If you’re looking for a great way to give your home extra storage space without breaking the bank, then building your own storage cabinets is an ideal solution. Not only will you be able to make them fit perfectly in any room of your house, but they’ll also cost substantially less than buying pre-made cabinetry.
Building storage cabinets for convenient extra space in your home can be a daunting task, but with the right know-how and materials, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Whether you’re a beginner tinkering around in the garage or an experienced do-it-yourselfer looking for a major project, this blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build storage cabinets for stylish and strong storage cabinets from scratch.
With great tips on what type of wood to use as well as all the essential tools needed – you will find everything you need here to successfully complete your new built-in storage cabinet!
The Benefits of Storage Cabinets
1. Organized
Storage cabinets offer a great way to organize and store items that would otherwise take up valuable space in your home. Whether it’s extra linens, holiday decorations or even laundry supplies – storage cabinets are the perfect way to keep everything neat and tidy.
2. Space Saving
Storage cabinets allow you to maximize your living space without taking up any extra room. This means that you can have the convenience of additional storage space without giving up much-needed square footage in your home.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing
Since storage cabinets are built into the wall, they provide a sleek and stylish look to your interior space. Unlike bulky, stand-alone storage solutions such as bins and cupboards, built-in cabinets will help keep your home looking neat and tidy without taking away from its overall appearance.
Materials Needed for Building Storage Cabinets
- Wood- You’ll need some 1/2 inch exterior-grade plywood for the cabinet box, doors, and shelves.
- Hardware- Depending on your design, you may need hinges, pulls, and other hardware to finish off your storage cabinet.
- Screws & Nails- To ensure a strong bond between the wood pieces that make up your cabinets, you’ll need a variety of screws and nails.
- Wood Glue- You’ll need wood glue to ensure that the cabinet pieces are secured together with maximum strength.
- Sandpaper & Wood Filler- To give your cabinets a smooth finish, you’ll want to sand them down and fill any holes or gaps with wood filler before painting or staining.
10 Instructions on How to Build Storage Cabinets
1. Measurement
Measure the space in that you want to build your storage cabinets. Be sure to measure twice and make sure all measurements are accurate. The right measurements are important when you’re building cabinets, as they need to fit perfectly in the designated space.
2. Cutting
Using a saw, cut your wood pieces according to the measurements you have taken for each individual part of the cabinet. While cutting, make sure to use safety goggles and a dust mask for protection.
3. Assembling
Lay out all the pieces of wood in their designated places and start assembling them according to your design. Make sure you’re using wood glue and nails or screws at each joint to ensure strength and stability.
4. Drilling
Using a drill, make holes for the hinges and pulls on the doors and drawers. Make sure to measure twice before drilling so that your hardware will fit correctly when it’s time to install them. Drilling a pilot hole before inserting screws or nails will make it easier to assemble the cabinet.
5. Sanding
Once the cabinet is fully assembled, you’ll need to sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help smooth out any rough edges and even out any uneven surfaces. After sanding, fill any gaps or holes with wood filler and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
6. Painting or Staining
If you’d like, you can choose to paint or stain your cabinets for extra protection against water damage and wear and tear. If painting, make sure to use high-quality exterior grade paint, and if staining, make sure to use a wood-safe stain that won’t degrade over time.
7. Installing Hardware
Using your drill, install the door and drawer pulls in their designated holes. Make sure they’re screwed in tightly so they don’t come loose or fall off with regular use.
8. Hanging Doors
Attach the hinges to the back of the cabinet doors and hang them in their designated places. Make sure they’re hung evenly so that they open and close correctly when needed. The door should fit tightly against the frame so that there are no gaps or spaces.
9. Installing Shelves
Install your shelves in their designated places within the cabinet. You can use nails or screws to secure them, but make sure they’re firmly secured before you start filling them with items. The shelves should be level so that your items don’t slide off when you open and close the cabinet doors.
10. Final Touches
Once everything is installed, add a few final touches, like knobs or handles, to give your cabinets a finished look. You can also use trim pieces around the edges of the cabinet for decoration. And there you have it – your storage cabinet is now complete!
Now that you know how to build storage cabinets, you can start creating the perfect piece for your home. From materials to design, this guide will help you create a beautiful and functional storage solution that fits your needs.
7 Safety Measures to Take
- Wear proper safety gear. Safety glasses and gloves are a must when constructing storage cabinets. It will always be better to be safe than sorry. Also, remember to wear clothing that is appropriate for the task at hand.
- Keep all power tools unplugged when not in use. Serious injury can occur as a result of negligence, so make sure to always keep your tools unplugged while they are not in use. The tools should be completely powered down and unplugged from any power source before you begin working on them.
- Read the instruction manual thoroughly before using a new tool. It is important to familiarize yourself with all safety protocols regarding your tools before beginning any project, especially when it comes to something as technical as building storage cabinets.
- Use clamps to secure wood pieces together. When working with wood, clamps are a must for keeping the pieces in place and preventing them from shifting or slipping away while you are cutting.
- Make sure your saw blade is sharpened properly before use. A dull saw will not make as precise cuts as one with a sharp blade, which can lead to dangerous situations.
- Keep your work area organized and clean. Messy areas can be hazardous, so make sure the space where you are working is free of any clutter that could potentially obstruct your view or cause an accident.
- Have a first-aid kit handy in case of an emergency. Accidents happen, but having the necessary equipment ready to go can help minimize any potential risks. It is important to have a first-aid kit nearby in case of an injury.
Following these safety tips will ensure that your journey into building storage cabinets is as safe and successful as possible! Have fun, and be sure to stay alert at all times when working with tools.
Frequently Asked Question
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of building storage cabinets will depend on the materials you choose and the type of cabinets you are constructing. Generally, more complex designs and higher-quality materials tend to increase the cost of construction, while simpler designs and lower-quality materials can save money. Additionally, hiring a contractor or carpenter to build your cabinetry may also add to the overall cost.
How Long Does It Take to Build Storage Cabinets?
The amount of time it takes to build storage cabinets varies depending on the complexity of the design and the type of materials used. Simple cabinetry with basic designs can usually be constructed in a few hours, while more complex designs may take several days or even weeks. Additionally, if you plan to hire a contractor or carpenter, the timeline for construction may be extended.
Will I Need Any Special Skills?
While constructing storage cabinets does not require any special skills, having some familiarity with carpentry is always beneficial. Additionally, basic knowledge of home improvement tools and techniques can help speed up the construction process. If you are uncertain of your abilities, hiring a professional contractor or carpenter may be a better option.
Conclusion
Building storage cabinets is a great way to make the most of available space and help create an efficient and organized living space. With the right tools and supplies and this guide on how to build storage cabinets, anyone can build storage cabinets that they can be proud of. From measuring and cutting lumber to gluing and attaching shelves, the process can seem daunting, but with practice, it can become much simpler.
Not only will you get a sense of satisfaction from creating something unique with your own hands, but you might also even save money by not having to purchase pre-built or store-bought cabinets! In any case, investing in building your own storage cabinets is worth exploring for anyone who wants to take on the challenge!
