how to use stock cabinets for built ins

1. Make a Plan We started by measuring the space to see what size we wanted the built-ins to be. ...
2. Prep the Space Before you install your cabinets, you need to get your space ready. ...
3. Install the Base Cabinets Once your space is ready, you can install the base cabinets. ...
4. Base Trim Install the base trim. ...

More items...

Full Answer

Are there any tutorials for installing built-ins for stock cabinets?

And while there are a ton of tutorials for built-insusing stock cabinets, I found it difficult to find out how to install cabinets for the built-ins. Most directions simply direct you to install the cabinets.

Can I use in stock cabinets from the hardware store?

This means when you get an idea to add some storage, you can do it immediately with in stock cabinets from the hardware store. There's a little trick to it though! I have a go-to for almost all of the built ins and bookcases I've built over the years.

Why choose unfinished stock cabinets?

You can create a really custom look with unfinished stock cabinets as your base for the project. This means when you get an idea to add some storage, you can do it immediately with in stock cabinets from the hardware store.

What are the best tips for building lower built-in cabinets?

Here are some of his best tips for cutting labor and hassles, without sacrificing quality. Most lower built-in cabinets include a base or toe-kick that raises them off the floor. But Ken doesn’t build them that way. Instead, he builds a plywood platform that acts as the base for an entire row of cabinets.

How do you make cabinets look like built-in cabinets?

Take Proper Measurements. Use a measuring tape to determine what size built-in you need. ... Cut Plywood Top Surface. Referring to measurements, mark then cut plywood to size (Image 1). ... Sand Plywood and Paint. ... Secure Plywood Top to Kitchen Base Cabinets. ... Assemble Then Attach Bookcases. ... Attach Molding and Paint.

How do you build a built-in bookcase with cabinets?

0:476:23DIY Built In Shelves Library Cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is just a quick summary. And quick look this is the part where we build the shelving. And whatMoreThis is just a quick summary. And quick look this is the part where we build the shelving. And what we did was attached it to the back wall studs. And then we screwed them together as well.

How do you use stock cabinets?

1:378:09CREATIVE KITCHEN DESIGN | With Stock Cabinets Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use two cabinets to carry the weight of the countertop. And in the center of that have aMoreYou can use two cabinets to carry the weight of the countertop. And in the center of that have a space for your knees. This is a very creative. And useful trick that i've used in the past.

How can I make cheap built-ins?

0:061:58DIY Living Room Built-Ins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnline once they arrived we built the cabinets according to their instructions. Next we screwed woodMoreOnline once they arrived we built the cabinets according to their instructions. Next we screwed wood pieces into the studs. And then slid the base cabinets carefully into place and secured them.

Do built ins add value?

Built-ins can be an investment depending on how custom you want to go, and they're a permanent addition to your space. “Absolutely built-ins add value to a home. Buyers go wild over built-ins,” says Bynum.

How do you customize stock cabinets?

Tips Customizing Stock CabinetsMake it Look Bigger and Taller with Crown Molding. Installing crown moldings for your stock cabinets can make a difference. ... Choose Your Cabinet Style. ... Paint It Up. ... Add Organizers Inside Your Stock Cabinets.

How do you reinforce stock cabinets?

0:597:58How to: Reinforce Older Cabinets before installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOur long we'll pre-drill some holes. And screw into that one before all the way across the top andMoreOur long we'll pre-drill some holes. And screw into that one before all the way across the top and it down the side you know three and a half inches okay and then when we attach it to the wall.

Is it hard to install stock cabinets?

Learning how to install kitchen cabinets may seem intimidating, but the techniques are really quite simple. Think of it as screwing a series of boxes to the wall and to one another in the proper sequence. If your cabinet plan is correct, your main job is to find the best starting point and keep everything level.

How do you build a built in cabinet?

