DIY Plans to Build a Caroline Buffet

A Simple Buffet with Plain Doors

The simple lines and plain doors of this buffet are perfectly modern… The DIY plans to build a Caroline Buffet feature shelving behind the doors (two on one side, three on the other) as well as shelving below the cabinet itself. The doors are plain and can be left that way or stenciled for a bit of pop! This is another excellent project that can be completed in a weekend!

Here are a few other projects similar to the DIY plans to build a Caroline Buffet:

• Esmerelda Buffet
• Frances Buffet 

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<–affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding (<–affiliate link!)
• 2 sets of hinges
• Cabinet pulls
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 4 – 2×2 at 6′
• 2 – 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 12″ – Legs
• 4 – 2×2 at 13″ – Side Framing
• 4 – 2×2 at 37″ – Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 13″ x 37″ – Lower Shelf
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 18″ – Sides
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 38-1/2″ – Bottom
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 17-1/4″ x 38-1/2″ – Back
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15-1/4″ x 17-1/4″ – Divider
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 15-1/4″ x 18-7/8″ – Shelves
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 40″ – Top
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 18-3/4″ x 19-15/16″ – Doors

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

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

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the side framing. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces. Secure the framing to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Orient the pieces so the pocket holes face up on the upper pieces and down on the lower pieces. This way, they will be hidden and won’t have to be filled.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Orient the pieces in the same manner as the side framing.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the shelf. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the shelf to the lower framing and stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The top face will be flush with the top faces of the framing and stretchers.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the sides and drill pocket holes in the lower edges only. Secure the sides to the base framing using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the sides will be flush with the outside face of the base framing.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the bottom. Secure to the base framing between the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the back. Drill pocket holes in the side and lower edges. Secure the back to the bottom and the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the divider. Drill pocket holes in the lower and back edge only. Secure the divider to the bottom and back as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the shelves. Drill pocket holes in the side and back edges. Secure the shelves to the divider and sides as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Nine

Cut the piece for the top. Secure the top in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Ten

Cut the pieces for the doors. There will be a 1/8″ gap between the doors. Install the hinges on the door, then install the door on the cabinet. Install the cabinet pull.

Finish as desired.

This is a great piece to use in virtually any room – as a media stand, in a large bathroom, in a bedroom, etc. Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Caroline Buffet? Leave a comment below.

Originally posted 2015-08-03 08:00:24.