How to make a wooden corner cabinet with adjustable shelves

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by

Bernardo Palos
in

How to Make a Wooden Corner Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves

Building a wooden corner cabinet with adjustable shelves is a rewarding woodworking project that can add both style and functionality to your home. Whether you’re looking to create a piece for your living room, kitchen, or bathroom, this step-by-step guide will show you how to design, cut, assemble, and finish a corner cabinet with adjustable shelving.

Materials Needed:

  • Wood (Plywood or solid wood depending on your preference)
    • ¾-inch thick plywood is a good choice for the cabinet frame.
    • ½-inch plywood or MDF can be used for the shelves.
  • Wood screws (1 ¼-inch)
  • Wood glue
  • Corner brackets (optional, for extra stability)
  • Adjustable shelf pins (to hold the shelves in place)
  • Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
  • Wood finish or paint (optional for finishing)

Tools Needed:

  • Circular saw or table saw
  • Drill with a drill bit set (for shelf pin holes)
  • Measuring tape
  • Clamps
  • Square
  • Jigsaw (optional for cutting curved edges)
  • Screwdriver
  • Sander or sanding block

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Design and Measure the Cabinet

  1. Determine the Dimensions:

    • First, measure the available corner space where you want the cabinet to sit. Common dimensions for corner cabinets are around 30-36 inches high, 24-36 inches wide, and 18-24 inches deep. Adjust the dimensions based on your space.

  2. Sketch the Design:

    • A corner cabinet typically has a triangular shape for the back panel. You’ll need to measure and mark your cuts accordingly. The front of the cabinet will be rectangular, while the back panel will form a 90-degree angle.

  3. Plan the Shelves:

    • Decide how many adjustable shelves you want. Generally, for a corner cabinet, two or three shelves are sufficient. Make sure the shelves will fit the height of the cabinet with enough space between each one for easy storage.

Step 2: Cutting the Wood

  1. Cut the Side Panels:

    • Using your circular saw or table saw, cut two side panels from the plywood. These panels should be the same height as your desired cabinet and approximately the depth of your cabinet (around 18 inches).

  2. Cut the Back Panel:

    • The back panel will need to be cut at a 45-degree angle along the sides to match the corner where the cabinet will sit. This triangular shape allows the cabinet to fit neatly into the corner.

  3. Cut the Shelves:

    • Cut the shelves to the width and depth you’ve planned. If you want adjustable shelves, make sure the depth is enough to store the items you plan to put inside.

  4. Cut the Top and Bottom Panels:

    • Cut the top and bottom panels to the width of the cabinet. These panels will help provide structural support.

Step 3: Drilling Holes for Shelf Pins

  1. Mark Pin Locations:

    • On the side panels, mark the locations where you want the adjustable shelf pins to go. Typically, shelf pin holes are spaced about 1 ½ inches apart vertically.

  2. Drill the Holes:

    • Use a drill with a ¼-inch drill bit to create holes for the shelf pins. Be sure to drill straight and consistently for a professional finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabinet

  1. Attach the Back Panel:

    • Attach the back panel to the two side panels using wood screws and wood glue. This will form the basic structure of the cabinet.

  2. Install the Top and Bottom Panels:

    • Attach the top and bottom panels to the side panels with screws and glue. You may want to pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood.

  3. Secure the Shelves:

    • Once the frame is assembled, insert the adjustable shelf pins into the drilled holes. Place the shelves on top of the pins.

Step 5: Adding Doors (Optional)

If you want to add doors to your corner cabinet:

  1. Cut the Door Panels:

    • Measure and cut the door panels to fit the opening of the cabinet. For a standard cabinet, you can opt for one or two doors that open outward.

  2. Install Hinges:

    • Attach hinges to the doors, then install them on the cabinet. Ensure the doors open and close smoothly.

Step 6: Sanding and Finishing

  1. Sand the Edges:

    • Sand the edges of the cabinet, doors, and shelves to smooth out any rough spots. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (80 or 120 grit) and finish with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit).

  2. Finish the Cabinet:

    • Apply your choice of wood finish or paint to give the cabinet a polished look. If you’re using a stain, let it dry completely before applying a protective finish, such as polyurethane.

Step 7: Install the Cabinet

  1. Mount the Cabinet:

    • Depending on your design, you can either mount the cabinet on the wall or allow it to sit freely in the corner. If you’re securing it to the wall, use corner brackets for additional stability.

  2. Adjust the Shelves:

    • Finally, place the adjustable shelves in the desired positions and load them with your items.

Creating a wooden corner cabinet with adjustable shelves is a great project for intermediate woodworkers. Not only will you get to showcase your craftsmanship, but you’ll also create a beautiful, functional piece of furniture that can be customized to fit your home perfectly.

For more woodworking projects, tips, and detailed guides, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.

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