DIY Cabinets: When Enclosed Storage Is Worth the Extra Work

Cabinets can make storage cleaner and more tailored, but doors, drawers and square cases demand more precision than open shelving.

Start with the cabinet',s job

Decide whether you need shelves, drawers, doors or a combination. Each moving part adds hardware, fitting and adjustment.

Freestanding or built-in

Freestanding cabinets can be built square in the shop. Built-ins often require scribing, fillers and trim to fit walls that are not perfectly straight.

Sheet goods and edge treatment

Plywood is common for cabinet cases, but visible edges may need banding, face frames or trim depending on the design.

Before choosing plans

Read how to inspect drawings and cut lists, then compare plan sources.