How to build a wooden corner cabinet with glass doors

Building a wooden corner cabinet with glass doors is a rewarding woodworking project that can add both functionality and beauty to your home. It involves precise cutting, assembly, and finishing to create a stylish storage piece that fits snugly in a corner of any room. Follow these step-by-step instructions to build your own wooden corner cabinet with glass doors.

Materials and Tools Needed:

• Wood: Select hardwood such as oak, maple, or pine for the cabinet structure. For the shelves and doors, choose thinner pieces that suit the design.
• Glass panels: Choose clear glass for the doors.
• Screws and wood glue: For assembling the cabinet.
• Hinges: For the doors.
• Cabinet knobs: Optional, for handles.
• Wood finish: To protect the wood and give it a polished look.
• Measuring tape, pencil, square, and level: For accurate measurements and ensuring straight lines.
• Table saw or circular saw: For cutting wood panels.
• Router: For trimming edges and shaping the doors.
• Drill and drill bits: For making holes for screws and hardware.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Design and Measurements

Before starting the project, create a design for the cabinet. It should be tailored to fit in the corner of your room. Typically, corner cabinets are triangular or trapezoidal in shape. Here’s what to consider in your design:

• Dimensions: Decide the height, width, and depth of the cabinet. A standard size for a corner cabinet is usually 30-36 inches in height and 18-24 inches on each side.
• Shelves: You can include one or more shelves inside the cabinet depending on your storage needs.
• Door Design: The glass doors should fit within the frame. Consider using wooden frames with glass inserts.

Step 2: Cutting the Wood

Using your measurements and design, begin by cutting the pieces for the cabinet:

• Back panel: Cut a piece of wood to fit the height and width of the cabinet’s back.
• Side panels: Cut two triangular side pieces (if you’re making a triangular cabinet) or trapezoidal panels (for a trapezoidal shape).
• Top and bottom panels: Cut the top and bottom pieces to match the width and depth.
• Shelves: Cut the shelf pieces to the desired size. If adjustable, you can add slots in the side panels to hold the shelves at various heights.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabinet Frame

Start assembling the main frame of the cabinet:

1. Attach the side panels to the back panel using wood screws or nails. Make sure they’re square and level.
2. Secure the top and bottom panels to the side panels and back panel. Use wood glue and screws for a strong bond.
3. Install the shelves: If you’ve designed adjustable shelves, drill holes along the side panels to place shelf supports. Insert the shelves into place.
4. Check for squareness: Ensure the frame is square using a carpenter’s square and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Doors

Next, focus on the doors:

1. Cut the door panels: The doors should fit the height and width of the front opening of the cabinet. If you’re using a wooden frame, cut the frame pieces and the glass inserts.
2. Assemble the door frames: For wooden doors, create a frame by cutting four pieces of wood and attaching them with wood glue and nails.
3. Install the glass: Place the glass panels inside the door frame. If necessary, use glazing points or silicone adhesive to secure the glass.
4. Trim the edges: Use a router to smooth the edges of the door for a polished finish.

Step 5: Attach the Doors

Once the doors are assembled, it’s time to attach them to the cabinet:

1. Attach the hinges: Place the hinges on the side of the cabinet and the door frame. Mark the positions where the hinges will be attached, ensuring they are aligned properly.
2. Install the hinges: Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges using screws. Be sure the doors open and close smoothly.
3. Install handles or knobs: If you’d like to add handles, drill holes where the knobs or pulls will go and attach them.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

To give your corner cabinet a smooth, professional finish, follow these steps:

1. Sand the surfaces: Use sandpaper to smooth out all rough edges and surfaces. Start with coarse grit and gradually work your way to finer grit for a polished finish.
2. Apply wood finish: Apply your chosen wood finish (stain, varnish, or paint) to the entire cabinet and allow it to dry completely between coats. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.

Step 7: Install the Cabinet

Once your corner cabinet is fully assembled and finished, it’s time to install it in the corner:

1. Position the cabinet in the desired location.
2. Level the cabinet: Use a level to ensure that the cabinet is perfectly straight. Adjust as needed.
3. Secure the cabinet: If necessary, secure the cabinet to the wall using screws through the back panel to prevent tipping.

Conclusion:

Building a wooden corner cabinet with glass doors is a project that combines woodworking skill and creativity. By following these steps, you can create a functional and beautiful piece of furniture that will enhance your home’s decor. Whether you’re storing dishes, books, or displaying cherished items, this cabinet is a great way to make use of corner space.

For detailed plans and woodworking tips, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.