How to Build a Wooden Den Cabinet

Place the two 1-by-16-by-34 1/2-inch boards parallel to each other with the 1-by-34 1/2-inch boards flat on a work surface. Orient the boards vertically, lengthwise, and space the inside edges 14 1/2 inches apart. These are the cabinet sides.

Butt one 1-by-16-by-18-inch board perpendicular across the ends of the sides. Center the length of the boards across the sides so they extend an even distance of 1 inch beyond the outside edges of the sides. These are the top and bottom cabinet boards.

Drive decorative-head wood screws through the top and bottom boards of the cabinet into the ends of the sides every 2 inches, using a screw gun.

Center the 1-by-16-by-14 1/2-inch board inside the cabinet assembly. The 1-by-14 1/2-inch edge should be flush on the work surface. This is the cabinet shelf. Drive decorative-head screws through the sides into the ends of the shelf every 2 inches.

Lay one 1-by-16-by-36-inch board over the top of the cabinet assembly. The outside edges of the board should be flush with the outside edges of the cabinet assembly. This is the cabinet back. Drive decorative-head screws through the back into the edges of the assembly every 2 to 4 inches. Turn the cabinet assembly over, so that the front opening faces up.

Center the remaining 1-by-16-by-36-inch board over the front of the cabinet assembly. This is the cabinet door. Align one hinge 2 inches in from the top and bottom edges of the left side of the cabinet door. Drive the screws that were included with the hinges through the mounting holes and into the door and cabinet side board respectively, using a screw gun.

Center the cabinet knob on the outside of the door, on the edge opposite the hinges. The knob has a threaded screw connected to it. Thread the knob into the door, and turn it until it's tight against the door.

Open the door and place an adhesive-backed felt pad on the back corners of the door where they meet against the side of the cabinet when the door is closed.

Lay the cabinet on its back so that the bottom faces you. Hammer one furniture foot into each corner of the bottom. Stand the cabinet upright.

Brush two even coats of wood finish over the entire cabinet assembly, using a paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry for 4 hours between coats. Let the final coat dry 24 hours before use.