Shelving + Woodwork
Make a Basic Cupboard
Sometimes it's impossible to find just the right flatpack unit to fill a certain space. Here's how to make a sturdy storage cupboard from board material such as MDF. You only need a few basic tools and the end result looks great.
Time to complete job: 4 hours.
Approximate budget: A full sheet of MDF costs around £15.
You will need:
- MDF boards
- Electric drill
- Wood bits, countersink and screwdriver bits
- Try square
- Hand saw or circular saw
- Straight timber batten
- Clamps
- PVA wood glue
- Dowel jig and dowels or chipboard screws
- Recessed hinges
- Handle
- Magnetic catch
- Primer and paint
- Goggles
- Dust mask
You can use any board material to make a basic cupboard. DIY stores sell melamine-faced chipboard, MDF or plywood in various sizes up to full-sized 4x8ft (12x24m) boards. Choose at least 18mm (0.7in) thick material so that it will be rigid and can support heavy loads. MDF is an ideal material as it has a very smooth surface that can be painted.
Decide on the dimensions of your cupboard. If it has to fit in an alcove or recess, make sure you take into account any obstacles such as power sockets or skirting board.
Safety Tip: Always wear goggles and a dust mask when cutting MDF boards with a circular saw.
For professional advice, visit the National Federation of Builders or the Institute of Carpenters.
Measuring and cutting
Mark out the sides, top, bottom and back on the board. Use a try square so that the edges are at right angles to each otherUse either a handsaw or a circular saw to cut the board. A circular saw will give a smoother finish as long as you guide the saw with a batten clamped firmly at both ends.
Tip: If your local timber or DIY store has a timber cutting facility, take along the exact sizes of each piece and ask them to cut it for you. The first few cuts are free.
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