DIY Network

Collector's Cabinet From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-105

Chip loves to collect baseball cards. He has been collecting them for over 30 years and has over 100,000 cards! The problem is, the cards are scattered all over the house...and Chip's wife has had enough! The Wasted Spaces team is going to solve Chip's collectable storage problem by installing a custom cabinet into the wall.

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	You don't need to remove any more drywall than needed. Drywall repair can be pricey and a time waster.
	Drywall can be easily removed by tearing it out between the studs.

Breaking Down the Project

• Everyone has something that they collect, so having a place to store your hobbies is a great thing. Before you begin, take stock of what you have and think about the dimensions of your prized items. The next step is to think about where. You will want somewhere that's accessible and it should be placed in a room that you enjoy spending time. Next, think about your walls...it's never a good idea to take out a load bearing joist.

Materials:

chalk line
level
hammer
reciprocating saw
drill
table saw
nail gun
pry bar
utility knife
circular saw
tape measure
miter saw
1/2", 3/4" and 1/4" birch plywood
2x4s
trim pieces for cabinet construction
casing
drawer slides
fireproof safe
pre-built wall shelves
1 gallon white primer
1 gallon white semi-gloss finish paint
hardware
D-rings

Demolition

1. Remove all hanging pictures from the wall.

2. Mark and score the drywall using a utility knife, then use a keyhole saw to cut through drywall.

3. Use a reciprocating saw to remove the studs that were behind the drywall.

Tips:

• Before removing any wall, check to make sure that there are no electrical wires behind it using an AC finder.

• In demolition, be sure to aim between the studs.

• Working with electricity can be dangerous, so be careful!

	To help support the cabinet, screw three wooden supports into the floor through the carpet. These 'skids' will be built up level with the baseboards and act as a platform for the cabinet.
	Using wood glue and nails, put together the frame of the cabinet with 3/4" birch plywood.

Cabinet Construction

1. A great way to show where the shelves will go is to mark on the plywood with a pencil. Also, use a level so your lines will be straight.

2. Nail the middle shelf in place and then add the middle divider.

3. Attach the backing of the cabinet with a thin piece of birch plywood and screws. Screws add support for boxes, drawers and a safe to be installed later.

4. To give the unit a more finished look, nail on trim.

5. Install mounts for the drawer runners. Mounts are narrow wooden pieces put along the sides of the cabinet so that the metal runners will have something to be screwed into.

Tip:

• Adding trim not only gives your cabinet a finished look, it will also make the cabinet look like it has always been there. Remember, use the same type of trim that you have throughout your home.

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