Making Ikea Cabinet Boxes

Arrange each piece of melamine particleboard on a flat surface. The melamine coating on each board mimics the glossy look of IKEA cabinets. Lay one of the 31-inch by 25-inch pieces on its side and drill five small holes1-inch deep along the top edge.

Pour a drop of glue in each hole and insert a 2-inch wood dowel. Tap the dowel into place with a hammer. Measure the distance between each hole. Drill five holes on the other 31” by 25” board, spacing the holes the same distance apart. Add a dab of glue and a dowel to each hole.

Set the two long boards to one side and lay the 30” by 25” board on its side. Drill five holes along each shorter side, spacing the holes to match the ones on the longer board. Insert a dab of glue in each hole and turn upside down with the holes facing up. Line up the holes with the dowels on the two longer boards and press down. Clamp the pieces until the glue dries, creating the bottom of your cabinet.

Drill five holes in the top edges of each long board. Place a dab of glue and a wood dowel in each hole. Drill five matching holes on each end of the other 30” by 25” board. Set a drop of glue in each hole and set the piece on top, lining up the holes, and clamp the pieces closed. You should have a basic cabinet with four sides and an exposed front and back.

Make the back of the IKEA-like cabinet by drilling a hole 1/2-inch from the bottom and top of the side pieces. Drill four more holes, evenly spaced along the side pieces and make six holes on one of your remaining melamine particleboard pieces, lining up the holes. Use a dab of wood glue and a wood dowel in each hole on the side pieces. Line up the back piece with the sides and turn over, so the piece sits on its back.

Attach one hinge to the back of your last piece of particleboard, screwing the hinge 3 inches from the bottom of the piece. Attach a second hinge 3 inches down from the top of the wood. Screw the hinges onto the cabinet itself, which gives you the swinging door found on IKEA models.