From Chris Baylor,
Your Guide to Woodworking.
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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