Create Kitchen Cabinets with Free Plans

Constructing your own kitchen cabinets can be an immensely satisfying DIY project. With the right free plans, tools, and basic woodworking skills, you can build customized cabinets that perfectly fit your kitchen's layout and storage needs.

The benefits of making your own cabinets include getting exactly the size, style and finish you want at a fraction of the cost of buying pre-made cabinets. You'll also gain valuable woodworking experience in the process.

Finding Quality Free Cabinet Plans

The first step is locating detailed cabinet plans to use for your project. Here are some excellent free resources to check out:

• Ana White - This popular woodworking site offers several free kitchen cabinet plans including base, wall and sink cabinets.
• Shanty 2 Chic - You'll find lots of reader favorite free cabinet plans here including farmhouse style designs.
• Remodelaholic - Offers a nice variety of free cabinet plans including tall pantry cabinets.
• Jay's Custom Creations - Free plans for standard kitchen cabinets made with plywood.
• The Spruce - Offers both free and paid plans for cabinets including storage drawers.

When selecting cabinet plans, look for detailed material lists, cut lists, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Make sure the style and dimensions match your intended cabinet project. Plans with CAD drawings or SketchUp models are extremely helpful.

Assessing Plan Quality

Not all free plans are created equal when it comes to clarity and ease of use. Look for the following hallmarks of high-quality cabinet plans:

• Precise cut lists and dimensions for each cabinet component.
• Clear diagrams and images illustrating construction steps.
• Complete hardware requirements and mounting instructions.
• Consideration of cabinet joining methods and wall mounting.
• Finish requirements and recommendations for the cabinet materials.

Plans that provide all needed information without leaving out important details or making assumptions about skill level are best.

Matching Your Kitchen Layout

Carefully measure your existing kitchen layout before selecting plans. Account for limitations like walls, doors, windows and appliances when choosing cabinet sizes and configurations.

Modifying plans is easier if you have woodworking experience. Otherwise, select plans that already match your kitchen's specs for a simpler cabinet building process.

Choosing Cabinet Dimensions

Standard kitchen base cabinets are 34 1/2" high and 24" deep. Wall cabinet heights often range from 30" to 42". However, you can customize sizes and heights as needed. Plans often include guidance on recommended cabinet dimensions.

Consider the heights of countertops and appliances when planning. Things like cabinet door and drawer front styles and sizes can also be customized as desired.

Preparing for Cabinet Construction

With your plans selected, shift your focus to preparing your workspace, acquiring tools/materials and understanding the building process.

Understanding Plans and Instructions

Carefully study all diagrams, written directions and notes in your cabinet plans. Understanding the proper build sequence before starting work prevents mistakes.

Be sure to read any special tips or advice the plans provide on cabinet construction. Ask clarification questions online if needed before proceeding.

Acquiring Tools and Materials

Build a complete list of required tools and materials based on your plans. You'll typically need:

• Saw horses and lumber to create a workspace
• Safety gear like glasses, ear protection and dust mask
• Hand tools - tape measure, hammer, levels, squares, clamps, etc.
• Power tools - circular saw, jig saw, drill, router, etc.
• Wood materials - plywood, boards, dowels, edge banding, etc.
• Hardware - hinges, pulls, shelf pins, fasteners, slides, etc.
• Finishing supplies - sandpaper, primer, paint/stain

Shop smart by buying tools and materials as you have budget. Reusing and recycling wood can also save money.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Make sure your workspace is dry, well ventilated and has ample lighting. Saw horses with plywood can create a makeshift workbench. extension cords and a portable light source provide flexibility.

Allow plenty of room for cutting, assembly, finishing and dry racks. A garage or large shed offers protection from the elements.

Power Tool and Woodworking Safety

Using power tools requires caution. Wear proper eye, ear and dust protection at all times. Read tool manuals and follow safety procedures.

Make sure your workspace is free of clutter and sawdust buildup. Secure unstable boards using clamps or vise grips before cutting or drilling.

Letting tools come to full speed before cutting, not forcing them during cuts, and unplugging when not in use prevents accidents.

Constructing the Cabinet Boxes

The cabinet box, also called a carcass, forms the core structure of the cabinet. Build boxes first before adding doors, drawers and shelves.

Cutting Pieces to Size

Use a circular saw and straightedge cutting guide to precisely cut panels and boards to length based on cut lists. Mark cut lines carefully and clamp boards for stability when cutting.

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Make test cuts in scrap wood first to calibrate blade depth.

Assembling Boxes with Pocket Holes

Pocket hole joinery using angled screw holes and plugs offers a quick, easy way to assemble cabinet boxes. Use a jig kit and drill bit to create pocket holes, then screw pieces together.

Use bar clamps to hold pieces flush and square. Check for square using a carpenter's square in multiple directions.

Installing Back Panels

Cut 1/4" plywood back panels to size based on opening dimensions. Slide into dado grooves or nail/screw onto back edges of the box once assembled.

rabbet back panel edges for a cleaner fit. Shim if needed to square the panel in the opening.

Attaching Corner Gussets

Glue and screw corner gussets cut from plywood at inside bottom corners. Gussets add strength and help square assembled boxes.

Predrill gusset holes to prevent splitting. Let glue fully cure before loading weight in finished cabinets.

Sanding Boxes Smooth

Fill any holes/gaps with wood filler. Once dry, use 120-150 grit sandpaper to sand boxes smooth. Thoroughly sand cut edges and trim laminate for best paint bonding.

Sand and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Boxes are now ready for finishing or installation of doors/drawers.

Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts

With boxes complete, doors and drawer fronts are next. Take time fitting these pieces for smooth, beautiful results.

Cutting to Size

Cut doors and drawer fronts slightly oversized at first. Use a power miter or table saw for crosscuts, and a circular saw with straightedge for ripping board lengths.

Label each piece as you cut for easy identification during final sizing. Save sawdust for filler.

Selecting Hardware

Choose hinges, pulls, slides and knobs/pulls that fit your style. Allow 1.5" minimum from cabinet edges for most hinge installations.

European style concealed hinges offer adjustments for fine-tuning fit. Side-mount drawer slides are simplest to install.