Adjust the height of the blade to cut just over 1/4-inch deep. They would not be my first choice for a room that was being used more often (like a kitchen). Sign up for our newsletter! The only thing I would change at this point with the process for redoing my cabinets, would be the primer I used.
Drill pocket holes set for 3/4" thick material (the thickness of the 1x3 board) in both ends of the rail boards. We used your directions as a guide and couldnt be happier with our results! The wood is starting to bleed through the cabinets that are painted white. And your kitchen is the last place you want to hang out when family and friends come over. Would love to know the color you used for the bottom. Use a miter gauge to steady the wood when you cut it. Use the miter gauge that came with your table saw. Finally! Hi, that is a great question. We recently purchased a 1950s homeowner built home in the country with kitchen cabinets that were handmade by the Amish here in PA. And now I am going to give it a try because I am tired of wood bleeding through the primer. But if you add 3 coats primer, 3 coats paint and 3 coats polycrylic, you are looking at at least 9 days of just painting and I would suggest letting the paint sit for a couple of days before adding the polycrylic. I have had no issue with the MDF, which surprised me but makes me really happy. You saved so much money and saved your wood cabinets that are great quality! Follow along as I share all the details to help you update those old cabinets too. To finish off my cabinet doors, I painted them Classy Plum by Behr to match the laundry basket storage shelves. So the choice is up to you and the look you want! I cant say enough good about it. Start by drawing a center line on the end of one of your test pieces. To build our DIY shaker cabinet doors, I used some of my favorite beginner woodworking tools: This may seem like a lot, but if you want to get into woodworking, these would be the tools I would recommend starting with. This is not the most high-end router table, but with some strong clamps holding everything in place, it has served me well for the last year (hopefully this year a router table will be in my budget). I explained to him what I was doing and asked what his thoughts were. TIP: Remember to use the correct MDF strip (3 for the doors or 2 for the drawers). I have been wanting to try the Annie Sloan Paint so I cannot wait to see how it turned out!
I would suggest if you use a hammer that you use a pin punch, this will help to make sure the nails are slightly indented into the wood so you can fill the hole with wood filler. Hope this answers your questions but let me know if you have more. Make sure the rail is even with the end of the stile.
Place the MDF trim piece onto the cabinet door, making sure everything is flush. Are you still happy with how the mdf is holding up? TIP: Cut next to the line to make sure there will always be enough trim on the door (the extra will be sanded down). Apply glue to the groove, tenons and shoulders of the second rail. I removed mine and it updates the kitchen immediately.
For the panel, look for 1/4-inch plywood that lies flat. Theyll cut it in half but balk at doing any more cuts. And I share all my tips for how to build a woodshop on a budget so you can get started without breaking the bank. TIP: Do one door at a time. Make sure you avoid the groove when placing the nail by nailing 3/4 to an 1 away from the edge or you will have a nail sticking through both sides. Slide the rail into place, again making sure its even with the end of the stile. We are loving the new look of our kitchen and I am loving the price.
Yes we did replace the hinges, I would suggest trying to find a hing as close to the old type (how it wraps around the door). Ready to do this in my butlers pantry. Make sure the grooves line up and the top and bottom are flush. This post is all about installing trim to cabinet doors so be sure to visit my post about how to paint kitchen cabinets with a paint sprayer or use Young House Loves tutorial on how to paint kitchen cabinets. :). Router the groove the entire length of the rails. But how do you know if a board is straight? LOVE the results of this!! I would suggest using a better paint than I did but the one I used is still holding up well. What do you think of our cheap DIY shaker style cabinet doors? HI. You would have to do some prep work to the plywood before you could use it to make cabinet doors. If you want to avoid painting the cabinet doors, choose a different material. At this point, the MDF is cut, and the doors and drawer fronts are removed, cleaned and sanded. Cindy. Now, its time to fill in all the holes and gaps with wood filler (or spackling paste). 
