Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet

A Cute Mini Cabinet Perfect for a First-Time Project

Hey there! If you’re new to woodworking, this cabinet is absolutely perfect for you. It’s super quick, easy, and straightforward to build! The plans include a door with either glass or a mirror, and there’s even a handy shelf inside. You can get creative with it too – hang it on a wall as a curio cabinet or use it as a medicine cabinet in your bathroom. The possibilities are endless!

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Copy

Materials:

  • 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
  • 1-1/4″ brad nails
  • Edge banding, optional
  • Plexiglas at 11-3/4″ x 15-1/2″
  • Mirror clips for the door
  • 1 set of hinges
  • 1 small cabinet pull
  • Wood glue
  • Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
  • Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

  • 1 – 2′ x 2′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
  • 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

  • 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 5″ x 13-1/2″ – Cabinet Frame
  • 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 5″ x 20-1/4″ – Cabinet Frame
  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 13-1/2″ – Shelf
  • 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 14-1/2″ x 19-1/4″ – Back
  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 6″ x 16-1/2″ – Top
  • 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 5″ – Side Trim
  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 16-1/2″ – Front Trim
  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-1/2″ x 10-1/4″ – Door Frame Top
  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 10-1/4″ – Door Frame Bottom
  • 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 17-1/2″ – Door Frame Sides

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet

Step One

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly!

Cut the pieces for the cabinet frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Position the bottom piece so that it is 1″ up from the bottom end of the sides.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Frame

Step Two

Cut the piece for the shelf and drill pocket holes in each end. Position the shelf as shown then secure to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Shelf

Step Three

Cut the piece for the back. Secure it to the sides, top, bottom, and shelf using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Back

Step Four

Cut the piece for the top. Position the piece so that the front and sides overhang by 3/4″. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Top

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the trim. Cut the arcs using a jigsaw. Secure the trim in place and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Secure the sides first, then secure the front.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Lower Trim 1

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Lower Trim

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the door. Cut the arc in the top piece using a jigsaw. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Door 1

Step Seven

Cut the mirror or Plexiglas for the door. Secure in place using the mirror clips.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Door 2

Step Eight

Install the hinges on the door, then install the door in the cabinet.

Plans to Build a Tabletop Cabinet-Door 3

Finish as desired.

That is a really great cabinet, right? The entire cabinet can be built out of solid wood, if desired, and the door panel can be replaced by solid plywood or punched aluminum. Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com with any questions about the plans to build a Tabletop cabinet!