0:5110:20EASY Built-In Cabinets (How To For Beginners) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis project is absolutely beginner friendly we're not going to use advanced woodworking joinery orMoreThis project is absolutely beginner friendly we're not going to use advanced woodworking joinery or fancy tools or anything like that we're gonna build this with some plywood.

What do you use to build built ins?

1:236:54How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelving Unit | House One - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo get started on the built-ins i ripped three quarter inch plywood into 16 inch wide strips. AndMoreTo get started on the built-ins i ripped three quarter inch plywood into 16 inch wide strips. And then cut them to length to create the sides shelves and cabinet dividers.

Do It Yourself built-in bookshelves?

Take Measurements for Your Built-In Bookshelves. ... Choose Wood for Your Bookshelves. ... Cut the Support Frame, Side Panels and Shelves. ... Drill Holes Inside Each Panel. ... Paint Wood and Attach Side Panels and Top Shelf. ... Attach the Frame Support. ... Attach Bottom Shelf and Baseboard. ... Add Books and Decor.

How do you make a unit look built-in?

0:2711:05How to Build a Custom Built-In Using Stock Shelving | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a great idea now the idea of built-in bookcases is to make them look custom. So you want to tieMoreIt's a great idea now the idea of built-in bookcases is to make them look custom. So you want to tie in the baseboard for example right across the front and we'll take these bookcases.

What is center piece on built in cabinets?

The center piece is for added support. To make these look custom I wrap the bottom with baseboards and this base pulls them up off the ground so that's possible. You can read more about the steps for cabinet installation for built ins here. That post explains everything in more detail.

How deep are upper cabinets?

(Uppers are only 12 inches deep.)

Can you make a custom look with unfinished cabinets?

You can create a really custom look with unfinished stock cabinets as your base for the project. This means when you get an idea to add some storage, you can do it immediately with in stock cabinets from the hardware store. There's a little trick to it though!

Stock Cabinets for Built ins

Built ins are structures that are attached to the home, and that aren’t meant to leave the home if moving/selling.

Examples of using stock cabinets for built-ins

I have done a few custom built in projects in my home, and for 2 of them, using stock cabinets was integral to the design.

What are stock cabinets?

Stock cabinets are essentially pre-manufactured cabinets with doors. They come in industry-standard sizes and styled.

Where to buy stock cabinets?

There are 4 places that I shop around for when looking for cabinets for my designs.

How to attach wood blocks to cabinets?

I just pulled out a piece of scrap wood I had. Attach it just behind that edge lip. Put a little glue on it and then nail it to the side of the cabinet. You’ll attach your filler pieces of wood to these little wood pieces once your cabinets are installed.

How to attach a cabinet to a plywood base?

Cut your piece of 1″ x 4″ to the length of your cabinet run and attach it to the base just where the cabinet bottom ends and the plywood base begins . You can use a finish nailer or a hammer and finish nails for this.

What is the best thing to do when you complete an office makeover?

By far, one of the best things I did when I completed my office makeover was installing built in cabinets. They gave me loads more of hidden storage. I can just close the cabinet doors on all that clutter! These DIY built in cabinets were made using unfinished wall cabinets as base cabinets.

How big is a cabinet frame?

2″ x 4″s – Enough to span the length of the area you are installing your cabinets in to build a frame for your cabinets to sit on.

How many inches to add 2x4 support?

Add 2″ x 4″ supports every 16″ inches. You’ll want to drill a pilot hole first, then attach the pieces with your screws to keep from splitting the wood.

How to cover a gap in a cabinet?

To cover this, cut a piece of lattice strip wood to the length of your cabinet run and nail it on top of the 1″ x 4″ near the bottom to where it meets the floor.

How many coats of primer and paint for oak cabinets?

Because these were unfinished oak cabinets and I wanted the grain of the wood to show as little as possible, I did two coats of primer and three coats of paint.

What is a built in cabinet?

Traditional built-ins are cabinets set into the wall, so any off-the-shelve version can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind piece!

