How to Build Inexpensive Cabinet Doors Using Molding

Measure the width and height of the cabinet opening. Add 2 inches to the width and 2 inches to the height. Cut a piece of plywood to this size.

Sand the plywood on the front and back using an orbital sander and two grits of sandpaper, 60 and 120. Sand until the finish on the wood is as smooth as possible. Wipe the wood clean.

Measure the width and subtract 4 inches. Cut two pieces of contour trim to this length, mitering both ends at a 45-degree angle. Set your miter saw to 45 degrees on the left. Cut one end of both boards. Set your miter saw to 45 degrees on the right. Cut the other end of both boards. The points of the boards should be on the same side of the wood, like on a picture frame. Measure the length and subtract 4 inches. Cut two pieces of contour trim to this length using the same mitering process.

Position the boards on the plywood so that the miter corners match up. Your two long boards will be parallel and your two short boards will be parallel. The trim will look like a picture frame. Center the trim 2 inches from each side. Make small pencil marks as guides.

Apply a bead of glue to the back of a piece of trim. Position the trim along your guide marks with the glue pressed to the plywood. Clamp the trim in place with wood clamps. Repeat for all four pieces of trim. Drive brad nails through the trim into the door with a hammer. Use at least two or three brads per trim piece. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Fill the nail holes with wood fill. Press the wood fill into the hole and wipe off the excess with your fingertip. Apply caulk to the joints and seams. Wipe off the excess with a moist rag.