What do Lychee fruit, Seashells, Rose quartz, Amazon River dolphins, and Cherry blossoms all have In common?
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They are all PINK! Just like my beautiful, DIY build-ins!
When We first decided to start building this DIY, we were pretty sure about our color choice. However, it took us a while to figure out how we wanted to design the actual bones of the cabinet.
When you take on a big DIY project such as this one, there’s so much to take into consideration. For one thing, you have to choose a wood type, research tools, and learn to use them properly. Although our DIY cabinets may look intimidating to build, most people would be able to make their own. As long as they have determination and a comprehensive instruction guide. In fact, when we first started planning for this project, it took me a lot of time to figure out what we needed to buy. I wished I would have had an easy to follow list, that mapped out the steps for me. Instead, I searched Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. With this in mind, our build in is really a combination of ideas and methods, taken from my own imagination as well as other DIY people out there on the internet.
With the goal of helping others through this tricky building process, I want to write about our building experience, the products we used, and where we got them. Hopefully this will inspire people to get going on their own DIY Build in cabinets!
Power Tools you will need (Clickable):
Other products (Clickable):
Wood products (Clickable):
Step 1: Build a Base
If you want the cabinets to sit higher, build a base for the cabinets to sit in. To do this we used 2x4 boards. It is important to make sure this part of the build is very level. Secure the base to the wall and set the base cabinets in.
Step 2: Cut Outlet Holes
Identify if and where you will need to cut outlet holes in the backs of the base cabinets. The wall that we were building the cabinets into had two existing outlets. For this reason, we cut holes in order to have access to the outlets. This is important if you are going to have plug in lights on top of the finished shelves.
Step 3: Connect and Secure the Cabinets
After step 2, the individual cabinets must be secured to each other. Use a countersink drill bit and screws to do this. Next, use shims to get the connected cabinets level on top of the base. Use a stud finder to locate studs and secure to the wall.
Step 4: Install the Countertop
Cut the countertop out of the 3/4”x24”x6’ spruce pine board. One board will not cover the entire length of the 90” width of the cabinets. Use 1 of the 6’ boards with an additional spruce board cut at the additional length needed to cover the rest of the cabinets. Make sure the boards butt up to each other on top of where two of the cabinets meet. This will support the counter and reduce the need to insert a support board. Once the boards are cut to length, attach them to the top of the cabinets using construction adhesive. Make sure to use heavy objects on top of the counter in order to allow the construction adhesive to dry and adhere to the cabinets. Allow the adhesive to dry overnight with the weight on the counters. Next, use a brad nailer with 1 1/2” Brad nails to reinforce the counter along with the adhesive. Once attached, use wood filler to fill the nail holes and the hide the joint where the two counter boards meet.
Step 5: Build the Bookshelves
Cut the 1”x12”x8’ pine boards to length. This pine board is used for the sides and shelves of each unit. Once the boards are cut to the desired length measure and mark your side boards where each shelf is going to be. Then, use the corner clamps to attach the shelves to the side board. Once aligned, use the counter sink drill bit to drill a hole 1” from each edge. After the holes are drilled, remove from clamp, apply wood glue to both boards, and attach the shelf to the side board with wood screws. Continue this process for all the shelves. Once the each shelf and side boards are secured, measure the height and length of the shelf and cut the backboard out of the 23/32”x4’x8’ pine sanded plywood. Once cut, attach the back board to the shelf with wood glue and wood screws in the same manner you attached the shelf boards. Make sure the smooth sanded side is facing in and the rough side is facing out (rough side should be the side that faces the wall you are attaching the shelves to). Then, attach the shelves to each other and mount them on the wall.
Step 6: Make the Arches
Measure and cut the arches using 5mm plywood and router and compass. You could also use a jigsaw to complete this step. We wanted an oval shaped arch, so we used a router and cut a half circle. Next, measure the width of where the arches come together, and cut a strip for the arch legs. Once complete, attach the leg strips to the face of the bookshelves. To ensure a smooth finish, cut to size and attach the 5mm plywood to each exterior side of the shelves and cabinets, using construction adhesive and brad nailer (5/8' nails). Similarly, cut to size and attach the 5mm plywood to the exterior bottom front of the cabinet as a kick plate.
Step 7: Cut and Install Trim
Along the top and sides of the build-in we used quarter round trim. Simply, cut the trim to size and secure with a brad nailer. This step is critical because it makes the piece look completely built in. For the bottom trim piece we used primed MDF board, to match the rest of the existing trim in our home.
Optional: At this point, you may want to cut and install decorative moulding above the arches. Decorative moulding is available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Etsy to name a few places. Cutting your own simple, decorative trim is also an option. Down the road we plan on doing this to our build in.
Step 8: Prime + Sand
Since this build in is in a high traffic area of our house (the living room) priming the piece was a must. We have painted kitchen cabinets that we DIY’ed in the past, so we used the same brand of primer (Sherwin Williams, multipurpose latex primer) for the new cabinets. In our opinion this is the best primer option for this type of project.
Step 9: Caulk Corners
Caulking the build in is important. This step is a tad bit time consuming but it really helps prevent paint drip in the seams and give the DIY a more professional finish.
Step 10: Paint
We used Sherwin Williams, Emerald Urethane Paint to cover the entire build in. We only had to do two coats of paint, which comes out to about a gallon. We used Purdy brand paint rollers and brushes to apply the paint.
Tip: Sherwin Williams has a quarterly promotion on Emerald line products (40% off emerald products + 25% off other paint lines). This is the best time to purchase your paint and paint supplies.
Check out my blog post on shelf styling!
Tag me in your DIY posts, I can’t wait to see what you make ❤️
-Mykel Rochester
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