Step 1: Attach the 2x2s

Cut all the 2" x 4' stud braces out making sure to allow 3/4" for the plywood finish. Find and mark the studs in the wall. Measure up from the base and draw your line. Attach the 2" x 2's into the wall studs with screws.

Tip: If you are having trouble a stud, find a corner or angle and measure out 16" in either direction to locate the next one. Studs are placed 16 inches on center to accommodate most building materials.

Step 2: Install Front Studs

Add 2" x 4' support to the edges where there are no wall studs. Place the front studs so they won't show when the cabinet doors are open. Connect your front studs together as you work your way around the base.

Step 3: Mark the Plywood for Holes

To cut out holes in the face of the plywood for the doors, mark the plywood making sure the holes you are going to cut is 3/4" smaller than your door.

Step 4: Make Cuts in Plywood

Line up a circular saw over the mark and drop it into the plywood. Make sure to cut into the rough side so that you won't splinter the good side of the wood.

Note: Because you have several holes to cut out, a circular will make it go much faster, and will give you nice straight lines.

So you don't overlap your cut lines, stop just short of the corners and then use a jigsaw to finish cutting out the door opening.

Step 5: Make Cutouts for Doors, Etc.

On the center section, you need to cut out for the doors and the vent for the new air conditioning duct. Begin by drilling some pilot holes in the corners (Image 1) and finish cutting it out with a jigsaw. Set them in place and nail them to the frame. For the ends of the seating, cut pieces to sit flush to the frame (Image 2).

• • 

    Image 1

  • 

    Image 2

Step 6: Finish the Seat Top

Cut the tops out just like you cut the base, except they should be 3/4 of an inch wider to allow for the overhang for the seat. Measure as before, making your cut, and then nailing it to the frame. Repeat the process until the seat top is complete.

Tip: Renting a power nailer for a small job may seem like an unnecessary expense, but when you consider the time and energy you save by not using a hammer, you may find out it was the smartest money you ever spent