DIY Liquor Cabinets

Measure the height and width of a few of your liquor bottles using a measuring tape to get an idea how deep to make your liquor cabinet and at what height to install the shelves. Using these measurements, select the overall width, depth and height for your liquor cabinet, and record these measurements on a sheet of paper.

Sketch an image of your proposed liquor cabinet utilizing the measurements you just took. If you plan to install additional shelves or want to divide your cabinet into several sections, be sure to calculate the appropriate measurements for each of these customizations.

Cut five sheets of 3/4-inch plywood using a table saw to construct the basic frame for your cabinet. Two sheets need to be cut using the width and depth measurements for the top and bottom panels, and two sheets need to be cut using the depth and height measurement for the side panels. Cut one more sheet of plywood using the width and height measurements to serve as the back panel.

Arrange the top, bottom and side panels in a rectangle shape with the boards placed upright on the floor along their longest narrow edges. At the corners, align the edges of the boards so the flat side of the side panels are aligned with the edges of the top and bottom panels. Secure the frame by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the top and bottom panels into the side panels.

Lay the back panel flat on top of the frame you just constructed, aligning all the outer edges. Secure the back panel in place by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws down through the back panel into the top, bottom and side panels. When finished, flip the frame over so the open side is facing up.

Measure and mark the position of any additional shelves or dividers you want to install inside your liquor cabinet. Mark the position of the shelves and dividers in pencil on the top, bottom and side panels.

Cut sheets of 1/2-inch plywood to the proper dimensions for your shelves and dividers. To cut the dividers, use the height and depth measurements of the cabinet. For the shelves, cut the plywood using the width and depth dimensions of the intended section of cabinet.

Slide the cabinet dividers vertically into place between the top and bottom panels and secure them in place by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the top, bottom and back panels into the divider. Install the shelves next, sliding them horizontally between the dividers and secure them in a similar manner.

Cut an additional sheet of 1/2-inch plywood using the width and height dimensions of your cabinet to serve as the door. Install the door on the front of the cabinet by attaching two metal hinges to the door and the cabinet frame. Position the metal hinges 1 to 2 inches from the top and bottom corner of the door.

Paint or stain your liquor cabinet as desired, and cover it with a coat of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect against water damage if one of the bottles should break. Place the cabinet in the desired position, or mount it on the wall by attaching wall mount brackets to the back panel. Hang the wall brackets on drywall anchors screwed into the wall studs in the desired position for the cabinet.