How to Build Underbed Cabinets

How to Build Underbed Cabinets

• 1

  Create a drawing of the cabinets. Determine height, width and number of drawers planned. Set the face of the cabinets back four inches or allow a four-by-four inch inset at the bottom all around to avoid stumping toes at the bottom.

• 2

  Create a materials list from the drawing. Cabinet drawers are essentially a box within a box. Plywood can be used for the face and sides of the cabinet.

• 3

  Using a four-foot-by-eight-foot sheet of ¾ inch plywood, use measuring tape, pencil and square to mark the edges of the sides, back and front of the cabinet.

  Follow the same process to mark each drawer although the drawers will not have tops. Use ¼ inch plywood for the top and bottom pieces.

  Mark the locations of the openings for each drawer on the boards designated as the front face board of the cabinet. The drawer openings should be ½ inch larger than the drawer.

• 4

  Use the table saw to cut the sides, top, bottom, back and cabinet face board from the marked plywood.

  Use the jig saw and miter saw to cut out the openings for each drawer on the cabinet face. Start the hole with the miter saw and complete the cut-out with the jig saw.

  Use the router to cut a ¼-inch deep slot, ½ inch wide along the inside edges of the sides, back and front pieces to set the top and bottom flush with the sides. Use sandpaper to smooth any uneven edges.

• 5

  Use the drill to make holes for the wood screws and to insert the screws at the corners where the sides, backs and fronts join together. Use the hammer and finishing nails to attach the bottom to the cabinet and each drawer. Use the measuring tape and square to ensure the cabinets and drawers are perfectly square before attaching the bottoms.

• 6

  Install drawer slides on both sides of each drawer and inside the cabinet. The drawer face should be flush with the face of the cabinet. Attach the top of the cabinet with hammer and nails and insert the cabinets under the bed.

• 7

  Use plywood or solid wood to mark off and cut each drawer face. The drawer faces should be at least ½ inch larger than the drawer openings on the face of the cabinet. Use the router to shape each edge of the drawer faces. Different router bits will shape the edges differently for your own unique design. Use wood screws to attach the drawer faces to the fronts of the drawers. The finished drawer faces should be aligned precisely vertically and horizontally with the adjoining drawer faces.

• 8

  Paint or stain the cabinet and drawers. Drill holes and attach the drawer knobs with a screwdriver.