Overtime costs may change, but that is for the reader to figure out. TIP: Keep in mind that some cabinets have an inset of 3/8 (routered edge or groove around the door to inset into the cabinet). Flip the board end for end and make a second cut to widen the groove. how much were the new pulls? Cut the 1x3 boards according to the sizes you need with the following formula. They look great!! See the picture below for the before and after sanding. We recommend our users to update the browser. Learn how to measure for new cabinet doors and understanding hinges here. I truly do not know the best paint and primer to use for cupboards because this is my first time painting cabinets. Make a list of the parts of your DIY shaker cabinet doors before you begin. Home House & Components Fixtures Cabinets. Not sure that they will hold up well to the abuse from a young family. I find no comparison. Ive been considering the same thing but Im worried about the cabinets, especially those around the sink! Cut a fresh slot in the fence, then measure from the slot to the block to set up each cut. Also, it will prevent the groove from being seen when the door is assembled. Yes, these are the same old kitchen cabinets! Take the MDF trim pieces off the cabinet door and place them right next to the side they will be installed on, putting them front side down. Is packed full of tips and breaks down what you need to know when you buy your next power tool. This will remove dust to help the liquid nails or wood glue adhere. Can you clarify? This is a great way to use up leftover lumber. Clamp and secure with 2 pocket holes screws. Their sad, rusted knobs and badly-scratched surfaces beg for your attention. For added style, use beadboard. Then you can run the wood over the bit. Now I just need to find the perfect antique brass cabinet pulls to match. You can print the material list and instructions below. Euro, or cup hinges, are the easiest, most forgiving means of hanging your new cabinet doors. You can finally cross another item off your home improvement list! Also, make sure to fill in any imperfections with spackling paste (wood grain) or wood filler. Best of luck to you!!! Hope this helps you and please let me know if you have any other questions. I just redid my bathroom vanity and used Sherwin Williams Alkyd paint. The process does take longer then this because of dry times but overall assembly time is this. Now you have transformed a part of your kitchen with a simple, updated design. Youll find this material at most home centers and lumberyards. Remove all cabinet doors, clean, and lightly sand. If you get the same measurement then you are square, if not, you can adjust to square with a large clamp and then let the glue dry before releasing. Your directions are clear and easy to follow. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. If youve been following along, you know last month I updated our awful basement laundry room for only $100 as part of the $100 Room Challenge. Great job and thanks for the idea. I think if you only did some doors it would look funny. The first step is to prep the MDF strips. Saw a groove as shown in the photo below. To make sure the groove was at the correct spacing on each board, I double checked the front before routering.
Measure 2 in from the top and bottom of the stiles. Be picky when you choose your wood.
Join us as we share everything we learn, while hoping to inspire you to tackle your own DIYs and creating your dream home on a budget too! Apply a white sealant around the inside of the door were the trim meets the cabinet door. Check the grooves depth and adjust your blade up or down if necessary. Thanks!!! For the rails & stiles select straight 1x3 boards. Signup for TwoFeetFirst's newsletter to recieve emails packed full of DIY home ideas and inspiration. I would wonder about having the back be MDF too, have you priced out the option of a cabinet grade 1/2 plywood to give it more strength? Also, poplar and knotty alder are soft enough to be easy to work with for a beginner woodworker. I have never used a router and need guidance. Hi Cindy! Plus, youll have a hard time making the new ripped edge smooth, square and crisp, which youll need for tight joints. I love this tutorial! See the white around the inside panel on this door? Hi Hannah, I used my paint sprayer for the finally paint job. All together I would plan on 3 weeks to a month, to give you enough time for everything but you could have it done faster! Once the pieces fit perfectly, wipe everything with a dry cloth, and attach the trim pieces the same way as the side pieces (liquid nails & finishing nails). Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Hi, I'm Kati! They add a little style to the laundry room. 1/4 MDF, plywood, or beadboard for the inside panel, Cut 2 stiles the height of the cabinet doors. On my table I move the wood from the right to the left. Thanks! Home > Blog > Woodworking Plans > How to Build Cabinet Doors Cheap. MDF center panels are great for cabinet doors that will be painted since they are super smooth and accept paint well. If you are still not sure if you should use MDF on your cabinet doors, see my post on how the kitchen cabinets are one year later, or better yet visit my post about would I paint my kitchen cabinets again, which was after four years. Rip the panel with the good side up to avoid scratches and chips. The most important part of building your own cabinet doors is to make sure you are working with straight lumber. Adjust the MDF to be flush with one of the longer sides of the cabinet door. Attach the second stile to open ends of the rails with wood glue and pocket hole screws. To attach the other side of the cabinet door, add wood glue to the groove and a little on the ends where you will connect it to the rails. If you can source your materials at a better price, awesome! A couple questions: It looks like you replaced the hinges as well, from the before and after photo. Wow. What is the best paint and primer to use for cupboard doors? Move along the same side and place more nails, making sure everything is flush as you go. Neither did I want to spend the money or time to build new ones. I already have shaker doors. TIP: Remember, its better to have this cut bigger. Also, a paint sprayer will be your best friend for this project. TIP: Make sure all your trim edges and sides are level with the cabinet door to make sure you have no trouble with your doors closing when they are reassembled to the cabinets. Best of luck and I would love to see the finished project! Also, mark which side is top or bottom to know where they will go after cutting. Hi Alexiss, that was my worry too but it has been three years and I have had NO issues. Your kitchen is coming along great. But this update solves my plain cabinet problem. Have you wanted to update your old cabinets, but dont have lots of money? White wood or common board are cheap alternatives that tend to be straighter. Now slide your panel into the grooves. Your goal is to have this piece fit perfectly with a minimal gap. I apply caulk because I do not want a gap.
Hello. Will I get the same results just using a hammer? Our own kitchen cabinets were outdated, but I could not bring myself to rip out these solid wood cabinets. You do not need to apply caulk but it depends on the look you want.
