Making Doors for Kitchen Cabinets

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You can update your kitchen easily and for practically pennies if you learn how to make doors for the cabinets. It is much less complicated than you would think to replace them all. To get the kitchen of your dreams you can change the look by altering specific details by finishing or refinishing the wood, painting, or swapping out the handles and knobs.

Instructions

  1. Choose the type of wood you prefer to make cabinet doors. Some of the most commonly used are red and white oak, maple, birch and knotty pine. Choose a cut that is better resist to changes in temperature and seasons and will not swell or shrink. Make sure all cuts are equal to avoid an uneven appearance. A less expensive option if you plan on painting is plywood or wood paneling. You must ensure that the thickness of the wood you choose measure 3/4 inch (1.80 cm). You can get it at the local lumberyard or home improvement store.
  2. Measure the cupboard openings where the doors will be hung. If they are any greater than 16 inches (40 cm) by 18 inches (46 cm) it would be a good idea to put on two doors.
  3. Decide what style you’re going to prepare doors. The two most common styles are flat panel or raised panel. Flat panels are easier to make and are prepared from hardwood structure with a panel of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) to match the wood varnish.
  4. Choose the desired width of the doors. Most styles have a width of 2 inches (5 cm) by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) which is the most attractive. It also makes it easy to calculate how much wood you will need. Set the table saw to cut 2 inches (5 cm) and saw all the pieces once. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of extra length. Cut crosswise to the desired length.
  5. Calculate the length and width of the panels by subtracting 3 1/4 inches (9 cm) from the total length of the door to keep the length of the panel, then follows 3 1/4 inches (9 cm) the width of the door to keep the width of the panel. Cut the pieces with the table saw.
  6. Sandpaper the wood and apply the stain or paint before assembling. Use a 120-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander. Be careful not to sand through the veneer of plywood. Apply the finish you like and let it dry completely.
  7. Assemble the doors. Add the hinges, knobs or handles.