece of plywood. Secure it in place with screws; for the wall units you will need a thicker plywood, about 1.8 cm.
Step 11. Reinforce the joints
It is a great idea to reinforce all the joints inside the cabinet. Use corner brackets and screws.
Step 12. Insert the shelves
Measure the height and mark the corresponding point on both side panels. Use a laser level to be accurate. Then mount four corner brackets as supports for each shelf (two on each side) and insert the shelves. If you are building the wall units, wait to insert the shelves.
Step 13. Assemble and install the front panels
Use 45 ° or 90 ° joints to mount the front pieces as if they were a photo frame. You can use blind holes, pins or tenon joints (choose the method you prefer and that you know how to manage). When everything is assembled, fix it with glue and nails. With countersunk nails you can add wood filler and paint to finish the cabinets.
Step 14. Assemble and hang the cabinets
Place them in their final location to make sure of the size. Secure them to the wall through the back panel with screws and wall plugs. Wall cabinets need more secure support. You can use "L" brackets and cover the bottom with appliances or the splash guard (or find decorative brackets).
Step 15. Install the doors
You can just buy them. Unless you are renovating a standard modular kitchen, buying the counters will certainly be cheaper than buying everything you need to build them (however simple they may be). Mount them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Advice
- When painting cabinets, make sure the room is well ventilated. If it's a nice day you can also do it outside.
- Wear safety glasses while cutting and sanding wood to avoid dust and splinters.
- Build the front frame first and then the cabinet body.