Here are the supplies you will need: Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links or referral links for your convenience. The solution to my cabinet problem. You can even use spackling paste. Dribble glue in the grooves of all four sides of the frame. ), fill in all the nail holes and the sides of the cabinet doors where the trim meets against the door, and also where the trim pieces meet on the front of the door. Narrower boards ripped from wider ones have a good chance of warping, a problem you wont be able to fix. Thanks Susan!! Hi Andrew! Sorry this can be hard to explain but in another post, I created drawer fronts using this method and I have better pictures to showing this: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/build-shaker-style-drawer-front/. Sight down each piece to make sure its flat and straight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The cabinets are thicker then most cabinets but I do not notice a difference because all the cabinet doors are the same. Im new to this kind of DIY and am notorious for under-estimating project effort. Determine the size of the cabinet doors you need, I go into detail on how to measure for cabinet doors here. If the trim piece is too big, cut a little bit more from the MDF. Hi Amanda! A step-by-step tutorial on how to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them by adding MDF trim to the door to create a DIY shaker style cabinet. It is a way for this site to earn advertising commissions by advertising or linking to certain products and/or services, click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also use a square to give you a more exact fit. From how I understand it the router would go down into the hole and I push the wood through and it makes the cut. How has the MDF stood up against water? 2022 TwoFeetFirst - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them | DIY Shaker Cabinet Doors. Although I used other tutorials as my inspiration to start my project, something worried me the other tutorials were working with 1/4 plywood. I am gong to do this to my sons house for him.
Apply glue to the remaining stile and nudge it into place. Attach a straight 24-inch-long hardwood 1x3 for more accuracy and to avoid splintering out the end of the cut. Thanks!! Or would that make the door too heavy over time? As for Home Depot, I know every store is different but they should be able to cut the wood. For the rails, you will add the groove the entire length of the board. I like the decorative antique brass exposed hinges. Hope this helps!! Do this for both long sides of the door, placing an H on the MDF strip that will be on the handle side. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Clamp the door as shown in the photo below. Because I was working with face frame cabinets and didnt have budget for fancy hidden hinges, I used these basic self closing hinges. Twisted or warped boards will cause you to have twisted or warped cabinet doors. Thanks for sharing!! The most important thing, is to make sure the wood you used is super straight! Im in the same position I have wonderfully solid cabinets that just need a facelift. See if the tenon fits into the groove as well as the plywood did. I will be undying it in our upcoming kitchen reno as well. When you moved into your home, you had an ambitious list of all the renovations you would tackle in the first year. Wish I could post before and after pics for you to see! Use all appropriate and proper safety precautions when attempting projects. Slide the panel into the groove of the partially assembled cabinet door. Shaker cabinet doors have a timeless look that works in both traditional and modern kitchens. If you have ever used cheap plywood before, you would know that it splinters easy, and there can be gaps in the sides of the wood (unless you use a more expensive cabinet grade plywood). In the end, we decided to update the kitchen cabinets, without replacing them, by adding MDF trim to create DIY shaker cabinet doors. I made my own router table with a scrap piece of 1/2 plywood cut with an opening for my router bit to come through. Some stores may charge you for the cuts (Lowes does this in my area and they do not like to make these little cuts) but if you are nice and sweet, they normally are more willing to help you! Nice job. Cut about 1/4 inch off the parts right end to square it up. SIDE NOTE: Please follow the method of using the cabinet door as the guide to get the same look as the doors shown. Measure the distance between the tenons to determine the panels length. Then, take the boards to the miter saw and cut right next to the line. Furring strips are the cheapest but you will have to pick through the boards to find straight ones. The longest part is painting, I would recommend a paint sprayer: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/tips-on-painting-kitchen-cabinet-doors-with-a-paint-sprayer/ . And because I know I will get asked, how did I hang the cabinet doors? But in my honest opinion, I am very happy with how the MDF is holding up. Hey there, Im Megan! (One side of the MDF I used has a white vinyl finish on it.).
