Build an Alpha Dining Cabinet
Let’s Build Your Dream Dining Room with an Alpha Dining Cabinet!
Hey there! Are you looking to add some style and functionality to your dining room? Why not build an Alpha Dining Cabinet? It’s a great way to showcase your dishes and store your dining essentials all in one place. Plus, it’s a fun DIY project that you can customize to fit your personal style and it’s a project that is suitable for all skill levels! Let’s get building!
Materials:
- 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
- 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 2″ brad nails
- 1-1/2″ screws
- Three sets of hinges
- Two magnetic catches (<– affiliate link!)
- Cabinet handles or knobs
- Glass or Plexiglass for the doors (cut to fit)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
- Finishing supplies
Lumber:
- 6 – 1×2 at 8′
- 2 – 1×3 at 8′
- 6 – 2×2 at 8′
- 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
- 2 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
Cut List:
- 4 – 2×2 at 73″ – Outer Frame Legs
- 4 – 2×2 at 14″ – Outer Frame
- 4 – 2×2 at 36″ – Outer Frame
- 2 – 3/4″plywood at 14″ x 68″ – Side Panels
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 36″ x 68″ – Back
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 14″ x 36″ – Top and Bottom
- 6 – 1×2 at 13-1/4″ – Shelf Supports
- 3 – 1×2 at 36″ – Shelf Supports
- 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 14″ x 36″ – Shelves
- 3 – 1×3 at 36″ – Shelf Front Trim
- 4 – 1×2 at 14-13/16″ – Door Frame
- 4 – 1×2 at 67-3/4″ – Door Frame
Notes About the Project:
- Sand all pieces prior to assembly – it makes finishing so much easier!
- A pocket hole jig is used to drill pocket holes for assembly
- A router with a 1/4″ rabbeting bit is used to cut the recess for the glass or Plexiglas in the doors
Step One
Cut the pieces for the outer frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces except for the legs. Assemble the outer frame using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.
Step Two
Measure the openings for the sides, then cut the pieces for the side panels. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material, and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the panels to the outer frame pieces, with the inside faces flush, using glue and 1-1/4″ screws.
Step Three
Cut the piece for the back, and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the back to the outer frame pieces, with the inside faces flush, using glue and 1-1/4″ screws.
Step Four
Cut the pieces for the top and bottom, and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the top and bottom to the outer frame pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ screws. The pocket holes in the bottom piece will face down toward the floor, and the pocket holes in the top piece will face to the inside.
Step Five
Cut the pieces for the shelf supports. Secure the longer pieces first, using glue and 1-1/2″ screws, then secure the side pieces butting them against the longer back piece.
Step Six
Cut the pieces for the shelves. Secure the shelves on top of the supports using glue and 2″ brad nails.
Step Seven
Cut the pieces for the front shelf trim. Secure these pieces to the front edge of the shelf and side supports using glue and 2″ brad nails.
Step Eight
Cut the pieces for the door frames. Assemble the frames using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, then use a router with a 1/4″ rabbeting bit to cut the inset for the glass or Plexiglas along the inside of the frames.
Cut the glass or Plexiglass to fit, then secure in place with either a bead of clear adhesive caulk or by using a framing tab gun (<– affiliate link!).
Install the hinges on the doors, then install the doors in the opening adjusting as necessary.
Finish as desired!
This great project can be completed start to finish over the course of a couple of weekends, and is a great piece for showing off your DIY skills in any room! Have questions about the plans to build an Alpha dining cabinet? Leave a comment below!