How much does it cost to build a pantry cabinet?

One DIY-er spent about $245 creating a small custom pantry cabinet, compared with the $3,000 quote she received from a custom builder.

How thick is plywood for a shelf?

1/2 – 3/4″ thick plywood for the upper shelving (we used about two sheets)

Do built in cabinets interfere with walkways?

Your new DIY built in cabinets should not interfere with your regular walkways and your family’s needs. Even for the sake of beautifying your space!

Can you reuse baseboards?

You can reuse the baseboard you took off in Step 2, reattaching it to the built-in as base trim, and using upper trim in the same way.

Can you build a bookcase on top of a cabinet?

If you are looking for a buffet-style look, you could source cheap DIY built-in bookshelves to sit atop the base cabinets so that most of your remaining work is installation and finishing.

Can you paint cabinets with enamel paint?

From there, you can paint or stain the cabinets. If you aren’t planning on using an enamel paint you’ll also have to use a protective coat .

How to make a base for a kitchen cabinet?

Cut 2×4’s to fit make a base for your cabinet. The bottom (and top) of the cabinets have a recessed area for the base, so your measurements will be based on those dimensions. For taller cabinets, use 2x6s.

How much space do I need to angle cabinets?

Give yourself about 1/2″ more than you need so that you can angle your cabinets in place. This tool allows you to make tiny cuts as well. I had to go back several times to remove another 1/4″ in order to move the cabinets in place.

What tool cuts nails in case of baseboard?

The oscillating multi-toolalso works to cut through nails in case your baseboard was installed before your flooring as well. Insert mad face.

How to attach wood pieces together?

Attach them together to form a rectangle. I usecorner clampsto square up and attached them with deck screws. Deck screwsare my favorite screws to use because they don’t slip and they bite into the wood to bring the pieces together.

What is the easiest way to make short lengths of molding?

Using a rubber mallet and a pry baris the easiest way for short lengths of molding.

Where does the baseboard go on a wall?

The baseboard goes at the bottom. If your wall baseboard is installed lower than the flooring like mine is, don’t worry about matching them up. I used one that would cover the 2×4 base instead. Paint it before you install it. I chose to paint mine the same color as my cabinet and wall to make the piece blend in more since the room is small. Use a nail gun to attach it.

Do stock cabinets come in the exact dimensions of walls?

There’s a gap on one side of the cabinet that will be filled in another step. Stock cabinetry does not come in the exact dimensions of your walls, so you have to get creative.

What are the advantages of built in cabinets?

First, built-in cabinet construction is simpler. The cabinets are just boxes; no extended sides to form a base, no toe-kick cutouts. Second, installation is faster. Leveling one platform is a lot easier than positioning each cabinet individually. Ken sets the box 1/4 in. from walls to allow for wavy or out-of-plumb walls.

How to hide the back of a cabinet box?

When the side of a cabinet box will be exposed, you have to hide the cabinet back’s edge somehow. The usual method is to rabbet the side and recess the back. But Ken gets a richer look with less hassle. He simply glues and nails the back to the cabinet box and hides the exposed plywood with a frame and panel for a classic look. And since the cover panel is a separate part, it’s easy to scribe it to the wall before fastening it to the cabinet.

Does Ken build cabinets?

But Ken doesn’t build them that way. Instead, he builds a plywood platform that acts as the base for an entire row of cabinets. The platform can be under- sized to allow for a toe space or full size for a more traditional look (as shown here). This approach has a couple of major advantages.

Can you use prefinished plywood for cabinet boxes?

With its tough, flawless clearcoat, prefinished plywood eliminates finishing hassles. But Ken uses it only for “no-show” parts like cabinet boxes and shelves. Finishing other parts to match the color and sheen of the factory-finished plywood is just too difficult. Finding prefinished plywood can be difficult. Your best bet is a lumberyard that caters to cabinetmakers.