Instead of remodeling the whole thing, you can build cabinet doors. This alone can improve the appearance of your kitchen drawers. At the same time, making them yourself will save you the costs of hiring a carpenter.
Required Tools and Materials
Screws
Tape measure
Power sander
Wood (popular choices are maple, oak and mahogany)
Screwdriver
3/4-inch thick wood panel
Door hardware
Paint brush
Wood stain
Level
Pencil
Hinges
Saw
Step 1
Determine the size of the door needed by the cabinet. Start from the inner corner of one side and keep going until you get to the other side. Add half an inch to the measurements you made. This ensures the doors will overlap. Cut the width in half to get the door panel dimensions.
Step 2
To build cabinet doors, cut the wood based on the measurements you got. Apply the power sander to smoothen any rough edges. Sandpaper can be used if you don’t have a power sander. However this will take more time. When standing, start with coarse grain; use the fine grain on the second sanding.
Step 3
Paint or stain the wood pieces. Use a waterproof sealant if you’re creating natural grain cabinet doors. This ensures the grain will be visible. After you paint / stain, allow it to dry overnight. If you want dark wood, apply another layer of paint. Allow this to dry completely. Do not touch the door while they’re still drying.
Step 4
After the paint dries, you can continue to build cabinet doors. Flip the door panels over (face down). Put them on the work bench. Set two hinges on the door.
Note the spot with your pencil. Put the hinges 4 inches from the bottom and top sections of the panel. Use a level to make sure they’re aligned. Drill holes in the marked areas. Fasten the hinges on using the screws.
Step 5
Flip the door panels up and set the handles on the edge opposite the hinges. Make sure the handle distance from the door edge is similar for both doors. Mark these spots and drill holes. Screw them on.
After you build cabinet doors, have someone hold the doors as you fasten the hinges. Try swinging the doors a few times to see if it works.
Tips and Warnings
Put a face mask when painting or staining. Do not inhale the paint. Do not paint in a cramped area. Make sure the work area is well ventilated. Get a small fan and turn it on. This will facilitate the movement of the air and help you breathe.
There are many types of wood to choose from. The most common are cider and maple. Look at the various types of wood before deciding what to use. It’s a good idea to buy a few more than needed in case you decide to make a few more doors.
Basic knowledge of carpentry tools is all that’s needed to build cabinet doors. After you make the first set, the next ones will seem easier.