But if you want stained cabinet doors, you will need to use 1/4 plywood for the center panel. If you do not know how to pick out straight boards, check out the beginners guide to buying lumber for all the details. Hello David, I have debating on using that primer with an upcoming project plus to fix a couple other projects. As a side note: I am working on building drawer fronts for a closet system I am building, I am planning on using MDF again for this project because I am happy with the previous project. Finally, I went to Home Depot (love my local store) and found a helpful worker. I used a paint brush to get in all the grooves of the doors and beadboard and then a foam roller to get a smooth surface. Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest, Posted on Last updated: February 23, 2022, Categories DIY Tutorials, Remodeling, Remodeling Tips, Woodworking How To's, Woodworking Plans. I want to update the kitchen, have everything needed to do it, must finish a bathroom first. What paint colors did you use for your cabinets? Then, mark the strip directly above the other trim piece. Make sure to line them up properly and check your cabinet door for square. All I would need to do to give it a water-proof coat is to paint it, Intrigued, I had him cut the 4x8 sheet of 1/4 MDF into strips of 3 for the cabinet doors and 2 for the cabinet drawers. I wrote a post about installing our new hardware because we had a couple of hiccups: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/adding-some-new-hardware-the-easy-way/ . Do not assume the sides will be the same length because almost all of mine were not. Lay a straightedge across it to make sure its flat. Using a putty knife (or finger, yes it works! Your idea to add the trim is incredible! I hope this helps you to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. However, they were perfect for my laundry room. I like the idea of a before and after picture, I love it when people put them in their house. Interested in more Kitchen renovation projects? To figure the length of the stiles, take the height of the door and add 1/8 inch. Use a combination square to set the miter gauges at 90 degrees. I used poplar to build the cabinets and doors in my DIY kitchen remodel and they are holding up great. Paint the kitchen doors with primer and paint. Draw the four sides of a cabinet makers triangle to identify which part goes where. Yes, you will need your router in a table. I dont have a nail gun. Flip the piece over and make the same cuts.
Wait at least an hour before removing the clamps. Here is where I talk about painting the cabinets. Click the links below to download the construction drawings for this building shaker cabinet doors project. I found this process to be simple and fun! I teach you how to select straight boards in the beginners guide to buying lumber (with pictures). I would like to know how well they have held up? I found a way to build cabinet doors for only $2 a piece by using inexpensive wood and beadboard I had leftover from our closet sliding barn doors. Router a 1/4" deep by 1/4" wide groove in the rails. What Tools Do You Need for Easy DIY Cabinet Doors? Hope this answers your question and please let me know if you have any more questions. This will help you remember what piece goes where. Cut the 13 boards according to the sizes you need with the following formula: Next you will use the router to create a groove around the perimeter of the inside of the cabinet doors for the panel to sit inside. Furring strips are known for lots of twisting, curving and warping. You will want to take multiple passes, increasing the depth of the cut as you go. For the center panel, I used leftover beadboard. When you made the cuts with the router did you slide the 1x3 through? For help sizing your doors to fit your cabinets, along with tips for selecting and installing Euro hinges read our. You can always trim the strip down later, as I did with each piece. I wanted to accomplish a lot in this room (new flooring, new paint, stackable laundry basket storage, new cabinet doors, shelving, tile and more) so I had to get creative. Thanks Annie and I am glad the tutorial is helping. I spent the last 10 years remodeling our home, project-by-project, room-by-room. Good luck!! For my cabinets, the trim piece looks amazing one year later (with kids too). Im a little confused about what the caulking is for and where it goes. Store-bought wood has very straight and square edges. So far they have held up well to installation and all the other banging around I did to get the rest of the laundry room ready in only 1 month. Cut 2 rails the width of the cabinet doors minus 2x the width of the boards (13 boards are typically 2 1/2 but it is always a good idea to double check). Now I am ready to tackle cabinet doors in all the rooms, Google Web Story: Budget-friendly DIY Cabinet Doors. To cut sheet goods, I place a 2 piece of rigid foam on top of my worktable, then place the sheet on top of it. Let me give you the cost breakdown of this project without the paint. Also check for square by measuring from corner to corner. Assemble the doors stiles and rails, with the best side facing up. This challenge always tests my creativity. SIDE NOTE: I decided to strip all the old paint off my cabinet doors because they were not painted very well before (paint drip marks were still visible). Makes sure your panel grooves line up and the rails are flush to the edge of the stiles. Sand your new cabinet door smooth and paint or stain. Add 2 pocket holes set for 3/4 thick material with a pocket hole jig to each side of the rails on the back of the boards. I would want to hang a photo of the before cabinets in the kitchen for everyone to see the difference. Use a router with a 1/4 straight bit set at 1/4 depth. The pulls were right around $35 for a pack of 10. COST: 1/4 MDF sheet = $26 liquid nails = $3 5/8 finishing nails = $3 wood filler = $6 caulk = $4TOTAL = $42, If you add paint & primer = about $120 (thats 2 gallons of paint & 1 gallon of primer). Heres a classic way to put together a strong, good-looking door without making any unsightly holes. If you are making multiple cabinet doors, create an assembly line: It goes by quickly this way and you will have all your doors built in no time. Hey Christine, you could use a hammer it would just take longer. Because of this, I put off buying the plywood for a month, while I considered my options. ?this! They are still a softer wood so they could more easily dent and ding. Learn more about me. You do not need to do this but I personally wanted a seamless finish (not gaps) so I applied caulk where the added trim piece hits the old door on the inside. Before adding the MDF trim to the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you need to prep the doors so they are ready for paint. Use wood glue to secure if desired (it is not necessary). When you have the fence setting just right, cut grooves in all the rails and stiles. I have a suggestion I would remove the scalloped piece of trim in front of the window. Make sure to pay attention to the front of the door and panel so they are inserted correctly.
Drill pocket holes set for 3/4" thick material (the thickness of the 1x3 board) in both ends of the rail boards. We used your directions as a guide and couldnt be happier with our results! The wood is starting to bleed through the cabinets that are painted white. And your kitchen is the last place you want to hang out when family and friends come over. Would love to know the color you used for the bottom. Use a miter gauge to steady the wood when you cut it. Use the miter gauge that came with your table saw. Finally! Hi, that is a great question. We recently purchased a 1950s homeowner built home in the country with kitchen cabinets that were handmade by the Amish here in PA. And now I am going to give it a try because I am tired of wood bleeding through the primer. But if you add 3 coats primer, 3 coats paint and 3 coats polycrylic, you are looking at at least 9 days of just painting and I would suggest letting the paint sit for a couple of days before adding the polycrylic. I have had no issue with the MDF, which surprised me but makes me really happy. You saved so much money and saved your wood cabinets that are great quality! Follow along as I share all the details to help you update those old cabinets too. To finish off my cabinet doors, I painted them Classy Plum by Behr to match the laundry basket storage shelves. So the choice is up to you and the look you want! I cant say enough good about it. Start by drawing a center line on the end of one of your test pieces. To build our DIY shaker cabinet doors, I used some of my favorite beginner woodworking tools: This may seem like a lot, but if you want to get into woodworking, these would be the tools I would recommend starting with. This is not the most high-end router table, but with some strong clamps holding everything in place, it has served me well for the last year (hopefully this year a router table will be in my budget). I explained to him what I was doing and asked what his thoughts were. TIP: Remember to use the correct MDF strip (3 for the doors or 2 for the drawers). I have been wanting to try the Annie Sloan Paint so I cannot wait to see how it turned out!
I would suggest if you use a hammer that you use a pin punch, this will help to make sure the nails are slightly indented into the wood so you can fill the hole with wood filler. Hope this answers your questions but let me know if you have more. Make sure the rail is even with the end of the stile.
Place the MDF trim piece onto the cabinet door, making sure everything is flush. Are you still happy with how the mdf is holding up? TIP: Cut next to the line to make sure there will always be enough trim on the door (the extra will be sanded down). Apply glue to the groove, tenons and shoulders of the second rail. I removed mine and it updates the kitchen immediately.
For the panel, look for 1/4-inch plywood that lies flat. Theyll cut it in half but balk at doing any more cuts. And I share all my tips for how to build a woodshop on a budget so you can get started without breaking the bank. TIP: Do one door at a time. Make sure you avoid the groove when placing the nail by nailing 3/4 to an 1 away from the edge or you will have a nail sticking through both sides. Slide the rail into place, again making sure its even with the end of the stile. We are loving the new look of our kitchen and I am loving the price.
Yes we did replace the hinges, I would suggest trying to find a hing as close to the old type (how it wraps around the door). Ready to do this in my butlers pantry. Make sure the grooves line up and the top and bottom are flush. This post is all about installing trim to cabinet doors so be sure to visit my post about how to paint kitchen cabinets with a paint sprayer or use Young House Loves tutorial on how to paint kitchen cabinets. :). Router the groove the entire length of the rails. But how do you know if a board is straight? LOVE the results of this!! I would suggest using a better paint than I did but the one I used is still holding up well. What do you think of our cheap DIY shaker style cabinet doors? HI. You would have to do some prep work to the plywood before you could use it to make cabinet doors. If you want to avoid painting the cabinet doors, choose a different material. At this point, the MDF is cut, and the doors and drawer fronts are removed, cleaned and sanded. Cindy. Now, its time to fill in all the holes and gaps with wood filler (or spackling paste). Overtime costs may change, but that is for the reader to figure out. TIP: Keep in mind that some cabinets have an inset of 3/8 (routered edge or groove around the door to inset into the cabinet). Flip the board end for end and make a second cut to widen the groove. how much were the new pulls? Cut the 1x3 boards according to the sizes you need with the following formula. They look great!! See the picture below for the before and after sanding. We recommend our users to update the browser. Learn how to measure for new cabinet doors and understanding hinges here. I truly do not know the best paint and primer to use for cupboards because this is my first time painting cabinets. Make a list of the parts of your DIY shaker cabinet doors before you begin. Home House & Components Fixtures Cabinets. Not sure that they will hold up well to the abuse from a young family. I find no comparison. Ive been considering the same thing but Im worried about the cabinets, especially those around the sink! Cut a fresh slot in the fence, then measure from the slot to the block to set up each cut. Also, it will prevent the groove from being seen when the door is assembled. Yes, these are the same old kitchen cabinets! Take the MDF trim pieces off the cabinet door and place them right next to the side they will be installed on, putting them front side down. Is packed full of tips and breaks down what you need to know when you buy your next power tool. This will