How to Measure and Build a Corner Kitchen Cabinet

Corner Cabinets

• Corner cabinets are designed to fill 90-degree angles that tend to become wasted space with standard cabinets. Most manufacturers include bi-folding doors and rotating lazy Susan-style shelves to increase the functional space. The cabinet is generally 36 inches on both sides, meaning a standard premade version has a somewhat limited application in small spaces. The specific measurements are adjustable to personal preference, however, when constructing the piece by hand.

Measuring

• The exact measurements will vary greatly depending on the size of the kitchen and the preferred size of the cabinet. There are three basic measurements that must be taken for a cabinet. Height is how tall the cabinet is minus the countertops, width is how wide it is and depth is how much space is available from the front of the cabinet to the back. Most corner cabinets measure 24 inches deep and 40 inches tall.

Construction

• Once the measurements have been planned, the lumber must be measured and cut accordingly. Use a circular saw to cut two side pieces, back, top, bottom and shelves. During the assembly process, work on a large, flat surface. Use wood glue on all the joints, then secure each joint with a nail gun and reinforce with screws. The addition of the screws will ensure there's plenty of support for the weight of the cabinet.

Finishing

• Once the cabinet is constructed and in place, painting or staining is the final process. With new wood, very little preparation is required, usually just a light sanding to rough up the surface for color. Apply paint with a sprayer or roller for an even, streak-free coat, and use a brush or rag for staining. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's directions for the best outcome. Most products require more than one coat for the best finish, and each coat needs to dry thoroughly before being painted over. Once the paint or stain is finished and allowed to dry, it must be coated with two or three layers of polyurethane. This will protect the paint from scratches, stains and other damage.