How to Frame an Inside Cabinet

Measure the length and height of the space where you intend to place your inside cabinet using a measuring tape. Use 1-by-10-inch pine so the depth of your cabinet is automatically be 10 inches.

Cut two pieces of 1-by-10-inch pine to the length of your cabinet with a circular saw. These boards serve as the top and bottom panels. Cut two more pieces of 1-by-10-inch pine to the height of your cabinet, minus 2 inches to account for the thickness of the top and bottom panels. These boards are the cabinet's side panels.

Stand the four boards you just cut upright on their longest narrow edges. Sandwich the two side panels between the ends of the top and bottom panels. Use a level to ensure that the top and bottom panels lie flat then drive 1 1/2-inch wood screws through them into the side panels to secure the frame.

Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the total length and height dimensions of your inside cabinet using the circular saw. This sheet of plywood is the back panel for your cabinet. Installing a back panel in your cabinet frame gives you something to attach the shelves to and adds to the overall stability of the cabinet.

Lay the back panel flat over one of the open sides of your cabinet frame. Align the outer edges of the back panel with the edges of the frame. Drive nails through the plywood and into the pine frame with a nail gun or a hammer.

Measure and mark the position for your cabinet shelves along the side panels in pencil. You may choose to install the shelves at even intervals or vary the shelf heights to store a variety of items.

Cut the shelves out of 1-by-10-inch pine to the length of the cabinet, minus 2 inches to account for the thickness of the side panels.

Slide the shelves horizontally into place between the side panels were you made the pencil marks. Use the level to ensure that the shelves are level. Drive nails from the nail gun through the side panels and back panel into the thickness of the shelves to secure them in place.

Cut an additional sheet of 1/2-inch plywood to the total length and height dimensions of your cabinet if you wish to install a cabinet door. Screw two metal hinges along one edge of the cabinet door, positioning each one about 2 inches from the corner. Lay the door flat on top of the remaining open side of the cabinet and screw the other side of each hinge into the cabinet frame to attach the door.

Customize your inside cabinet as you desire after completing the frame. You may paint or stain the cabinet to match your existing decor or add a border of decorative wood trim for embellishment.