Upper Cabinets Pt. 1, Day 26
January 25, 2021
It started with a template..
.. and some expertly cut building materials. 3/4" birch plywood was cut down into face and bottom boards. End caps, cut from 1" birch plywood, were modeled after the template to provide the shape of the upper cabinet carcass.
In order to divide the length of the unit into four compartments, we routed channels into both the face and bottom boards at regular intervals. In these channels, would live wooden inserts that would also provide more form and strength.
Once all the components were cut to spec, the last task before cabinet carcass assembly was to use the router to cut the square openings in the face plank. In order to do this, we built a frame to use as a guide. Then, it was as simple as maneuvering the power tool along the frame’s inner edges, letting the cutting bit do its work. The frame was moved to each compartment section and apertures were routed to achieve a clean, one-piece faceplate.
The right tools and proper preparation are keys to success:
Finally, we were ready for assembly:
Wood glue, brad nails, and ten screws later:
All that’s left for this cabinetry unit is to build and install the doors, do some light sanding, apply coats of white paint, and secure it to the wall and ceiling. On the underside of the cabinet, we also plan to install three recessed LED light fixtures, much like we did for the center portion of the ceiling. We still have two more upper cabinetry pieces to build (driver’s side cabinet & microwave cubby) so if you enjoyed this entry, stay tuned — we’ll be right back after these messages!
DAY 26: Upper cabinets material, cost, install/build hours:
- 3/4" 4'x8' Birch plywood: $59.37/ea., Home Depot
- 1" Birch plywood: leftover from lower cabinet build, no cost incurred
- 7 Hours of work
