How to Build a Cedar Living Room Cabinet

Lay out five 1-by-6-by-60-inch cedar boards parallel to each other with their large surfaces facing up and their long, thin surfaces touching. Set three 1/2-by-4-by-28-inch boards evenly across them, perpendicular to them with their large sides touching. Drill two holes through each short board and into each long board for a total of 30 holes. Set 1-inch wood screws in each hole and tighten them securely to create one of the side panels of the cabinet. Repeat to create a second side panel.

Lay out four 1-by-6-by-24-inch boards on the working surface with their large face up and the thin, long edges of the boards touching. Lay two 1/2-by-4-by-22-inch boards perpendicularly across them and evenly spaced with the large sides touching. Drill two holes through each top board and into each bottom board, being careful not to poke out into the ground. Screw 1-inch wood screws into each hole to make the top panel. Repeat these steps to create an identical bottom panel.

Position the two side panels on their long, thin sides with the cross-board sides facing each other. Set the top panel up against the one set of side board ends. Place 1-inch metal L-brackets every six inches between the boards and mark the screw hole positions. Drill out each hole and attach the brackets in place with 1-inch wood screws. Repeat to add the bottom panel.

Lay out four 1-by-6-by-62-inch boards on the working surface with their large side up and their long, thin sides touching. Position three 1/2-by-4-by-22-inch boards perpendicular to these boards and evenly spaced with their large surfaces touching. Drill two holes through each top board and into each long board. Screw the boards together with 1-inch wood screws to make the rear panel. Repeat with four 1-by-6-by-61-inch boards and three additional 1/2-by-4-by-22-inch boards to make the door of the cabinet.

Set the rear panel on the working surface with the crosspieces facing up. Lower the frame over the rear panel and set 1-inch metal L-brackets all around the inside, spaced every 12 inches. Drill out each hole and attach the brackets with 1-inch wood screws.

Position the door panel on top of the frame and position three side-mount cabinet hinges between the door and the side panel. Mark the screw holes, lifting the door panel if necessary. Drill out each hole and attach the hinges with 1-inch wood screws. Position a doorknob on the opposite side of the door from the hinges, about halfway up and drill out a hole for it. Slide the bolt of the knob through the hole and fasten it with the nut.

Position a magnetic latch between the door and the side board and mark the screw holes. Drill out each hole in the side board and door and attach the latch with 1-inch wood screws.