How to Make Overhead Cabinets

Remove the drywall from the wall where you want to secure the cabinets, using a utility knife to expose the wall studs. Prepare enough space for number of desired cabinets. Repeat the process on the ceiling with the ceiling joists.

Build frames to the desired size of your cabinets to secure to the walls and ceiling, by nailing together 2-by-2-inch lumber of any length to form a ladder-shaped anchor using 3-inch nails. For studs and joists spaced 16-inches apart on center, make 16-inch frames for each cabinet. Extend this width to 24 inches for 24-inch studs and joists. These frames are the anchors for your cabinets. Double up the 2-by-2-inch lumber on one end of the top and bottom frames to allow for securing the sliding door tracks.

Cut the back and side panels according to the desired height, and made to fit along the frame, and the base panels and shelves, out of 4-by-8-foot plywood measuring 3/4 inch in width. For the sliding doors, use 1/4-inch plywood.

Attach your frames to the studs and joists, using 4-inch nails driven through the front of the frames and through the wall and ceiling supports. Nail each one into the wall or ceiling separately. Using the same nails, attach the bottom frames so that you are left with a rectangular form with no frame in front.

Nail, using 2-inch nails, the 3/4-inch drywall panels into place at the far sides, back, and top of the frame. Nail plywood into each side of the individual cabinet frames, so that each cabinet is lined on both sides. Finally, nail the bottom panels into each cabinet across the top of the bottom 2-by-2-inch frames. Using strong wood glue, attach the top and bottom door tracks on the extra frame space on the top and bottom.

Secure the 1/4-inch doors into place and paint or stain the cabinets to your liking. Attach handles to each door using 1/2-inch screws.