Creating a wooden cabinet with tambour doors requires precision and attention to detail. Tambour doors are a unique feature that consist of a series of narrow wooden slats that slide open and close, which adds a stylish and functional element to any piece of furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a wooden cabinet with tambour doors.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Hardwood lumber (such as oak, maple, or plywood)
- Tambour door slats (can be purchased pre-made or created from strips of wood)
- Table saw or circular saw
- Router
- Drill with various bits
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper or orbital sander
- Hinges for mounting the tambour door
- Cabinet hardware (e.g., handles)
- Wood finish or paint
- Measuring tape
- Clamps
Step 1: Plan and Design Your Cabinet
Before cutting any wood, take time to plan your cabinet design. The size and layout of the cabinet will depend on the intended use, such as a storage cabinet, bar, or media center. You should decide on:
- The dimensions of the cabinet.
- The number of shelves.
- The width and height of the tambour doors.
- The materials you’ll use for the frame, shelving, and tambour doors.
You can create your own design, or if you’re new to woodworking, consider starting with a simple pre-made template that you can adjust to your specific needs.
Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Cabinet Frame
Once you have your design, the next step is cutting the pieces for the cabinet frame. This will typically include:
- The top, bottom, and side panels.
- The back panel (often plywood for stability).
- Shelving supports if you plan to include internal shelves.
Measure carefully and use a table saw or circular saw to make precise cuts. For the frame, use wood glue and screws to assemble the pieces. Be sure to square the corners to ensure your cabinet is level and even.
Step 3: Build the Tambour Doors
The tambour doors are made of several narrow wooden slats that are attached to a flexible backing, such as a cloth or thin veneer. Here’s how to make them:
a. Cut the Slats
The slats should be narrow, typically 1 to 2 inches wide. Use a table saw to cut strips of wood to the desired width. If you want to create a more intricate look, you can use a router to add a decorative profile to the edges of the slats.
b. Attach the Slats to a Backing Material
The slats need to be attached to a flexible backing, such as a cloth or veneer. To do this:
- Lay the slats side by side on a flat surface.
- Place the backing material (cloth or veneer) underneath the slats.
- Use wood glue to attach each slat to the backing, ensuring that the slats are evenly spaced.
- Allow the glue to dry fully before proceeding.
c. Create the Sliding Mechanism
To enable the tambour door to slide open and closed, you’ll need to create a track system:
- Attach a rail or track along the sides of the cabinet where the tambour door will slide.
- Ensure the track is smooth and free from any obstructions to allow the door to move easily.
- You may need to trim the tambour door slats slightly to fit the track.
Step 4: Mount the Tambour Doors
Once the tambour doors are ready, you can mount them onto the cabinet.
a. Install Hinges
To allow the tambour doors to open and close smoothly, install hinges at the top of the door frame. Attach the door to the cabinet frame using hinges that will allow the door to slide to one side when opened.
b. Attach the Door to the Track
Carefully attach the tambour door to the track system, ensuring that it glides smoothly. The backing material should allow the door to curve around the track without resistance. Test the movement to make sure the door slides easily and stays within the track.
Step 5: Install the Shelving and Finish the Cabinet
After the tambour doors are successfully mounted, install any internal shelves or dividers that you want to include in the cabinet. Depending on your design, you may want adjustable shelves, so use shelf pins for easy adjustability.
Once the cabinet frame and shelves are in place, it’s time to finish your cabinet:
- Sand the entire cabinet with sandpaper or an orbital sander to remove rough edges and smooth out the surface.
- Apply a wood finish or paint to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Use a stain or polyurethane finish for a natural wood look, or paint it to match your interior décor.
- Install cabinet hardware like handles or knobs to complete the look.
Step 6: Final Touches
Inspect the cabinet to ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Make sure the tambour doors open and close easily, and adjust the hinges or tracks if necessary. The final step is to place the cabinet in its designated location and add any items you plan to store inside.
Conclusion
Creating a wooden cabinet with tambour doors can be a fun and rewarding project. The combination of the sleek, functional design and the challenge of building the tambour door mechanism makes it a great project for woodworkers of all levels. Whether you’re building a small storage unit or a larger piece of furniture, the tambour doors add a unique and stylish touch to your cabinetry.
If you’re looking for more woodworking plans and guidance, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for step-by-step instructions on various projects. Ted’s Woodworking Course offers over 16,000 woodworking plans to help you take your skills to the next level.