Design and build bathroom cabinets.
Although this project is appropriate for either the experienced craftsman or the brave newbie, designing the cabinetry in the bathroom speaks to the character of the homeowner. This is a prime opportunity to apply a personal touch to your home. Plan your design carefully before attempting to build custom cabinets. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Design
1. Determine the desired length of the cabinet and record the measurement. Next, determine the height of the cabinet. Vanities stand 30 inches from the floor and 22 inches deep, including the top. Wall cabinets average 24 inches in height and 12 inches deep.
2. Once you've taken all necessary measurements, draw the cabinet on graph paper with a 12-inch ruler. Let each square on the graph paper represent one unit of measurement and use it for all drawings.
3. Once you complete the drawings, create a list of parts. When measuring for the shelves, allow 3/4 inch for each end panel of the cabinet. The shelving for the cabinets will be the length between the end panels. Allow 1/4 inch for the back of the cabinet and 3/4 inch for the fronts.
4. Cabinet fronts are typically made from solid wood while the rest of the cabinet is made from plywood. Allow for 2-inch stiles (the vertical pieces) and 3-inch rails (the horizontal pieces).
5. You can purchase the doors along with the hardware, or you can build them from either plywood or a combination of hardwood and plywood.
Building
6. With the materials cut as needed, begin with the end panels and the shelving. Pre-drill holes for the finish nails and fill the holes with putty afterwards. Use wood glue between the edges of the shelves and the end panels.
7. Secure the 1/4-inch plywood backs to the cabinets with tacks instead of finish nails. Placing a bead of glue on the back edges of the shelves will bolster the strength of the cabinet.
8. Lay the cabinets on their backs and lay out the hardwood for the fronts. The fronts should be built 1/2 inch wider than the cabinets. This allows for variance in the walls and gives a nice fit against the wall.
9. Pre-drill holes for the finishing nails before securing the front on the cabinet. Run a bead of glue on the front edge of the cabinet everywhere the front makes contact.
10. For overlay doors, measure the opening (height and width) and add 3/4 inch to that measurement in both directions.
Tags: bead glue, edges shelves, finish nails, graph paper, inches deep
