How to Build a Small Wooden Cabinet

Draw your small wooden cabinet to determine the shape and dimensions. Use a measuring tape for reference when deciding the width, depth and height of the cabinet and include the measurements where you intend to install the cabinet shelves.

Cut four sheets of 1/2-inch pine using a jigsaw to form the top, bottom and sides of your cabinet frame. Cut the top and bottom panels using the width and depth measurements for your cabinet, and the depth and height measurements to cut the side panels.

Construct a rectangular frame using the top, bottom and side panels. Lay the piece of pine upright on the longest narrow edges, placing the panels of equal size opposite each other. Align the edges and bring together the panels at the corners. Secure them in place by driving nails from a nail gun through the top and bottom panels into the side panels.

Cut an additional sheet of 1/2-inch pine using the width and height measurements for your cabinet to serve as your back panel. Lay the back panel flat on top of the frame you just constructed. Secure it in place by driving nails through the back panel into the top, bottom and side panels.

Flip the cabinet frame over so the open side faces upward. Measure and mark the intended position for your shelves inside the cabinet.

Use the jigsaw to cut additional sheets of 1/2-inch pine for the shelves. Use the width and depth dimensions of the cabinet for each shelf. Slide the shelves into place between the side panels where you made the marks. Secure them in place by driving nails through the back and side panels into the shelves.

Frame the front of the cabinet using decorative wood trim. Use the jigsaw to cut two pieces of trim to the width of the cabinet and two pieces to the height of the cabinet, minus twice the width of the trim. Lay the pieces of trim flat against the front of the cabinet. Sandwich the vertical pieces between the horizontal pieces and align the outer edges with the frame. Nail them in place.

Measure the opening in the front of the cabinet inside the trim frame. Cut a sheet of 1/2-inch pine to these dimensions to serve as a cabinet door.

Slide the door into the opening. Secure it in place by attaching two metal hinges to the back side of the door and the inside of the cabinet frame. Position the hinges about 1 inch from the top and bottom corners of the door. Screw a metal or wooden knob into the cabinet door.

Paint or stain the wooden cabinet according to your preference. Once the paint or stain has dried completely, apply a coat of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the surface of the cabinet. Place your cabinet in the desired position in your home once the clear coat has dried.