DIY Harrison Cabinet Plans: Easy Step by Step Instructions

Build a Gorgeous Cabinet with Lots of Storage

This cabinet can be built as a single piece or as multiple pieces… Fabulous as a bookshelf or a place to show off a collection of dishes and linens, the Harrison cabinet plans are a very easy and inexpensive build! The plans feature four shelves, and a cabinet with two doors and a shelf inside. The front edges are concealed with a face frame, and the upper and lower front have regular off-the-shelf casing applied. This is a great plan for beginners!

Materials:

Materials listed are to build ONE cabinet.

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

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×2 at 4′
• 2 – 1×2 at 6′
• 2 – 1×2 at 8′
• 2 – 1×3 at 8′
• 1 – 1×4 at 4′
• 2 – 1×4 at 6′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 1/2″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 2 – 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood
• 1 – 8′ piece of 2-1/2″ casing or decorative trim

Cut List:

• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 83-1/4″ – Sides
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 34-1/2″ – Bottom
• 1 – 1×4 (ripped to 3″ wide) at 34-1/2″ – Back Support
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 34-1/2″ x 79-1/2″ – Back
• 5 – 3/4″ plywood at 11-3/4″ x 34-1/2″ – Shelves
• 2 – 1×2 at 83-1/4″ – Face Frame Sides
• 2 – 1×4 at 33″ – Face Frame
• 1 – 1×3 at 33″ – Face Frame
• 3 – 1×2 at 33″ – Face Frame
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 14-1/4″ x 36″ – Top
• 4 – 1×3 at 23-3/4″ – Door Stiles
• 4 – 1×3 at 11-15/16″ – Door Rails
• 2 – 1/2″ plywood at 11-15/16″ x 18-3/4″ – Door Panels
• 2 – 2-1/2″ casing at 36″ – Top & Bottom Trim

Step One

Cut the pieces for the sides and bottom. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the bottom piece. Position the bottom as shown then secure to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the piece for the back support and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge. Secure to the bottom and back edges of the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

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

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the shelves and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge of each piece. Secure to the sides and back as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Apply edge banding to the lowest shelf (just above the bottom).

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the face frame and drill pocket holes in each end of the horizontal pieces. Assemble the face frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Attach the face frame to the front of the cabinet using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. The top edge of each horizontal piece should be flush with the top of each shelf. There will not be a horizontal frame piece over the lower shelf (just above the bottom).

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top. Apply the edge banding, if desired.  The front will overhang by 1″. Secure the top in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the doors and drill pocket holes in each end of the rails. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the piece for the door panels. Set the pocket hole jig for 1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the panels inside the door frames using glue and 1″ pocket hole screws.

The doors will overlap the opening by 1/2″ on all sides, with a 1/8″ gap in between. Install the hinges on the doors, then install the doors in the cabinet. Install the cabinet pulls.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the trim. Attach the trim to the top (under the overhang of the top piece) and at the bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

Not only would the cabinet be great in a dining room, but two cabinets with a bench in between would be fabulous in a mudroom or entryway! Have any questions about the Harrison cabinet plans? Contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-05-26 08:00:28.