How to Build a Floor Corner Cabinet

Measure the space in which you intend to install your floor corner cabinet to determine the ideal dimensions using a measuring tape. Measure from the corner along the adjacent walls to determine the ideal length of the side panels for the cabinet. Each side panel should be the same length. Draw your measuring tape from the floor upward at a 90-degree angle along the wall to determine the height of the cabinet.

Use a table saw to cut sheets of three-quarter-inch plywood to construct the frame for your corner cabinet. You will need to cut two rectangular sheets of plywood using the height and length measurements you just took for the side panels of your cabinet.

Cut two triangle-shaped pieces of three-quarter-inch plywood to serve as the top and bottom panels for your cabinet, and cut additional pieces of equal size to use as shelves. In order to cut these pieces properly, you must measure the distance between the ends of each side panel. This will be the base of the triangle and will form the front of your cabinet. The angles at the end of each side panel will be 45 degrees. Mark the measured lines and angles in pencil on the plywood, and cut along the lines to complete the triangle shape.

Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the walls on which you intend to install your cabinet and mark their positions in pencil.

Stand the two side panels upright against the walls so their bottom edges are flush with the floor. The inside edge of one panel should be flush with the corner and the edge of the other piece should rest flat against the surface of the first piece. Secure the panels in place by driving 2-inch wood screws through the panels into the walls studs and by driving screws at a downward angle through the joint in the corner. This technique is called toenailing.

Install the bottom panel by laying it flat on the ground, sliding it into the corner between the two side panels so the outside edges are flush with the side panels. Toenail 2-inch wood screws through the joints into the side panels and the wall studs beyond. Repeat this process to install the top panel, toenailing wood screws through the joint with the side panels into the wall studs beyond.

Measure and mark the desired positions for the cabinet shelves along both side panels and slide the shelves into place. Have someone hold each shelf as you toenail 2-inch wood screws through the top of the shelves and into the side panels and the wall studs beyond.

Cut a door for your corner cabinet out of three-quarter-inch plywood using the height measurement of your cabinet and the measurement of the length of the front of your cabinet. If you choose, you may install two or more smaller doors rather than a single large door.

Lay the door flat against the cabinet face and attach it by installing a metal hinge about 1 inch from the top and bottom corners of the door. If you are using a single large door, install an additional hinge halfway between the top and bottom corners.

Paint or stain your floor corner cabinet to match the existing decor scheme in your home. If you choose to paint the cabinet, apply a coat of interior-grade latex primer before applying a layer of interior-grade latex paint. If you prefer to stain the cabinet, apply thin coats of stain using a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth.