DIY Maple Cabinets

Use a measuring tape to measure the space where you intend to place your maple cabinets. Measure the length, depth and height of the space to determine the dimensions of your cabinets. If you want to divide your cabinets into multiple compartments, use the measuring tape to determine the length of each compartment.

Draw up a basic sketch of your cabinet design and write in the measurements you just took. The simplest design is a rectangular cabinet divided by one or more horizontal shelves. Divide the height of your cabinet by the desired number of shelves to determine the height for each shelf.

Cut two 1-by-10-inch maple boards to the desired length of your cabinet using a circular saw. You will use these boards as the top and bottom panels for the cabinet frame. Use the circular saw to cut two 1-by-10-inch maple boards to the height of the cabinet, minus 2 inches, for the side panels.

Create a rectangular frame out of the four boards you just cut, standing them upright on their longest narrow edges. Sandwich the two side panels between the ends of the top and bottom panels. Drive 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the top and bottom panels into the side panels to secure the frame.

Cut pieces of 1-by-10-inch maple to the same height as your side panels to use as vertical dividers if you choose to divide your cabinet into compartments. Mark the position of each compartment along the top and bottom panels in pencil. Slide the dividers vertically between the top and bottom panels then secure them with 1 1/2-inch woods screws.

Subtract 2 inches from the length of your top and bottom panels and cut your shelves out of 1-by-10-inch maple boards to this length. If you chose to divide your cabinet into compartments, use the length of each compartment for the width of the shelves. Measure and mark the position of your shelves on the vertical dividers and the side panels of your cabinet frame in pencil.

Slide the shelves horizontally into place between the side panels and vertical dividers where you made the pencil marks. Attach the shelves by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the side panels and vertical dividers into the shelves.

Cut a sheet of maple plywood to the total length and height of your cabinet frame. Lay the plywood flat on top of the frame, aligning the edges, to serve as the back panel for your cabinet. Secure the back panel in place by driving nails from a nail gun through the plywood into the maple frame.

Use the circular saw to cut additional sheets of maple plywood for your cabinet doors, if you want them. Cut the doors to the height of the cabinet and the length of each cabinet compartment. Install one side of two metal hinges along one side of the door, about 2 inches from each corner, and screw the other side of the hinges into the cabinet frame.

Stain your completed cabinet frame if you chose to use unfinished maple. Apply thin coats of stain with a brush and wipe away the excess between coats. Keep applying coats of stain until the color matches the finish of the maple plywood doors or until it reaches a hue you are satisfied with.