How to Make Cabinets Out of Old Cypress Siding

Build the Panels

• 1

  Lay down three 1-by-6-by-36-inch cypress siding boards with the large surface facing up and their long, thin surfaces touching.

• 2

  Lower two 1-by-6-by-16-inch cypress siding boards across them, perpendicular to the longer boards and evenly spaced.

• 3

  Drill two holes through each of these shorter boards and into each longer board. Attach them in place with 1 1/4-inch wood screws.

• 4

  Repeat to create an identical panel of siding boards. These two panels are the side panels of the cabinet.

• 5

  Set out three 1-by-6-by-18-inch cypress siding boards with their long, thin ends touching.

• 6

  Place two 1-by-6-by-16-inch cypress siding boards perpendicularly across them, evenly spaced.

• 7

  Drill two holes down through each shorter board and into each longer board. Attach the boards together with 1 1/4-inch wood screws.

• 8

  Repeat to create another identical panel, and consider these panels the top and bottom panels of the cabinet.

• 9

  Repeat the procedure for building the side panels using three 1-by-6-by-38-inch boards and two 1-by-6-by-16-inch boards. Consider this new panel the rear panel.

• 10

  Repeat the procedure with three slightly smaller 1-by-6-by-37-inch boards and two 1-by-6-by-16-inch boards. Consider this panel the door of the cabinet.

Assembling the Cabinet

• 11

  Stand the two side panels on their long, thin edges, parallel to each other with the help of an assistant. Have the crosspieces face inward.

• 12

  Set the top panel against the ends of the side panels so they form a U.

• 13

  Set 1-inch metal L-brackets against the joints of the panels, spacing the brackets every 6 inches.

• 14

  Drill holes in each bracket hole and attach the brackets with 3/4-inch wood screws. Repeat to add the bottom panel to the other side.

• 15

  Set the rear panel on the ground with the crosspieces facing upward.

• 16

  Position the frame over the rear panel.

• 17

  Space 1-inch metal brackets every 12 inches around the inside of the frame where the frame meets the rear panel.

• 18

  Drill out each bracket hole and attach the brackets with 3/4-inch wood screws.

• 19

  Position the door panel on top of the frame.

• 20

  Set two side-mount cabinet hinges between the door and the side panel, and mark the attachment holes in the hinges, lifting the door if necessary.

• 21

  Drill out each hole and attach the hinges with 3/4-inch wood screws.

• 22

  Position the magnetic latch against the other side board between the door and the side board.

• 23

  Mark the latch attachment holes, drill them out and attach both sections of the latch to the door and side board using 3/4-inch wood screws.