How to Make Cabinet Doors with Plywood and Door-Edge Moldings
-
2-20 hours
•
-
Intermediate
•
- 200-1,000
When remodeling a kitchen or installing new cabinets, you can make cabinet doors to save money and customize your look. Follow the simple steps below to make your own cabinet doors using simple plywood and moldings.
Step 1: Measure the Opening
The first step in making cabinet doors is to measure the opening of the cabinet. Add at least a ½-inch to top and bottom sides so that you can have some overlap when it closes. When taking a measurement for the width, you need to measure the inside board between the cabinet opening, and divide it by two.
Add this number to the actual width of the hole and subtract a 1/8 of an inch. If you are replacing some old doors, use them as a pattern so you have an exact size. If the opening in the cabinets are not square and flush, then fix that problem first; otherwise your doors while not line up properly.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood to Size
After you have taken all of the aspects of the cabinet door into consideration, and figured out the exact size of door you will need, it is time to cut the plywood sheets down to size. To do this mark the dimensions on the plywood and cut on a table saw. Using a table saw is the best way to ensure that the cut is straight. If you have extensive experience with a circular saw, you can use that instead.
Step 3: Cut the Door-Edge Molding
Use the measurements that you previously had for the cabinet doors and cut the pieces of door edge-molding to size. Make sure that the corners are cut at a 45 degree angle so that the blend together after they are attached.
Place wood glue around the outer edges, where the molding will be attached, and then nail the pieces into place. Make sure that the edges line up perfectly and that the edges blend together as they should.
Step 4: Sand and Paint
Sand all of the edges smooth if they are rough. If you plan to paint the doors, then you need to run a bead of caulk around the edges of the door-edge molding. Make sure to wipe off any excess amounts and allow to dry. Prime the entire door on the front and back as well as all the edges. After the primer has dried, paint it with at least two coats to ensure even coverage and protection.
