Cabinets 101 - Basic Cabinet Building Principles

Whether you're building new kitchen cabinets or some utility cabinets for your workshop, the basics of cabinet design remains the same. Cabinets consist of little more than a well-built plywood box, called a carcase, that is then trimmed with doors or wood trim appropriate for the application. The carcase is typically made from 3/4" plywood with dadoes or rabbets to hold some of the shelves and backing.

This project will walk you through building a single utility cabinet, but comments will be added when minor modifications for kitchen cabinetry are appropriate. This cabinet will be 48-inches wide, 24-inches tall (with a center and bottom shelf) and 18-inches deep. You may modify the dimensions to fit your particular installation as necessary.

Difficulty Level

• Woodworking: Moderate
• Finishing: Paint or stain optional

Time to Complete

• 3-4 Hours per cabinet

Recommended Tools

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Table Saw with Dado Set or Router
• Cordless or Corded Power Drill
• Claw Hammer
• Layout Square

Materials Needed
• Two (2) 4x8 Sheet 3/4-inch BC Plywood
• One (1) 4x8 Sheet 1/4-inch Plywood
• One (1) 2x4 8-feet long
• Three (3) 1x2 8-feet long
• 3 inch and 1-1/2 inch Deck Screws
• 4d Finish Nails
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Woodworker's Glue