DIY Wood Cabinet

Decide on the height, width and depth of the cabinet you wish to build. Cut two pieces of 1 1/2-inch thick hard wood to a length equal to the desired height and a width equal to the desired depth, using a circular saw. These are side panels. Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch thick hard wood to a length equal to the desired width and width equal to the desired depth, to form top and bottom pieces.

Cut a piece of 3/4-inch thick hard wood to a length equal to the desired width minus 3 inches and width equal to the desired depth minus 1 inch, using the circular saw. This is the cabinet shelf. Cut the final two pieces of 3/4-inch thick hard wood to a length equal to half the desired width and width equal to the desired height minus 1 inch. These are your doors.

Attach the 1/2-inch pilot bearing to the router. Place the router on one of the desired height length edges of the first side panel. Cut a 1/2-inch thick, 1/2-inch deep groove along the length of this edge. Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the panel, bisecting the groove you just cut. Cut a 3/4-inch wide groove along this line, using the router. Repeat these cuts on the second side panel.

Measure and cut a sheet of MDF to a length equal to the desired width of the cabinet minus 2 inches, and width equal to the desired height of the cabinet minus 1 1/2 inches. Apply wood glue to both desired depth length ends of the bottom piece. Stick the side panels to the bottom piece so the three pieces of wood form a U shape.

Slide the MDF sheet into the groove in the back of the side panels. Glue the desired depth length ends of the top piece and stick it to the side panels to form a rectangle. Strengthen the joints by countersinking a long screw into each corner of the side panels, so the screws go into the top and bottom pieces through the side panels. Slide the shelf into the grooves in the side pieces.

Screw two hinges to one of the desired height length sides of each door piece so there are hinges 2 inches from the top and bottom of the door. Screw the hinges to the front of the cabinet so the doors hang correctly and can be opened and closed with ease. Close the doors. Screw the handles in place on each cabinet door, on the opposite side to the hinges.