Build this armoire with open storage and concealed storage behind magnetic metal doors. Industrial chic with just a touch of metal, this cute kids room DIY project contains free step by step furniture plans to build!
Necessity truly is the mother of invention.
Preparation
5 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
20" wide tin flashing roll, 4 feet long
2 sets of hinges
2 knobs
Optional 3/4" x 3/4" cove moulding
1 sheet 1/4" plywood
2 - 1x12 @ 71 1/4"
1 - 1x12 @ 36"
5 - 1x12 @ 34 1/2"
1 - 1x4 @ 36"
1 - 1x4 @ 34 1/2"
1 - 1x2 @ 36"
1 - 1x2 @ 37 1/2"
1 - 1x2 @ 39"
4 - 1x2 @ 11 1/4" (Width of 1x12)
4 - 1x3 @ 20 1/2"
4 - 1x3 @ 17 7/8"
1 - 1/4" plywood @ 72" x 36"
If you can't find 1x12s that are straight or would like to build a wider width armoire (deeper storage) then replace the 1x12s with plywood cut into strips to your desired widths. Recommended widths to use up your plywood are 11 3/4" and 15 3/4" or 23 3/4". Choose PureBond Formaldehyde Free Plywood for a formaldehyde free alternative.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Build the cabinet box as shown above, using either 3/4" Kreg Jig holes and pocket hole screws or 2" screws and glue, countersinking screws. Adjust the box for square by taking a diagonal measurement from opposite corners, ensuring measurements match. Bottom, middle and top shelves must be fixed, remaining shelves can be adjustable or fixed at different heights. You can also use 1x10s for the non-fixed shelves for a different look or inset doors.
Step 2
Attach the back as shown above, using finish nails and wood glue.
Step 3
Now the header, nail in place from all sides as shown above.
Step 4
The footer is attached on top with 2" finish nails and wood glue. If you wish, you can use a jigsaw to cut out a decorative pattern.
Step 5
Step 6
Use 1 1/4" finish nails and glue. I like to hold the top 1x2 in place to guide me as I attach these.
Step 7
Now the front - use 1 1/4" finish nails again.
Step 8
Now for the top, use 2" finish nails and wood glue.
Step 9
Here too.
Step 10
I wanted to soften my crown, so used 3/4" x 3/4" cove mouding, mitered around the top as shown above.
Step 11
I built door frames as shown above using the Kreg Jig, with pocket holes set for 3/4" stock, 1 1/4" screws. Then I finished the empty frame and painted. Finally, I stapled the tin flashing to the back with 3/4" staples. I also filed sharp points from the tin flashing and covered the edges with clear tape.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
claydowling
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 13:09
Filing the edges
You can get rid of the sharp edge by passing a mill or bastard file over it at an angle to relieve the sharp corner. Even under tape, that's a good idea.
kindlekat
Wed, 08/24/2011 - 14:36
Just what I wanted
Looking forward to one day building this, I see great plans for it in my dining room as a wine bar/alcohol storage. I'll just add some of those wine-glass holder thingys to under one of those shelves, and perfection! Thanks Ana! This great piece could go in anyone's house for so many things!
Craftycraftswoman
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 07:02
Beautiful!
This is exactly the inspiration that I was looking for to flank a window seat I want to build in our dining room (for us piano room)! Any ideas on how to add a faux glass panel instead of metal and still have the doors close somehow?
In reply to Beautiful! by Craftycraftswoman
Linda B
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 12:17
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Linda B
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 12:10
Glass door modification
Modifying for glass inserts is an easy fix. Just build another door frame using a 2 1/4" width stile and rail. The length of stiles should be 19 3/4", and the rails 17 1/8". (I hope my math is correct!) Center the frame on the inside of the outer door frame 1/2" from the outside edge, and glue and screw together. This leaves you with a 1/4" "rabbit" on the inside of the frame for you to drop in your glass insert, and 1/2" for the door to close. Use glass "clips" to attach the glass to the door frame. An example of such is found at
http://woodworker.com/fullpres.asp?PARTNUM=158-567&LARGEVIEW=ON
I hope this works out for you. Happy building! :-)
Craftycraftswoman
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 06:56
THanks
Thanks Linda B for the help!
Guest keri (not verified)
Thu, 10/13/2011 - 17:57
American girl armoire
Is there a way to make any of these armoires smaller for my princess' doll clothes ?