Dining Room Sidekick - Small Cabinet with Door

Dining Room Sidekick - Small Cabinet with Door
Difficulty
Intermediate
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This small cabinet with door is easy to build for about $50 in materials.  Free plans created by ANA-WHITE.com

Does your family use the dining room table for board games, arts and crafts, homework, and more?  What do you do with all the stuff when dinner time comes around?

We were spending a good twenty minutes clearing our dining table off every evening before dinner, and moving all the board games to a cabinet in the living room.  I'm a firm believer that efficient processes make for clean and clutter free homes, and hauling board games into another room Every. Single. Meal. is not efficient.  Not at all.

We were also spending a good amount of time hauling napkins and salt and pepper from the spice cabient to the table and back.  Why are we doing this.

My dining table doesn't need a sideboard.  It needs a sidekick.

Just for the board games.  Just for the salt and pepper.

But since I wanted this new piece to be beautiful in my space, I added a little detail to the door.

I love that the detail makes what is a very simple and modest cabinet into something interesting and scrulptural.  I love that the door looks like a giant "Play" button, because this cabinet is all about play.  

But most of all - I love that this cabinet was such a truly simple build.  So simple.  

You can watch me build it in the following video -

And then build it yourself with the free plans following.

Enjoy! Ana

 

PS - Don't need a side cabinet in your dining room?  You could also use this cabinet as a counter height desk-

Small bath vanity (may need to make deeper to accommodate the sink and plumbing -

Or go double width and use it as console, media or entertainment center, sideboard or bookshelf.

Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see any of the modifications made into plans.

 

 

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Dining Room Sidekick - Small Cabinet with Door

Dimensions
Dining Room Sidekick - Small Cabinet with Door
Dimensions shown above. About the size of a small bath vanity.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - sheet of 3/4" plywood ripped into two strips, 15-3/4" wide x 8 feet long (you'll only need about half of this material) OR 12 feet of 1x12 boards (for a narrower depth cabinet)

3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long

48" x 48" piece of 1/4" plywood

2 small hinges

1 knob

may also need a magnetic clasp or similar to keep door shut

Common Materials
3/4 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch finish nails
Cut List

Carcass

2 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 35-1/4" - sides

1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 23-3/4" - top

1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 22-1/4"  - bottom shelf

1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-1/4" x 22-1/4" - middle shelf

1 - 1/4" plywood @ 23-3/4" x 32-3/4" - back

 

Face Frame

1 - 1x3 @ 23-3/4" - face frame top

2 - 1x3 @ 33-1/2" - face frame sides

1 - 1x3 @ 18-3/4" - face frame bottom

 

Door

2 - 1x3 @ 27-1/2" - door stiles

3 - 1x3 @ 13-1/2" - door rails

2 - 1x3 @ 14-1/8" - long point to short point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends ARE parallel 

4 - 1x3 @ 9-1/2" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends are NOT parallel

1 - 1/4" plywood @ 27-1/2" x 18-1/2"

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Cut out the bottom of the side panels with a jigsaw or circular saw.  The two side panels need to be made in mirror, with the front leg smaller than the back.  This will matter if your plywood has a finished side that you'd like to keep on the exterior of the project.

Drill three pocket holes along top edge on inside, with pocket hole jig set for 3/4" materials.

Step 2

Attach sides to top with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Attach bottom to sides with pocket holes.

Step 3

Cut back on tablesaw or with circular saw.

Attach with glue and 3/4" brad nails.

Step 4

Build face frame first with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Attach to the front of project with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Add inlay pieces.

Attach back with glue and 3/4" brad nails.

Step 7

Install door with hinges.

Add shelves.

Sand and finish as desired.

Comments

jvos

Thu, 01/24/2019 - 07:47

Ana, the PDF version link does not appear to be working on this plan.

ashmo

Tue, 06/23/2020 - 18:26

I would love the double width plans! I have the perfect place planned for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!