It is no secret that corner spaces often go to waste, especially when cabinets are created. Fortunately, you can construct a corner storage unit to avoid this unnecessary wastage.
While you can do it yourself, it would be a lie if we say it is easy. Building a corner cabinet is complex, and not knowing what to do complicates it further. But don’t worry; this article will help prevent such cases since it leaves no stone regarding this DIY project unturned. So, if you want to construct a corner cabinet, keep reading.
1. Needed Tools
Ensure you have the following tools;
- Circular saw or table saw
- Clamps: Right angle clamp and face clamps
- Drill
- Guide track
- Impact driver (optional)
- Miter saw
- Pocket hole jig
- Shelf pin jig (optional)
- Squares
- Tape measure
2. Elevate Your Space: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Personalizing Corner Cabinets
Materials fall under two major categories – wood products and other materials classified as hardware and supplies. Here’s a summary of the materials you need.
2.1. Wood Products
The wood products are;
- 1 Hardwood with specifications of 4/4 and 27bf
- 1 Plywood Sheet measuring 4 feet by 8 feet by ¼ feet
- 4 Plywood Sheets measuring 4 feet by 8 feet by ½ feet each
Balance Style with High-Quality Materials
In tackling the construction of a corner cabinet, choosing the right wood products and hardware is crucial for both durability and visual appeal.
From my experience co-owning Bonsai Builders, a leading construction company in Massachusetts, I’ve learned that durability doesn’t have to compromise style.
For example, when it comes to wood, hardwoods like oak or maple are excellent choices for cabinets due to their toughness and long-lasting nature. These woods stand up well to frequent use and can bear the weight of heavy countertops or stored items without warping.
For hardware, I cannot overstate the importance of investing in high-quality hinges and drawer slides. We once worked on a remodel project in Central Massachusetts, where we selected soft-close hinges from brands like Blum or Hafele.
his choice significantly enhanced the user experience, minimizing noise and wear on the cabinet doors.
Additionally, for drawer slides, opting for full-extension ball-bearing options makes for an excellent choice, as they allow easy access to the cabinet’s full depth, effectively combining functionality with sleek design.
During a kitchen remodel detailed on our blog, we highlighted a project where we incorporated eco-friendly materials. This showcased how sustainable choices, like reclaimed wood for a visually appealing rustic look, could be used in crafting unique corner cabinets.
This not only heightened the overall design aesthetic but also resonated well with homeowners seeking environmentally conscious construction options.
Choosing the right materials and hardware for a corner cabinet is about balancing visual appeal, durability, and, if desired, sustainability to ensure the final product meets both aesthetic and functional needs effectively.
Kristin Hintlian, Owner, Bonsai Builders
2.2. Hardware and Supplies
As for the hardware and supplies, you need the following things;
- 1 Qt, Finish
- 1 Set of Accuride Eclipse Drawer Slides, 14″
- 100 Pocket Hole Screws measuring ¾ inch
- 24 Glass Retainer Clips
- 25 Brad Nails measuring 1½ inch
- 50 Pocket Hole Screws measuring 1¼ inch
- 8 Euro Style Soft Close Hinges
- Wood Glue
Once you gather all that, you are ready to construct a corner cabinet.
Opt for Strong Hardwoods and Quality Hardware
When it comes to building a corner cabinet, one of the most important factors to consider is durability. After all, you want your cabinet to last for many years without any major wear or damage.
Therefore, when selecting wood products and hardware, it is crucial to choose materials that are known for their strength and longevity. Hardwoods such as oak, cherry, and maple are popular choices for their durability.
Additionally, make sure to opt for high-quality hardware that can withstand frequent use and weight. Stainless steel or brass hardware are excellent options that offer both durability and visual appeal.
By choosing durable materials for your corner cabinet, you can ensure it will remain sturdy and functional for many years to come.
Pavel Khaykin, Founder & CEO, Pavel Buys Houses
3. A Step-By-Step Guide to Construct a Corner Cabinet
3.1. Breaking Down the Plywood
The first step involves breaking down the plywood sheets. Use the ACS and the table saw to get this job done.
3.2. Drilling the Pocket Holes
How you drill the pocket holes depends on your plan to build your corner cabinet. Use the pocket hole screws to drill them accordingly.
3.3. Assembling the Carcasses
Proceed to this step after you have drilled all the necessary pocket holes. Assembling the carcasses is appropriate for both the base and the wall cabinets.
3.4. Cutting the Face Frames
When dealing with the face frames, grab your hardwood boards. Cut them to their right lengths using a miter saw.
3.5. Mill Boarding the Face Frames
Make the face frames flat by running them through the mill. Remember to start at the jointer for excellent results. Lastly, take the boards to the planer for the ideal thickness, in this case ¾ inches.
3.6. Cutting the Boards
Flatten one of the edges of every board using the jointer. Use the table saw to cut these boards to their appropriate widths. Then, cut the stiles and rails to their respective lengths using a miter saw.
Custom Corner Cabinets: Elevating Your Space
Personalizing corner cabinets to match existing cabinetry or furniture is not just about aesthetic appeal; it’s a testament to thoughtful design and harmonious living space.
This customization ensures that every element in a room feels intentional and cohesive, which is essential for creating environments that are both beautiful and functional.
The right blend of color schemes, materials, and design elements can transform a corner cabinet from a mere storage solution to a statement piece that complements and elevates the space.
