How to Make a Recessed Arts & Crafts Medicine Cabinet

Measure the dimensions of the plywood sheet and 1-by-4 lumber for the space in your wall. Use the rotating saw to cut a piece of plywood to the dimensions of the space. This is the rear of the cabinet wall. Cut another piece of the plywood sheet that is 2 inches wider and longer than the rear wall. This is the cabinet door. For example, if the rear wall measures 2-by-4 feet, then the cabinet door is 2.16-by-4.16 feet.

Measure and cut the four pieces of lumber to align with the plywood edges. For example, if the sheet measures 2-by-4 feet, then two slabs of lumber measure 2 feet and the other two slabs measure 4 feet. These become the edges or side walls of the cabinet.

Align the 1-inch edges of the four pieces of lumber with the plywood sheet to create the outer walls of the cabinet frame. Insert nails from the back of the plywood and into the 1-inch edge of the lumber to attach the pieces of wood.

Measure the width of the inner cabinet walls where the shelves go. Use this measurement to cut the 1-by-3 lumber. Cut one slab for each shelf. For example, if the width of the cabinet is 1 foot, 10 inches, make each slab of 1-by-3 this same length.

Position the first 1-by-3 in the cabinet and drive two wood nails from the outer cabinet wall into each side of the lumber. Repeat to attach each shelf.

Match the drill bit to the screws included with the hinges. Attach the bit to the drill and bore the hinge holes into the left or right side of the cabinet side, depending on how you want to open the cabinet door.

Drill matching holes into the left or right side of the cabinet door in order to match the hinge holes on the cabinet side. Screw the hinges into the cabinet side, then attach them to cabinet door with a screw driver. The cabinet is ready for installation.