Small Locker Cabinet

locker cabinet
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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A small locker cabinet ideal for helping children organize and hang their own belongings.

Dimensions
plan dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long

1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x3 @ 14 feet long

1 - 1/4" Plywood or Beadboard 1/2 sheet

Common Materials
2 inch screws
1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 - 1x12 @ 51 1/4" (Sides)

1 - 1x12 @ 40 1/2" (Top)

2 - 1x12 @ 37 1/2" (Shelves)

2 - 1x12 @ 33 1/2" (Dividers)

1 - 1/4" Plywood @ 39" x 52" (Back - 48" would work.)

2 - 1x2 @ 49 3/4" (Sides)

1 - 1x3 @ 36" (Footer)

1 - 1x2 @ 39" (Header)

1 - 1x2 @ 40 1/2" (Crown)

Cutting Instructions

Cut list is also shown in the PDF. Cut longest boards first.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Full detailed instructions are shown in the PDF.

Instructions

Step 1

Start by cutting all your boards. I used my Kreg Jig™ to drill pocket holes into the inside tops of the blue boards, both ends on the underside of the green boards, and on both ends of the purple boards. I drilled three pocket holes per end. Then I measured and marked out all of my joints. Don’t forget that a 1x is actually only 3/4″ thick.

Step 2

After squaring everything up, I tacked the back on with 1″ finish nails and glue. By also nailing into shelves and the locker sides, you add strength to the piece.

Step 3

Then I built the face frame by drilling pocket holes in both ends of the purple board, and the top ends of the blue boards. I marked the side boards and joined all the boards with screws through the pocket holes. Super easy. Finally, I used 2″ finish nails and glue to attach the face frame to the front of the locker cabinet.

Step 4

Finally, I used glue and 2″ nails to attach the crown to the top of the face frame and the top of the locker cabinet.

Step 5

Comments

scballou (not verified)

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 20:06

Jenny's Farmhouse Table

I'd love to find out what kind of paint Jenny used for that wall color! Its gorgeous!

WindyLou (not verified)

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 21:16

If Jenny doesn't make it back to comment, we have a similar color in our house called Sunnydale (for sure) made by valspar (I think).

PP-SD (not verified)

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 23:07

Hi Im new on here & live in England. I cant wait to try one of your projects. They are amazing and sound great fun to make.
Jenny what a FAB table. I love it. Where on earth do you start to make a table like that? I've been after a table like that for years. Never ever thought of making my own.... till now :-)
Many thanks for a great site. I'm in my element here.
Pam

Jenny (not verified)

Thu, 08/19/2010 - 00:44

Hi, I'm Jenny. Thanks everyone for your comments! The paint in my kitchen & dining room is called Lounge Green from Sherwin Williams. It is my favorite wall color in the house.

ellison01 (not verified)

Thu, 08/19/2010 - 17:44

Love this so much i made it today! Painting and hopefully bringing it in the house tomorrow, can't wait to share pics!

allthosedelgados

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 10:21

any chance I can get your sketch up file for this? I'm making something similar for my boys room, but it needs modifying. I could start from scratch, but.....
Thanks!

NathanE (not verified)

Fri, 09/09/2011 - 10:14

Why does the material list 1 1x3 at 14 feet when it's only used for the footer? I'm presuming it's a typo and we actually need a 4' (one foot of which gets cut off)?

A desperate ho… (not verified)

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 11:52

I have read many of your plans. I have never built anything and I am very nervous to start. Why? I have no clue.

I have a newbie-type of question: How do you hide all of the nails/screws? I know you countersink them. (I had my husband explain what this meant. hehe) How do you cover them. All of the projects looks so polished and I see nothing that talks about covering the holes.

In this particular project you mention using the Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes into the boards yet I see no indication of this in the image. Help!? Before I start, how do I hide the holes?

Thanks a million for all you do! I can't wait to try my hand at making my own things. :)

Brad Kid Lockers (not verified)

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 18:26

I love these kid lockers. My little ones know that when they come home from school, their coats go in the locker on the hook and the rain boots go under the seat until it rains again. I built similar lockers in my mudroom and it was one of the best things I've ever done.
No more searching the house for coats and boots and whatever, it's all in the lockers!

Brad Kid Lockers (not verified)

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 18:32

I love these kid lockers. My little ones know that when they come home from school, their coats go in the locker on the hook and the rain boots go under the seat until it rains again. I built similar lockers in my mudroom and it was one of the best things I've ever done.
No more searching the house for coats and boots and whatever, it's all in the kids locker!

JoanneS

Fri, 01/17/2014 - 11:47

Hi CatharineB,

If you ever have trouble with the .pdf link, you can also save the "printer friendly version" of the plan as a .pdf. These are the steps if you have Windows 7:

Click on the "printer friendly version" icon to open (located at the bottom of the plan, just above the comments)
Right click > Print
In the Print box that pops up, under "Destination" click "Change"
Then from the pull down you can select "save as pdf"
Click Save, and then you'll get the normal windows for saving the file onto your computer.

Good luck with your build!
Joanne

Kathibob

Tue, 10/08/2019 - 12:53

I am unable to find a link to the PDF for the child locker cubbies.  I really want to build them for my preschool classroom!!! Help!

Kathi

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!