In practice, integrating corner cabinets with the existing setup involves more than just matching styles or colors. It’s about understanding the room’s dynamic and how each piece contributes to the overall ambiance.
For instance, a well-designed corner cabinet can enhance the room’s flow, making it feel more spacious and organized. Moreover, this approach underscores a homeowner’s attention to detail and their commitment to a polished and personalized interior.
Our projects at Best In Hood have consistently demonstrated that when corner cabinets echo the design language of their surroundings, they not only improve functionality but also add value to the home.
This alignment between new additions and existing elements is pivotal for achieving a cohesive look that resonates with both homeowners and visitors alike.
Brad Smith, Lead Interior Designer, Best In Hood
3.7. Drilling More Pocket Holes
These holes are for the pair of dividers and the rails. Use the one ¼ inch pocket hole screws for the job.
3.8. Assembling the Face Frames
After drilling all the necessary holes, assemble the face frames for every cabinet according to the plan.
3.9. Cutting Back the Side Face Frames
How you cut the sides depends on the style you are looking for. If you want your cabinets to be triangular, cut the side face frames back at an angle of 45 degrees. Use a table saw or ACS.
3.10. Attaching the Drawer Fronts
Use ¾ inches screws to attach the drawer box and drawer front. Once connected, proceed to paint your corner cabinets.
3.11. Attaching the Face Frames
You can use typical screws or micro pocket hole screws, depending on the dimensions of your plywood. The latter is suitable for a ½ inch plywood.
3.12. Adding the Support Piece to the Drawer Slide
The support piece dictates where you will mount the under-mount drawer slides. So, attach it inside the face frame and the cabinet sides.
3.13. Cutting the Drawer Boxes
Cut the appropriate sizes for every component of the drawer box. Remember to drill all the corresponding drill pockets, too.
3.14. Assembling the Drawer Boxes
The back side of the drawer box requires brad nails and glue to assemble. On the other hand, its front side only needs several pocket holes.
Versatile Corner Cabinets: From Accent to Function
Corner cabinets can be used and designed in completely different ways depending on your design goals. Personally, I love corner cabinets that work as accent pieces in a room – they are a different color than the walls and the rest of the furniture, and/or they contain unique items on display.
But, you can also have these cabinets blend in and serve a more functional purpose by matching them to the wall color and using the storage space for necessary storage.
Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy
3.15. Adjusting the Drill Slides
If you want the drawer slides to function well, use an angle grinder to eliminate unnecessary material from each drawer slide.
3.16. Placing the Drawer Slide
Once ready, install the drawer slide perpendicularly to the face frame. A square will increase accuracy for great results. Ensure that the drawer closes and opens smoothly before going to the next step.
3.17. Mill the Drawer Doors and Front
Run the boards for milling before gluing the panels for the drawer front and doors.
3.18. Milling the Stiles and Rails
Proceed to the router table and mill the stiles and rails. Groove and
3.19. Plane the Panels
It ensures the planes have the right thickness. It involves milling down the raised panels to a thickness of 5/8 inch. Run the panel through a router table, too.
3.20. Assembling the Doors
Once the door parts are ready, assemble them appropriately. As you glue these parts together, be careful by applying the glue strictly on the tongues of the rails’ ends.
3.21. Rout Profiling on Drawers and Doors
Cut profiles around the doors and drawer fronts’ perimeters. The router table will facilitate that, but don’t add profiles until the glue on the door cures.
3.22. Attaching the Drawer Fronts
Screw the drawer box and the drawer fronts together before painting the corner cabinets.
3.23. Painting and Attaching Glass Panels
If your cabinets will have glasses, this is the right time to attach the panels. However, it is advisable to paint the cabinets before attaching the glass panels. Use glass retainer clips to hold the glass panels in place.
3.24. Securing Your Corner Cabinets to the Walls
The height and the stud spacing of your corner cabinet determine the screws you need to secure it to the wall. The 2 ½ inches pocket hole screws will do the trick. You may need around 6 to 8 screws to secure a cabinet firmly.
Design Harmony: Tips for Choosing Corner Cabinets That Complement Your Space
My first advice is always to ensure that the corner cabinet complements the overall design aesthetic of the room. For example, if your space has a modern and minimalist style, [opt for] sleek and simple corner cabinets.
I also recommend matching the finish of the corner cabinet with the existing cabinetry or furniture in the room. This creates a cohesive look and prevents the corner cabinet from standing out in a jarring way.
You can also tailor the design of the corner cabinet to fit the specific style of the room. [For] better results, you can incorporate unique details such as molding, hardware, or decorative elements that align with the overall design theme.
My other recommendation is open shelving or glass doors because they can make a corner cabinet feel less bulky and visually open.
This is particularly effective in smaller spaces or in rooms where you want to showcase items like decorative pieces or dishware.
Raf Michalowski, an Interior Designer and the Founder, Meble Furniture
Final Words
If you’re considering crafting a corner cabinet, this guide will ensure you get it right. That’s interesting, given how difficult it is to create these types of cabinets. Ensure you follow each step to avoid poor results or getting stuck and struggling to complete your DIY project.
Getting the suitable materials and tools is equally important. Don’t overlook the quality of the tools and supplies, either. After all, it determines the durability and aesthetics of your corner cabinets.
There are various types of corner cabinets. Choose one before you create a custom corner cabinet and stick to it. Otherwise, you may not like what you build eventually.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar