The majority of production cabinets are built by using the particleboard. This is an all-purpose material that holds up well. Most homes have the particleboard in their construction somewhere because it is also affordable & almost every square inch of particleboard can be put to use and the reason behind this is that there are no grain patterns, so the particleboard can be cut in any direction. It can be also stained for creating a smooth & flat finish.
10 Easy Steps & Items Needed For Building A Cabinet Carcass
If you want to add a small upper cabinet or a large pantry in your home then the particleboard will save your money. Start by constructing a small upper cabinet. Here is how to build a cabinet carcass, simply gather all the required items and go through the mentioned steps carefully:
Things Needed
- 2 Pieces Particleboard, 3/4 By 12 By 32 Inches
- 4 Pieces Particleboard, 3/4 By 12 By 22 1/2-Inches
- 2-Inch Staple Gun, Glue & Tri-Square
- 2 Strips Particleboard, 3/4 By 2 By 32 Inches
- Pin Nailer & 1 1/4-Inch Pin Nails
- 2 Strips Particleboard, 3/4 By 2 By 20 Inches
- Hardboard, 1/4 By 24 By 32 Inches
- Table Saw & 100-Grit Sandpaper
- Hand Block & Aerosol Lacquer
- Particleboard, 3/4 By 21 1/2 By 29 1/2 Inches
- 2 Hinges- 30-Degree Reverse-Bevel
Steps For This Process
- Firstly, you have to place the 2 long pieces of particleboard on their edges on any flat surface. Place the 2 shorter pieces betwixt them, 1 flush at the top and 1 flush at the bottom.
- Now you need to shoot 4 2-inch staples spaced equally through with the long sides & into the ends of your short pieces on each side to form a 24-by-32-inch frame.
- Next, drop the other 2 short pieces into your frame because these will be the shelves. Space them equally inside your frame. You need to use a tri-square to get them straight perpendicular & then shoot three staples through with the long sides into each one of the ends of your shelves on both sides.
- The next thing is to run a bead of glue along the outside perimeter of your frame. Place all the 2 long strips of particleboard flat on the long sides of your frame. Flush all the pieces on the outside edges & the top & bottom. Shoot pin nails equally spaced at 4 inches, through with the strips into the top edge of your frame.
- Now simply place all the two shorter strips of your particleboard betwixt the long strips. Square & flush them with the top & bottom. Shoot pin nails through them in order to secure them to your cabinet. Your cabinet now has a face frame.
- Turn your cabinet over so it's face-down. Simply run a bead of glue along with the outside perimeter edge. Place your 1/4-inch hardboard panel on your frame & square it on all four sides. The hardboard is high-density particleboard. Shoot the pin nails through with your hardboard spaced every 4 inches to secure it to your frame. This is the back of your cabinet. Turn your cabinet face-up.
- Raise your table saw blade to 1 inch from the tip of your highest blade to the point where your blade enters the table. Tilt your blade to 30 degrees. Slide your fence over to within 1/32 inch of touching your blade. Run all the 4 sides of the 3/4-by-21 1/2-by-29 1/2-inch particleboard panel over your saw blade to cut a 5/8-inch bevel around the edge on the back. You will now get a 30-degree reverse panel door.
- Now you need to sand your door & your cabinet by using 100-grit sandpaper & a hand block. Smooth & round all the edges. Spray your cabinet inside & out with aerosol lacquer to seal it properly. Spray your door & all four edges. Wait for at least 30 minutes for the lacquer to dry.
- Next you need to place your door face down. The beveled side will be facing up now. Also, measure 2 inches from both corners of your door on the same side & make a mark. Now place one 30-degree reverse-bevel hinge on your mark on each end. Screw your hinge to your door using a cordless gun and 3/4-inch screws.
- Finally, you need to place your door face-up on your cabinet. Square the door to your cabinet so that there are equal reveals on all 4 sides. You need to place screws in the hinges & screw the hinges to your face-frame by using 3/4-inch screws and cordless gun.
Tips & Warnings
- Always try to wear safety glasses when working with wood.
- You don't need handles when you will use 30-degree reverse-bevel doors. The lip on your door will serve as the handle.
- Your cabinet can stand by itself, or you can hang it on your wall. You can make your cabinet any size you want. You can also add a stain to your cabinet if you like to do it. Enamel paint will also work well on the particleboard cabinets.