How to Build a Base Cabinet With Plywood

Position two 1/2-by-24-by-36-inch plywood boards on the working surface, parallel to each other. Stand up these boards with the help of an assistant, so they are on their long, narrow edges and about 24 inches apart. Consider these boards the side boards of the base cabinet.

Slide a 1/2-by-24-by-24-inch board against the two side boards, so its edges line up evenly with the edges of the side boards. Drill four holes into each side board through this board, which is the top board of the cabinet, for a total of eight holes. Set 2-inch wood screws in these pilot holes and secure them tightly in place.

Set a 1/2-by-23-by-24-inch plywood board within the cabinet so that its top lines up evenly with the top surface of the side boards and its sides are flush with the side boards. Position this board so the surface which will eventually face the top of the cabinet is 4 inches from the bottom end of the side boards.

Drill four holes through each side board and into this new board, which is the bottom shelf board. Set 2-inch wood screws in each hole and tighten them securely.

Hold a 1/2-by-24-by-36 1/2-inch board against the top of the rectangular frame of the cabinet. Adjust so that the edges of this board, which is the rear board of the cabinet, are even all around with the cabinet frame edges. Drill holes every six inches into the rear board and through to the boards of the frame underneath. Set 2-inch wood screws in each hole and tighten them until the top of the screwhead is flush with the wood surface.

Turn the cabinet frame over so that the open section is facing upwards. Position a 1/2-by-24-by-32 1/2-inch board over the upper section. Position a 1/2-by-4-by-24-inch board over the bottom section, so that it covers the area below the bottom shelf board and lines up with the top surface of the bottom shelf board and the outside surfaces of the two side boards. Drill holes every 4 inches through this board, which is the lower front board, and into the boards to which it adjoins. Set 2-inch wood screws in each hole and use a drill to tighten them into place.

Place three side-mount cabinet hinges against the 1/2-by-24-by-32 1/2-inch board, which is the cabinet door, and the side board of the cabinet. Mark the positions of the hinge holes, lifting the door slightly if necessary. Drill out each marked position with a 1/2-inch hole and set a 1/2-inch wood screw within the holes. Tighten the screws securely with a drill.