Consider Your Options Before You Start to Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinets

By Leslie A.M.
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

Are you so adventurous you would build your own kitchen cabinets? Maybe it's not adventure, maybe you are just one great carpenter. The operative words are "great carpenter." You need to at least consider yourself at the intermediate level to succeed.

Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinets: Take Inventory

Plan out exactly what you want to accomplish before you start to build your own kitchen cabinets. Cabinetry may look like a series of simple boxes, but don't minimize the project. Along with the cabinet boxes are drawers to be built and lots of hardware to install. Hinges, drawer slides, pulls and handles are the basics.

Do you want the cabinet doors to have a raised panel? Then make sure your router is in good working order. Do you have a miter saw for mitered edges?

Depending on your expertise, consider the wood you choose wisely. Oak kitchen cabinets are the most common, but the hardness of the wood that makes oak so durable is also what makes oak very difficult for an amateur woodworker. Pine might be a better choice, but might not supply the look you want. Pine is great if you are going to paint.

Other Options: How to Install Kitchen Cabinets

If you want to save some money but do not have the skills, tools or time needed to build your own kitchen cabinets, then consider modular or ready-made cabinets. Most cabinets come in standard sizes and are as easy to assemble as a bookshelf kit. A screwdriver, drill, tape measure and a level are your basic tools to put together most cabinets.

Hybrids are always welcome! You might consider building the frames yourself and buying replacement kitchen cabinet doors.

About The Author

Leslie A.M. Smith is a freelance writer and desperately needs a new kitchen. Until she can afford it, she has her eye on refacing her cabinets.