remove dust to help the liquid nails or wood glue adhere. Can you clarify? This is a great way to use up leftover lumber. Clamp and secure with 2 pocket holes screws. Their sad, rusted knobs and badly-scratched surfaces beg for your attention. For added style, use beadboard. Then you can run the wood over the bit. Now I just need to find the perfect antique brass cabinet pulls to match. You can print the material list and instructions below. Euro, or cup hinges, are the easiest, most forgiving means of hanging your new cabinet doors. You can finally cross another item off your home improvement list! Also, make sure to fill in any imperfections with spackling paste (wood grain) or wood filler. Best of luck to you!!! Hope this helps you and please let me know if you have any other questions. I just redid my bathroom vanity and used Sherwin Williams Alkyd paint. The process does take longer then this because of dry times but overall assembly time is this. Now you have transformed a part of your kitchen with a simple, updated design. Youll find this material at most home centers and lumberyards. Remove all cabinet doors, clean, and lightly sand. If you get the same measurement then you are square, if not, you can adjust to square with a large clamp and then let the glue dry before releasing. Your directions are clear and easy to follow. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. If youve been following along, you know last month I updated our awful basement laundry room for only $100 as part of the $100 Room Challenge. Great job and thanks for the idea. I think if you only did some doors it would look funny. The first step is to prep the MDF strips. Saw a groove as shown in the photo below. To make sure the groove was at the correct spacing on each board, I double checked the front before routering. Measure 2 in from the top and bottom of the stiles. Be picky when you choose your wood.
Join us as we share everything we learn, while hoping to inspire you to tackle your own DIYs and creating your dream home on a budget too! Apply a white sealant around the inside of the door were the trim meets the cabinet door. Check the grooves depth and adjust your blade up or down if necessary. Thanks!!! For the rails & stiles select straight 1x3 boards. Signup for TwoFeetFirst's newsletter to recieve emails packed full of DIY home ideas and inspiration. I would wonder about having the back be MDF too, have you priced out the option of a cabinet grade 1/2 plywood to give it more strength? Also, poplar and knotty alder are soft enough to be easy to work with for a beginner woodworker. I have never used a router and need guidance. Hi Cindy! Plus, youll have a hard time making the new ripped edge smooth, square and crisp, which youll need for tight joints. I love this tutorial! See the white around the inside panel on this door? Hi Hannah, I used my paint sprayer for the finally paint job. All together I would plan on 3 weeks to a month, to give you enough time for everything but you could have it done faster! Once the pieces fit perfectly, wipe everything with a dry cloth, and attach the trim pieces the same way as the side pieces (liquid nails & finishing nails). Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Hi, I'm Kati! They add a little style to the laundry room. 1/4 MDF, plywood, or beadboard for the inside panel, Cut 2 stiles the height of the cabinet doors. On my table I move the wood from the right to the left. Thanks! Home > Blog > Woodworking Plans > How to Build Cabinet Doors Cheap. MDF center panels are great for cabinet doors that will be painted since they are super smooth and accept paint well. If you are still not sure if you should use MDF on your cabinet doors, see my post on how the kitchen cabinets are one year later, or better yet visit my post about would I paint my kitchen cabinets again, which was after four years. Rip the panel with the good side up to avoid scratches and chips. The most important part of building your own cabinet doors is to make sure you are working with straight lumber. Adjust the MDF to be flush with one of the longer sides of the cabinet door. Attach the second stile to open ends of the rails with wood glue and pocket hole screws. To attach the other side of the cabinet door, add wood glue to the groove and a little on the ends where you will connect it to the rails. If you can source your materials at a better price, awesome! A couple questions: It looks like you replaced the hinges as well, from the before and after photo. Wow. What is the best paint and primer to use for cupboard doors? Move along the same side and place more nails, making sure everything is flush as you go. Neither did I want to spend the money or time to build new ones. I already have shaker doors. TIP: Remember, its better to have this cut bigger. Also, a paint sprayer will be your best friend for this project. TIP: Make sure all your trim edges and sides are level with the cabinet door to make sure you have no trouble with your doors closing when they are reassembled to the cabinets. Best of luck and I would love to see the finished project! Also, mark which side is top or bottom to know where they will go after cutting. Hi Alexiss, that was my worry too but it has been three years and I have had NO issues. Your kitchen is coming along great. But this update solves my plain cabinet problem. Have you wanted to update your old cabinets, but dont have lots of money? White wood or common board are cheap alternatives that tend to be straighter. Now slide your panel into the grooves. Your goal is to have this piece fit perfectly with a minimal gap. I apply caulk because I do not want a gap.
Hello. Will I get the same results just using a hammer? Our own kitchen cabinets were outdated, but I could not bring myself to rip out these solid wood cabinets. You do not need to apply caulk but it depends on the look you want.
