DIY Plans to Build an Atherton Cabinet

The Perfect Cabinet for a Variety of Rooms and Styles

This neat little cabinet can be used in so many areas of the home… The DIY plans to build an Atherton Cabinet feature two lower drawers with two shelves. The cabinet would be an excellent media stand for a small tv or even a great place to store shoes, boots, and backpacks in a mudroom!

Materials:

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

Lumber:

• 2 -1×2 at 8′
• 2 – 2×2 at 6′
• 1 – 2×2 at 8′
• 2 – 1×6 at 6′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of ¾” plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 31-1/4” – Legs
• 2 – 1×2 at 12” – Side Framing
• 2 – 2×2 at 12” – Side Framing
• 2 – ¾” plywood at 12” x 25” – Side Panels
• 4 – 1×2 at 29” – Back Framing & Front Stretchers
• 2 – 2×2 at 29” – Back Framing & Front Stretchers
• 1 – ¾” plywood at 25” x 29” – Back Panel
• 3 – ¾” plywood at 12” x 29” – Shelves
• 1 – 1×6 at 13-1/2” – Drawer Divider
• 1 – ¾” plywood at 15-1/2” x 33” – Top
• 2 – ¾” plywood at 12” x 12-1/2” – Drawer Box Bottom
• 4 – 1×6 (ripped to 5-3/8” wide) at 12” – Drawer Box Sides
• 4 – 1×6 (ripped to 5-3/8” wide) at 14” – Drawer Front & Back

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

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

Cut the pieces for the legs, the side framing, and the side panels. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2” material, drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×2 pieces. Secure the 2x2s to the legs using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Set the pocket hole jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×2 framing pieces as well as all four edges of the panels. Secure the 1×2 framing piece to the legs using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Secure the panel to the legs and framing pieces using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The back face of the plywood will be flush with the back face of the legs and framing.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the back framing, the back panel, and the front stretchers. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×2 pieces. Secure the 2×2 back framing piece to the legs using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Set the pocket hole jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×2 framing pieces as well as all four edges of the panel. Secure the 1×2 back framing piece to the legs using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Secure the panel to the legs and framing pieces using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The back face of the plywood will be flush with the back face of the legs and framing.

Step Three

Secure the front stretchers in place as shown. The 1×2 pieces will be secured using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws, and the 2×2 pieces will be secured using 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the shelves and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the shelves to the sides, back, and front stretchers as shown. The top face of the shelves will be flush with the top edge of each of the corresponding front stretchers.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the divider. Slide the divider into the cabinet on the bottom shelf and secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top. The top will overhang the sides and front by ½” on all sides. Secure the top in place using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the drawers. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the bottom as well as each end of the sides. Secure the sides to the bottom using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws, then secure the drawer front and back. There will be a 1/16” gap at the sides of the drawers and a 1/8” gap at the top of the drawers in the opening.

Finish as desired, then apply a coat of paste wax to the bottom and sides of the drawers to help them slide smoothly in the openings.

The Atherton Cabinet would also be a great way to store towels and toiletries in a bathroom! This is a quick and easy build, and this plan is suitable for all skill levels. Have any questions about the DIY plans to build an Atherton Cabinet? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-03-12 08:00:41.