Instructions to Build a Pine Hutch

Size

• The first consideration in building your own pine hutch is the size of the finished piece. A custom-made hutch can be built to fit into a specific space where storage is needed. Most hutches are between 4 and 6 feet tall. Narrow hutches might only measure 18 inches across their face while others can be 4 feet or even wider. Depth is another important consideration, as a deeper hutch will jut out into the room but provide even more storage space.

Design

• Pine hutches can be made in several different styles. A wall hutch will feature a relatively square or rectangular footprint and will be positioned with its back against a wall. Corner hutches, on the other hand, can be positioned in the corner of a room where they may take up less space. These hutches have a triangular footprint but are otherwise similar to wall hutches.

Style

• A pine hutch can be a very simple box, with open shelves at the top and cabinets on the bottom. It can also be an ornate, decorative piece with carving, molding and decorative hardware. Glass shelves and doors are used on some more modern-styled hutches. In addition, many hutches comprise two separate pieces: a base, which contains the cabinet doors, and a top, which adds shelves to the final piece. Choose a style that works for your home, of measure an existing hutch with a style you like for reference.

Selecting Pine

• Pine is a notoriously difficult wood to work with in fine furniture applications. This is because its softness makes it susceptible to scratches and dents. Using sharp blades when cutting is extremely important, as a dull blade can result in a rough edge or an uneven cut. Pine needs to be handled carefully, but minor problems can be corrected once the hutch is complete. Any small scratches can be sanded out easily. For larger dents, a hot iron and wet cloth can be used to swell the pine and fill in the dent.

Construction Basics

• Most hutches feature relatively simple construction, and are not unlike building a bookcase or chest of drawers. Measure the plates, silverware, or other items you plan to store in the hutch to determine adequate shelf heights. Join the panels of the hutch with wood glue and nails, letting all of the joints dry overnight before assembling them further. The backing to the top, bottom, or both sections of the hutch can be made from wood paneling to reduce the weight of the hutch.

Finishing Your Hutch

• Once your hutch is assembled, it will be ready for finishing. Sand, stain and varnish the cabinet doors before attaching them with the hardware. Also, be sure to sand all seams between wood panels for a flush, neat appearance. Pine can be stained a wide variety of colors and will hold up well when properly finished and treated. Use an oil soap on your hutch occasionally to keep the pine conditioned and the surfaces clean.