Here are the supplies you will need: Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links or referral links for your convenience. The solution to my cabinet problem. You can even use spackling paste. Dribble glue in the grooves of all four sides of the frame. ), fill in all the nail holes and the sides of the cabinet doors where the trim meets against the door, and also where the trim pieces meet on the front of the door. Narrower boards ripped from wider ones have a good chance of warping, a problem you wont be able to fix. Thanks Susan!! Hi Andrew! Sorry this can be hard to explain but in another post, I created drawer fronts using this method and I have better pictures to showing this: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/build-shaker-style-drawer-front/. Sight down each piece to make sure its flat and straight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The cabinets are thicker then most cabinets but I do not notice a difference because all the cabinet doors are the same. Im new to this kind of DIY and am notorious for under-estimating project effort. Determine the size of the cabinet doors you need, I go into detail on how to measure for cabinet doors here. If the trim piece is too big, cut a little bit more from the MDF. Hi Amanda! A step-by-step tutorial on how to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them by adding MDF trim to the door to create a DIY shaker style cabinet. It is a way for this site to earn advertising commissions by advertising or linking to certain products and/or services, click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also use a square to give you a more exact fit. From how I understand it the router would go down into the hole and I push the wood through and it makes the cut. How has the MDF stood up against water? 2022 TwoFeetFirst - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them | DIY Shaker Cabinet Doors. Although I used other tutorials as my inspiration to start my project, something worried me the other tutorials were working with 1/4 plywood. I am gong to do this to my sons house for him.
Apply glue to the remaining stile and nudge it into place. Attach a straight 24-inch-long hardwood 1x3 for more accuracy and to avoid splintering out the end of the cut. Thanks!! Or would that make the door too heavy over time? As for Home Depot, I know every store is different but they should be able to cut the wood. For the rails, you will add the groove the entire length of the board. I like the decorative antique brass exposed hinges. Hope this helps!! Do this for both long sides of the door, placing an H on the MDF strip that will be on the handle side. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Clamp the door as shown in the photo below. Because I was working with face frame cabinets and didnt have budget for fancy hidden hinges, I used these basic self closing hinges. Twisted or warped boards will cause you to have twisted or warped cabinet doors. Thanks for sharing!! The most important thing, is to make sure the wood you used is super straight! Im in the same position I have wonderfully solid cabinets that just need a facelift. See if the tenon fits into the groove as well as the plywood did. I will be undying it in our upcoming kitchen reno as well. When you moved into your home, you had an ambitious list of all the renovations you would tackle in the first year. Wish I could post before and after pics for you to see! Use all appropriate and proper safety precautions when attempting projects. Slide the panel into the groove of the partially assembled cabinet door. Shaker cabinet doors have a timeless look that works in both traditional and modern kitchens. If you have ever used cheap plywood before, you would know that it splinters easy, and there can be gaps in the sides of the wood (unless you use a more expensive cabinet grade plywood). In the end, we decided to update the kitchen cabinets, without replacing them, by adding MDF trim to create DIY shaker cabinet doors. I made my own router table with a scrap piece of 1/2 plywood cut with an opening for my router bit to come through. Some stores may charge you for the cuts (Lowes does this in my area and they do not like to make these little cuts) but if you are nice and sweet, they normally are more willing to help you! Nice job. Cut about 1/4 inch off the parts right end to square it up. SIDE NOTE: Please follow the method of using the cabinet door as the guide to get the same look as the doors shown. Measure the distance between the tenons to determine the panels length. Then, take the boards to the miter saw and cut right next to the line. Furring strips are the cheapest but you will have to pick through the boards to find straight ones. The longest part is painting, I would recommend a paint sprayer: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/tips-on-painting-kitchen-cabinet-doors-with-a-paint-sprayer/ . And because I know I will get asked, how did I hang the cabinet doors? But in my honest opinion, I am very happy with how the MDF is holding up. Hey there, Im Megan! (One side of the MDF I used has a white vinyl finish on it.).
