DIY Plans to Build a Les Tulips Cabinet

A Simple and Small Cabinet

Need a small cabinet that is quick and easy to build? The DIY plans to build a Les Tulips Cabinet feature paneled doors, sides, and top with a shelf behind the doors. The lower base aprons are curved, and the base sits on 2×2 legs. This build can certainly be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

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

Lumber:

• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 1×3 at 8′
• 2 – 2×2 at 6′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 12-1/2″ – Base Aprons
• 2 – 1×3 at 27-1/2″ – Base Aprons
• 4 – 2×2 at 4″ – Base Legs
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 16-1/2″ x 31-1/2″ – Bottom
• 4 – 2×2 at 26″ – Legs
• 4 – 1×2 at 12-1/2″ – Side Framing
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 23″ – Side Panels
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 26″ x 27-1/2″ – Back
• 1 – 1×2 at 27-1/2″ – Front Stretcher
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 13-1/4″ x 29″ – Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 13-1/2″ x 28-1/2″ – Top Panel
• 2 – 1×2 at 13-1/2″ – Top End Trim
• 2 – 1×2 at 31-1/2″ – Top Side Trim
• 4 – 1×2 at 10-9/16″ – Door Rails
• 4 – 1×2 at 24-1/4″ – Door Stiles
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 10-9/16″ x 21-1/4″ – Door Panels

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 base aprons. Draw a decorative curve along one edge of each piece and cut out using a jigsaw. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the aprons. Secure the aprons to the base legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the piece for the bottom. The bottom will overhang the base by 1/2″ on all sides. Secure the bottom to the base frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the legs. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in one end of each piece. Secure the legs to the bottom using glue and 2″ pocket hole screws. The legs will be positioned in each corner of the bottom 1/2″ in from each end.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the side framing and the side panels. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces as well as all four edges of the panels. Secure the framing pieces to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the framing pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs. Secure the panel to the legs and framing pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in the side and bottom edges. Secure the back to the legs and bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the back panel will be flush with the outside face of the legs.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the front stretcher and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the stretcher to the front legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the stretcher will be flush with the front face of the legs.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the shelf and cut the notches with a jigsaw. Drill pocket holes in the side and back edges as shown. Secure the shelf to the side and back panels using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the top and the top trim. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter trim pieces as well as all four edges of the panel. Secure the end trim first using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, the secure the side trim.

Position the top on the cabinet. The top will overhang by 1/2″ on all sides. Secure the top in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the doors. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter trim pieces (the rails) as well as all four edges of the panel. Assemble the frame with the panels as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Install the hinges on the doors, then install the doors in the cabinet. Install the cabinet pulls.

Finish as desired.

This little cabinet can be finished in a variety of ways… The door panels can be stenciled, decoupaged, or even decorated using the glue resist technique! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Les Tulips Cabinet? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-02-12 08:00:56.