How to Build a Kitchen Storage Cabinet
what you'll need
- Measuring tape
- Paper and pencil
- Wood
- Steel railings or ball bearing drawer slides
- Cabinet knobs or pulls
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Varnish
- Nails or screws
- Drill
- Pliers
- Steel rods and hinges
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Putty
- Paint or wood stain
- Safety glasses
Kitchen storage cabinets are an indispensable part of any kitchen. In addition to being functional, cabinets should also be aesthetically pleasing and complement the overall look of the kitchen. A storage cabinet can hold food items as well as crockery, giving a roomy appearance to the kitchen. With little knowledge of tools and some basic guidelines, you can build a kitchen storage unit at home with ease. Go through the guidelines given below to do this job yourself.
Step 1 – Measure
Take measurement of the available wall space of the kitchen. Take into consideration the location of windows, appliances, plumbing or electrical fittings. See which space you want to use to place the cabinet. Make a list of items you want to store to ensure that you will have enough space. Also, decide the number of drawers you want to make.
Step 2 – Draft
To create a draft design, it is best to take the help of local hardware retailer. You can also download a plan from the Internet and improvise accordingly.
Step 3 – Make the Purchase
Once the design has been finalized, it is easier to figure out the dimensions and purchase the required materials for building a kitchen storage cabinet. To keep the costs down, you can also rent the required tools for this job. With the help of attendant at the lumberyard, buy wood as per your measurements. Oak is regarded as the best wood for building durable and sturdy cabinets. Pine wood, on the other hand, is considered relatively softer and easy to work with.
Step 4 – Cut
As per the measurements, cut the wood in to different components of the storage cabinet. While cutting, dimensions of the drawers have to be altered by subtracting the thickness of the ply on three sides (two sides and the back).
Step 5 – Assembly
Make the drawers by drilling and fixing the pieces together (with glue). If you feel this cumbersome, ready to use drawers are available in standard size. Those also can be used. After the drawers are ready, fix the railings or slides and rims so that it can move in and move out smoothly. Fix the brackets for the shelves in the cabinet. Check for the level and sturdiness of the cabinet. Finally fix the doors using the hinges.
Step 6 – Finishing Touch
Smooth rough spots with the sandpaper. Fill the gap or holes with putty. Paint or stain the cabinet. Let it dry and then varnish it to get a final glow to the set you have made. Now fix the cabinet knobs or pulls as decided.