But if you want stained cabinet doors, you will need to use 1/4 plywood for the center panel. If you do not know how to pick out straight boards, check out the beginners guide to buying lumber for all the details. Hello David, I have debating on using that primer with an upcoming project plus to fix a couple other projects. As a side note: I am working on building drawer fronts for a closet system I am building, I am planning on using MDF again for this project because I am happy with the previous project. Finally, I went to Home Depot (love my local store) and found a helpful worker. I used a paint brush to get in all the grooves of the doors and beadboard and then a foam roller to get a smooth surface. Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest, Posted on Last updated: February 23, 2022, Categories DIY Tutorials, Remodeling, Remodeling Tips, Woodworking How To's, Woodworking Plans. I want to update the kitchen, have everything needed to do it, must finish a bathroom first. What paint colors did you use for your cabinets? Then, mark the strip directly above the other trim piece. Make sure to line them up properly and check your cabinet door for square. All I would need to do to give it a water-proof coat is to paint it, Intrigued, I had him cut the 4x8 sheet of 1/4 MDF into strips of 3 for the cabinet doors and 2 for the cabinet drawers. I wrote a post about installing our new hardware because we had a couple of hiccups: https://www.twofeetfirst.net/adding-some-new-hardware-the-easy-way/ . Do not assume the sides will be the same length because almost all of mine were not. Lay a straightedge across it to make sure its flat. Using a putty knife (or finger, yes it works! Your idea to add the trim is incredible! I hope this helps you to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. However, they were perfect for my laundry room. I like the idea of a before and after picture, I love it when people put them in their house. Interested in more Kitchen renovation projects? To figure the length of the stiles, take the height of the door and add 1/8 inch. Use a combination square to set the miter gauges at 90 degrees. I used poplar to build the cabinets and doors in my DIY kitchen remodel and they are holding up great. Paint the kitchen doors with primer and paint. Draw the four sides of a cabinet makers triangle to identify which part goes where. Yes, you will need your router in a table. I dont have a nail gun. Flip the piece over and make the same cuts.
Wait at least an hour before removing the clamps. Here is where I talk about painting the cabinets. Click the links below to download the construction drawings for this building shaker cabinet doors project. I found this process to be simple and fun! I teach you how to select straight boards in the beginners guide to buying lumber (with pictures). I would like to know how well they have held up? I found a way to build cabinet doors for only $2 a piece by using inexpensive wood and beadboard I had leftover from our closet sliding barn doors. Router a 1/4" deep by 1/4" wide groove in the rails. What Tools Do You Need for Easy DIY Cabinet Doors? Hope this answers your question and please let me know if you have any more questions. This will help you remember what piece goes where. Cut the 13 boards according to the sizes you need with the following formula: Next you will use the router to create a groove around the perimeter of the inside of the cabinet doors for the panel to sit inside. Furring strips are known for lots of twisting, curving and warping. You will want to take multiple passes, increasing the depth of the cut as you go. For the center panel, I used leftover beadboard. When you made the cuts with the router did you slide the 1x3 through? For help sizing your doors to fit your cabinets, along with tips for selecting and installing Euro hinges read our. You can always trim the strip down later, as I did with each piece. I wanted to accomplish a lot in this room (new flooring, new paint, stackable laundry basket storage, new cabinet doors, shelving, tile and more) so I had to get creative. Thanks Annie and I am glad the tutorial is helping. I spent the last 10 years remodeling our home, project-by-project, room-by-room. Good luck!! For my cabinets, the trim piece looks amazing one year later (with kids too). Im a little confused about what the caulking is for and where it goes. Store-bought wood has very straight and square edges. So far they have held up well to installation and all the other banging around I did to get the rest of the laundry room ready in only 1 month. Cut 2 rails the width of the cabinet doors minus 2x the width of the boards (13 boards are typically 2 1/2 but it is always a good idea to double check). Now I am ready to tackle cabinet doors in all the rooms, Google Web Story: Budget-friendly DIY Cabinet Doors. To cut sheet goods, I place a 2 piece of rigid foam on top of my worktable, then place the sheet on top of it. Let me give you the cost breakdown of this project without the paint. Also check for square by measuring from corner to corner. Assemble the doors stiles and rails, with the best side facing up. This challenge always tests my creativity. SIDE NOTE: I decided to strip all the old paint off my cabinet doors because they were not painted very well before (paint drip marks were still visible). Makes sure your panel grooves line up and the rails are flush to the edge of the stiles. Sand your new cabinet door smooth and paint or stain. Add 2 pocket holes set for 3/4 thick material with a pocket hole jig to each side of the rails on the back of the boards. I would want to hang a photo of the before cabinets in the kitchen for everyone to see the difference. Use a router with a 1/4 straight bit set at 1/4 depth. The pulls were right around $35 for a pack of 10. COST: 1/4 MDF sheet = $26 liquid nails = $3 5/8 finishing nails = $3 wood filler = $6 caulk = $4TOTAL = $42, If you add paint & primer = about $120 (thats 2 gallons of paint & 1 gallon of primer). Heres a classic way to put together a strong, good-looking door without making any unsightly holes. If you are making multiple cabinet doors, create an assembly line: It goes by quickly this way and you will have all your doors built in no time. Hey Christine, you could use a hammer it would just take longer. Because of this, I put off buying the plywood for a month, while I considered my options. ?this! They are still a softer wood so they could more easily dent and ding. Learn more about me. You do not need to do this but I personally wanted a seamless finish (not gaps) so I applied caulk where the added trim piece hits the old door on the inside. Before adding the MDF trim to the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you need to prep the doors so they are ready for paint. Use wood glue to secure if desired (it is not necessary). When you have the fence setting just right, cut grooves in all the rails and stiles. I have a suggestion I would remove the scalloped piece of trim in front of the window. Make sure to pay attention to the front of the door and panel so they are inserted correctly.