DIY Lightbox Wall

Place the two 2-by-2-by-48-inch boards horizontally on a work surface, parallel to each other. Space the boards 96 inches apart from the outside edges. These are the ends of the lightbox frame.

Position the two 2-by-2-by-94-1/2-inch boards between the ends of the end boards to form a rectangular assembly. These are the sides of the lightbox frame.

Drive two evenly spaced trim-head wood screws through the end boards into the ends of the side boards at each joint with a screw gun.

Lay the 3/4-by-48-by-96-inch plywood panel flat on a work surface. Align the lightbox frame over the top of the panel. The edges of the frame and panel should be flush. The plywood panel is the back of the lightbox.

Align the hinges 6 inches in from each end of the left side of the lightbox between the frame and the plywood panel. Drive the screws that were included with the hinges through the mounting holes into the plywood and frame respectively. Align a latch on the center of the opposite side between the plywood and the frame. Fasten it to the frame and plywood using the screws that were included with it. The latch and hinges will allow you to access the inside of the lightbox so that you can turn the lights on or maintain them as needed.

Brush an even coat of contact cement over the top edges of the frame assembly using a natural bristle brush. Brush an even coat of contact cement around the outside 1 1/2-inches of the back side of the laminate panel. Allow the cement to dry to the touch. This typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Lay the laminate panel, back side down, over the top of the frame assembly and press it into place. Roll over the edges of the panel with a J-roller to ensure a secure adhesion.

Open the lightbox assembly up and evenly space the cabinet lights in rows of two along the entire 96-inch length of the plywood panel. Fasten the lights to the plywood using the mounting screws that were included with the lights. Use a screw gun.

Select a wall to mount the lightbox wall installation. Slide a stud finder along the wall and mark the location of the two nearest studs onto the wall with a pencil.

Hold the lightbox up against the wall with the assistance of another person so that it is centered over the two marked studs. Open the lightbox up and drive trim-head wood screws through the plywood into the marked studs every 6 to 8 inches using a screw gun. Close the lightbox and secure the latch.