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In this article, we’ll show you how to cut a plywood, choose a face frame, and attach the back piece to the cabinet box. Then, we’ll move on to the joinery and face framing. We’ll also show you how to attach the toe-kicks. After all, you need to keep your cabinet box close to the wall and level, right? But, how do you do that?
Joinery
To learn how to build a small cabinet, you will need some basic tools. A table saw, router, straightedge guide, and pocket hole jig are all necessary to cut the plywood. A pocket-hole jig can help you drill four pocket-screw holes in the sides of the cabinet. Then, you can install the hinges and other hardware. After you’ve built the cabinet box, you can start working on the doors.
First, you’ll need a level surface. Make sure your cabinet is flat before assembling it. If you’re unable to level the surface, you can use a corner clamping jig, such as the one made by Rockler. This tool fits snugly on two pieces of wood, creating a perfectly square corner. Use construction screws to secure the wood pieces together. You’ll also need a level surface for assembly.
Another option for building a small cabinet is solid wood. While it’s certainly possible, you’ll be wasting good lumber if you use solid wood. But using solid wood will be more expensive and will take more time to build. So, you may want to use a combination of hardwood and particle board for the best quality. You can also build the cabinet using a combination of wood and metal, but it won’t look as good as a solid cabinet.
When making a small cabinet, you’ll need to choose a piece of wood that will hold up well. Generally, 3/4-inch plywood is the best choice. It’s a bit sturdier than the cheaper plywood available from a small lumber dealer. The downside of 3/4-inch plywood is its price tag. In addition, it’s durable and comes in a wide variety of joineries.
Choosing a plywood
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a plywood for your small cabinet. If the cabinet is going to have decorative veneers, you’ll want a panel face with a smooth finish. This panel face should also be smooth on both the interior and exterior. For example, you might want to use Europly Plus because of its unique multi-ply edge. It is the perfect choice for both doorless and cabinet doors.
Besides the finish of your cabinet, you should also consider the weather where the project is going to be built. If you live in a place with high winds, your plywood might sag in a matter of weeks. If it is going to be in an area with constant high winds, you might want to consider a more substantial plywood thickness. This way, you won’t end up with a thin panel or board.
When buying plywood, make sure to know the grade of the material. There are different grades, and the quality varies widely. You want to choose plywood that will last for several years, so look for a grade that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. A grade has a smooth, knot-free surface and is the most expensive option. But if you’re building a furniture piece, a B grade plywood may be less expensive, but it will still have a lot of defects on it.
The thickness of a plywood is important because it determines how sturdy it is. Typically, plywood that is half an inch thick is best for cabinet backs and drawer sides, because this type of plywood won’t carry as much weight. For shelves and cabinet fronts, choose 3/4-inch plywood. The thickness is important because it determines the stability of the cabinet. However, a half-inch plywood won’t be sturdy enough if you have heavy items inside.
There are two kinds of plywood: MDF and plywood. Both types have similar performance characteristics, but one material is better than the other. If you are making an elaborate scrolled trim design, you might want to consider MDF. It doesn’t have the grain and won’t splinter along sharp angles or ridges. A small cabinet made from MDF or plywood will be more durable and more stable.
Choosing a face frame
Before installing a face frame cabinet in a kitchen, choose the style you want for the door and the stiles and rails. Typically, the doors will overlay the frame and will be either flush or offset. You can also choose a toe kick panel to cover the entire section of the cabinets, eliminating the need for a decorative pane. The width of the stiles and rails will also depend on the size of the cabinet openings.
A framed cabinet has a border around the cabinet box, approximately one-inch wide or two inches wide. This frame is made up of rails and stiles and resembles a flat picture frame. Framed cabinets also typically have exposed hinges and an overlay. Although plywood is a popular material for cabinet box frames, you can also choose red oak, poplar, and mahogany. Face frames are versatile and adapt well to all types of overlays.
When selecting lumber for face frames, make sure to choose a species that will match the rest of your cabinet. If you’re building a small cabinet, choose poplar or pine for a painted finish. If you’d rather use a stained finish, choose oak or maple. For more complex cabinets, you should choose a wood species that will match the rest of the cabinet. It’s always a good idea to have several different sizes and species of lumber on hand.
If you choose an inset door style, you’ll have to consider the size of the door. Inset cabinet doors will sit inside the face frame. However, you can compensate for this problem by installing a 1/4-inch-wide bullnose trim on the face frame opening. The width of the door will be approximately five inches smaller than the face frame opening. Inset doors will also fit into the face frame’s opening at the top and bottom edges.
Attaching a back piece
There are different methods for attaching a back panel to a small cabinet. The easiest method involves gluing the back panel to the cabinet box, using a finish nailer to secure it into place. However, this technique often leaves gaps between the cabinet box and the wall, which can make it difficult to store small items. There are also a few pros and cons to different methods. Listed below are a few of the pros and cons of each.
Ensure that the backplate you buy matches the hardware. Some backplates have two holes, allowing you to attach either end of the pull or knob. Single hole backplates are typically used for knobs. Backplates are easy to install. Follow the three-step process below to install one. First, unscrew the cabinet door. Mark the holes on the backplate for the screws. Then, screw the backplate into place.
