DIY Network

Building a Wall Cabinet Don't waste that vertical storage space! From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-303

This custom cabinet is loaded with space.

There's a reason this kitchen nook got so cluttered in the first place – it's a great location for Eric, Cara and their four kids to keep their daily essentials. Even after they've purged most of the junk from the space, there's still plenty of material that needs a home.

Host Karl Champley helps them corral the clutter with a custom-built wall cabinet that includes large storage areas plus an individual cubby for everyone in the household. It's a perfect complement to the repurposed granite countertop and base cabinet. With the nook wall reduced to a half-wall, the couple can show off their stylish new storage.

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Building a Wall Cabinet

Tools: safety glasses hammer circular saw nail gun electric screwdriver rags, sponge paintbrushes electric sander straight edge clamps

Materials: 1/2" plywood screws wood stain nails wood glue plywood tongues drawer slides trim paint 1/4" plywood 1" x 2" cabinet material cabinet doors

• Sketch out the cabinet. Carefully measure the available wall space and sketch out a design, with dimensions, for the cabinet. Karl's design for this wall cabinet includes storage areas with doors, plus individual compartments for each family member. For a simpler project, follow Karl's example and adjust the dimensions to accommodate pre-made cabinet doors.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Cut lumber. Carefully measure and cut the cabinet pieces form 1/2" plywood. Make sure to keep cuts straight and even for a good final fit.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw or other power tools.

• Assemble the cabinet. Use wood glue and nails to carefully assemble the "box" part of the cabinet (figure A). Once the outer shell is completed, glue the plywood shelves in position inside the frame, securing with nails.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a nail gun. These powerful tools can drive a nail through wood – or a hand or foot – instantly.

• Install shelf dividers. Use a hammer and nails to attach the vertical shelf dividers.

• Trim out the front. Use wood glue to attach 1" x 2" cabinet facing to the front of the cabinet (figure B). Tack in place with finish nails and fill the nail holes with putty.

• Sand and finish. Sand the cabinet and doors with an electric sander. Stain to match the surrounding cabinetry, following the stain manufacturer's instructions.

• Install the cabinet. Once all glue and finishes have dried completely, install the cabinet on the wall. Locate and mark the position of the wall studs, then measure and mark corresponding points on the inside of the cabinet. Have someone help lift the cabinet into place and check for level (figure C). Attach to the wall studs with screws (figure D).

• Attach the doors. Once the cabinet is in place, attach the doors with hinges and screws.