How to Build a Cabinet Base in 5 Steps

Get back to basics with this easy, DIY woodworking project

Woman and daughter in kitchen
Photo: DigitalVision / Getty Images
Woman and daughter in kitchen
Photo: DigitalVision / Getty Images
Becca Lewis
Written by Becca Lewis
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 22, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
4 hours
COST
$50–$100
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Measuring tape
  • Drill
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Table saw
  • Electric wood saw (optional)
SUPPLIES
  • Wood glue
  • Plywood panels
  • Bay supports (4 for each cabinet)
  • Wood or pocket hole screws
  • Adjustable shelf pin holes (optional)

If your home is short on storage, consider learning how to build a cabinet base from scratch. With the help of a template and a little guidance, this is a DIY project that even novice woodworkers can finish in a weekend (or less).

This guide will walk you through the various steps of building a cabinet base that will stand the test of time in any space. From the tools and materials to the cuts you’ll need to make, here’s everything you need to know to DIY a cabinet base—perfect for when you need more kitchen cabinet storage or enough space in your bathroom for two.

Prepping to Build a Cabinet Base

There are a few important factors to consider before building a cabinet base. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to plan out in advance.

Find the Best Materials and Make the Right Cuts

You can use just about any material to build a cabinet base, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you search for wood materials.

  • Density: Accommodate thicker wood with longer screws and thinner wood with shorter screws.

  • Measurements: Wood thickness factors into your overall measurements. For example, you’ll need a shorter amount of thicker wood to fit neatly into the dimensions of your space, and vice versa for thinner wood.

  • Precise cuts: Wood panels need to be precisely cut to function properly for a cabinet base. Some professional woodworkers recommend cutting as you go to ensure that everything fits properly, but this may be difficult to do without the necessary tools like an electric or miter saw. Ask a hardware or home improvement store professional to use their machinery to ensure your lines are cleanly cut.

Take Measurements

Proper measurements are essential to the success of a DIY cabinet upgrade. The standard sizes for base cabinets are 34 ½-inches high for a 36-inch high cabinet with a 1½-inch countertop. The standard cabinet depth is 24 inches, and the length is entirely up to you.

In general, you should factor in some room for error by making your cabinet measurements roughly ½ inch narrower than they actually are. This measurement will ensure that they aren’t bumping up too closely against any walls or nearby cabinet doors.

  1. Make the Necessary Cuts for Your Cabinet Carcass

    In addition to cutting plywood panels to the correct length, height, and depth, you need to make several other cuts to specific parts. Toe kicks are a recessed part of a cabinet frame that allows space for your toes when you’re cooking or brushing your teeth. Get this effect by using a table saw to cut toe kicks out of the bottom part of the side panels.

    Calculate your measurements and use a pencil to sketch them onto plywood planks before making any cuts—these can be as high or low as you like—and remember to factor it into your overall height measurements when building a cabinet. For example, a taller toe kick will require baseboards to be higher up.

  2. Build Cabinet Face Frame

    Now that you’ve made all your cuts, it’s time to start assembling the cabinet face frame.

    1. Start by drilling one to two pocket holes into the ends of each piece of plywood with a pocket hole jig and drill.

    2. Then, attach each piece with wood glue and allow it to dry.

    3. Attach each piece with pocket drills and repeat until the entire frame is complete.

  3. Build the Cabinet Base

    Building a cabinet base is not unlike building a face frame.

    1. Drill roughly three to four pocket holes into the ends of each panel of plywood.

    2. Attach the panels with wood glue and secure them with pocket drills when they’re stable.

  4. Attach Sides, Supports, and Face Frame to Base

    Once all the separate pieces are ready, you can start assembling.

    1. Drill additional pocket holes into the outer ends of the side panels.

    2. Attach panels to the base with wood glue and let it set before securing with pocket drills.

    3. Then, add a minimum of four bay supports to each cabinet structure.

    4. Drill the ends with pocket holes and attach them to the base with pocket screws.

    5. When the supports are secure, connect the face frame with pocket holes, and your cabinet base is complete.

  5. Finish by Adding Shelves, Doors, or Drawers

    Man installing cabinet drawer
    Photo: LoloStock / Adobe Stock

    Once you’ve built the carcass, the possibilities for additions are endless. You can add shelves and decor or create the perfect covert storage with stylish drawers or pull-out shelves. Installing sliding units like drawers will require additional materials and cuts, like hinges, sliding mechanisms, and inlets in the wood for all the machinery to fit into, so keep that in mind as you decide what’s right for you.

DIY Building Cabinet Base vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a few cabinets on your own is a relatively easy DIY project. Plus, you only need to pay for materials and tools (plus occasional help from the hardware store) when you do it yourself.

However, in certain circumstances when you’re remodeling a whole kitchen or have a unique floorplan, you may want to request assistance from a professional cabinet maker in your area. Hiring a pro to build custom cabinets range in price from $2,400 to $9,000. If you only need to build and install a new cabinet base, your cabinet making pro will likely charge an hourly rate for their time or a flat project fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solid wood is the most common material for cabinet bases. It’s a popular choice because it’s durable and will hold up over time. Oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and pine are all types of solid wood that can be used to build cabinet bases. Other options include plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and other types of manufactured lumber, but they need to be sealed properly to avoid swelling, separating, and delamination from moisture.

If you’re brave enough to tackle building your own cabinet bases, you’re brave enough to install them yourself. You’ll need a stud finder to get you started, but the installation will be a breeze if you’ve already done all the hard work to build the cabinet bases yourself. If you’re hanging upper cabinets, you’ll need a helper, though, to balance the weight of the cabinets and make the process easier.

Using a shim or another type of self-leveling feet on the bottom edge of your cabinet bases will help to level them out if you’re installing them on a less-than-level surface. To make this process easier, you can add your shims before attaching the bases to your cabinets while they’re still light and easy to move around.

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Learn more about our contributor
Becca Lewis
Written by Becca Lewis
Contributing Writer
Becca Lewis is a content writer specializing in DIY, woodworking, and the outdoors. Her passion is giving people the inspiration and information they need to confidently tackle home projects. Her work can also be found on Lifehacker where she writes about methods to make all your home improvement projects simpler, cheaper, and more fun.

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