How to Make a Wall Cabinet for Kids

Measure the ideal dimensions of your child's wall cabinet. Cabinets can be built as large or as small as you desire. Use the available wall space in your child's room as well as the size of his toys to influence your decision regarding the dimensions of the cabinet.

Draw out a basic sketch of your wall cabinet on a sheet of paper and write in the measurements you determined. This will help you when it comes time to cut the pieces with which you will construct your cabinet.

Use a jigsaw to cut two identical pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to the height and depth measurement of your wall cabinet. These pieces of wood will serve as the side panels. Cut two more identical pieces of 3/4-inch plywood using the length and depth measurements to use for the top and bottom panels.

Set the two side panels upright opposite each other on their longest sides and apply a bead of wood glue along both the top and bottom edges. Position the top and bottom panels across the space between the side panels, aligning the edges and pressing them into the glue. Secure the cabinet frame by driving nails from a nail gun through the top and bottom panels into the side panels every few inches.

Cut additional pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to serve as dividers inside your cabinet if you desire multiple rows, or shelves, for storage. Measure and mark the position of each shelf on the side panels in pencil.

Use the jigsaw to cut a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood to the length and height dimensions of the cabinet frame and lay it flat over top of the frame, aligning the edges. Secure the back panel of the cabinet in place by driving nails from the nail gun through the back panel into the top, bottom and sides of the cabinet frame.

Slide the dividers into the cabinet frame where you marked the side panels and secure them in place by driving nails from the nail gun through the side and back panels into the thickness of the shelves.

Construct a door for the outside of the cabinet, if you desire, by cutting a second piece of 1/2-inch plywood using the length and height dimensions of the cabinet. Attach the door to the front of the cabinet by screwing two metal hinges inside one of the side panels and to the underside along the corresponding edge of the cabinet door. Position the hinges about 2 inches from the top and bottom of the cabinet.

Paint the wall cabinet according to your preference using interior-grade latex paint. Use a bright color of paint and you may also use acrylic craft paint to create some stenciled designs on the door of the cabinet. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Mount the cabinet on the wall. Have someone hold the cabinet in place with the back panel flat against the wall and the cabinet door open. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Drive 2-inch wood screws through the back panel into the studs to secure the cabinet in place.