Designing custom storage cabinets is a great way to add a personal touch to any space. Whether you need a new pantry or tool and supply storage for the garage or basement, getting exactly what you need in a ready made cabinet may not be always be possible. From size to materials and finish there are literally hundreds of options. Add moldings, special hardware or a custom painted finish to give it the perfect feel. On the inside, place shelves, drawers or cubbies in exactly the places you need them to store your stuff. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Researching your design
1. Calculate how much and what kind of storage you will need. Cans and boxes are best stored on shelves. Small tools or supplies like paper and fabrics may be best stored in drawers. Decide whether you will need doors, or prefer open shelves. Make a list of needed features.
2. Choose whether your design is for an upper or lower unit. If you will be storing heavy items a lower cabinet may be best. If you plan to place a desk or work table in the area, consider an upper cabinet.
3. Decide where you will install your custom cabinet. Measure the available space. Remember to leave enough room for doors and drawers to open if needed.
Drawing the Design
4. Study cabinet designs online or visit your local home center with a tape measure and a notepad to familiarize yourself with cabinet construction. The parts and systems used have been developed over the years and not reinventing the wheel can save you a lot of time.
5. Decide whether your cabinet box will be European-themed bulkheads, in which top and bottom serve as the frame, or a face frame -- a ¾-inch lumber frame attached to the bulkheads, top and bottom dividing drawers and supporting doors, etc. European is simpler to build but requires special concealed hinges. This will dictate your door size. For European style, doors and drawers should be as wide as the cabinet. For face frame, they should be one to two inches narrower.
6. Sketch out the cabinet. Add any drawers, doors and shelves. Add color to check finish options. If you are tech-savvy, try the free version of Google sketchup for a 3-d rendering. Add dimensions to your drawing. Use Home Depot's website to get specs for hardware.
7. Make a list of parts you'll need: Every cabinet needs two bulkheads -- sides -- typically these are cut from ¾-inch plywood; You will also need a bottom from ¾-inch plywood; an upper cabinet requires a solid top from ¾-inch plywood; lower cabinets typically have two ¾-by-three inch-cleats running horizontally at the front and back flush with the top of the bulkheads. These are used to attach the countertop. Lower cabinets typically sit on a base made of ¾-by-three-inch plywood strips. Cabinet backs are typically cut from ¼-inch plywood and installed in a slot cut into the bulkheads, called a dado. You'll also need installation cleats, one each at the top and bottom of the back of your cabinet. Mark dimensions on the drawing for each part.
Tags: from -inch, from -inch plywood, -inch plywood, also need, best stored