36" Corner Base Pie Cut Kitchen Cabinet - Momplex White Kitchen

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Plans for 36" base pie cut corner cabinet with lazy susan from Ana-White.com

Back to kitchen cabinets today!!!

The first cabinet we actually built for the Momplex Unit Sewing Mom Kitchen was ths corner base cabinet.

So this corner cabinet is totally overbuilt.

I'm a big fan of doing something right the first time, so when I set out to build the kitchen corner cabient, I wanted to make sure it would last forever.

Well, you could probably drive a truck over it.

We once bought a corner kitchen cabinet, with a pie cut front, one of those off the shelf ones, and when I took the packaging off and realized the back was just a thick cardboard stapled around, I felt cheated.  So when it came time for us to build a corner base cabinet for the first Momplex kitchen cabient, I decided to put 3/4" plywood on the back.  

It's overkill - unless the cabinet is freestanding (for example, turns a corner into a peninsula) - and I'll be adding a more simplified version of this plan when we do the cabinets for the other Momplex kitchen.

In our kitchen, we have an "easy reach" pie cut corner base, but it is anything but easy to reach in there.  So I insisted this time around to put a lazy susan in.

We could definitely have DIYed a lazy susan, but these are so cheap, easy to clean, and adjustable, we ordered a kit.  It was definitely the right decision.

So no shelves to be placed inside, just a giant, odd shaped box, with a pie cut piece removed from the front.

We started with two side panels, that EXACTLY matched the other base cabinets in this kitchen.

With the exception of no shelf pin holes because there are no shelves in this cabinet.  

And then we just constructed the cabinet (see lots more details on building base cabinets here and also the exact plans for this cabinet are below)

We used a Kreg Jig for all joinery, keeping pocket holes on outsides or undersides to make sure the inside of the cabinet is finished.

We cut the toekicks out with a jigsaw to match the rest of the base cabinets.

The bottom shelf height is consistent with the rest of the cabinets.

Told you I was crazy - that's the 3/4" plywood on the back.  

We built the face frame out of poplar 1x2 boards, but waited until after the cabient was finished and the face frame pre-painted to attach it.

We added the lazy susan kit during construction because it's much easier to reach inside a partially done cabinet than a fully finished one.

The instructions came with a pattern that you just line up with the front pie cut of the bottom shelf,

Then you just predrill holes as directed in the pattern,

Attach the bottom hardware piece,

And then the center rod that holds the two shelves,

And then slide the two shelves on, with the top shelf hardware piece under it,

Use the pattern again to drill holes for the top and attach the top hardware piece on the underside of the top (we did this before attaching the top plywood piece)

And then it's just a matter of finishing the cabinet assembly (we actually added plywood to the top of the cabinet to support the center rod, but boards could be used as well) and securing the adjustable center rod,

And lazy susan is in!!!

Much easier and more functional than shelves!

For the face frame (I'll do a more detailed post on how we painted our face frames and attached them in a bit), we already have the sides drilled with pocket holes, so just added some glue to the sides,

And attached the face frames to the cabinet, keeping the same 1/4" overextension as the rest of the base cabinets.  For the spots where we couldn't drill pocket holes, we nailed the face frame on.

And guess what the hardest part of building this cabinet was???

Yep, getting it up the split level stairs!!!  We ended up having to take it out the garage door, remove the front deck door, and barely get it in.  Barely.  We were within a 1/4" of having to disassemble the cabinet!

If you don't have a french door to access your kitchen - beware!  You may wish to build this guy in place - it's huge!!!

I'll be adding a post on doors, and will include detailed instructions on how we installed doors on this cabinet, so stay tuned for that!

The plans follow.  Happy Building!  XO Ana

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above - MUST match other base cabinet sides!!!

Preparation

Shopping List

2 sheets of 3/4" plywood (we used one sheet of prefinished plywood and one sheet of cheaper hardwood plywood in oak)
10 feet of hardwood 1x2s for the face frames

Common Materials
Cut List

1 - 3/4" plywood @ 34-1/2" x 34-3/4" (larger back piece) (we used cheaper plywood here)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 34 1/2" x 34" (smaller back piece) (we used cheaper plywood here)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 34" x 34" (bottom shelf)
2 - 3/4" plywood @ 34 1/2" x 22 1/4" (sides - must match other base cabinets)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 34" x 20" or more (top - we used cheaper plywood here)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 34" x 5" (base support, longer piece - we used cheaper plywood here)
1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15" x 5" (base support, longer piece - we used cheaper plywood here)

FACE FRAME
2 - 1x2 @ 27" (should match face frame stiles from other base cabinets)
2 - 1x2 @ 13 1/2"
2 - 1x2 @ 12 3/4"

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

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

IMPORTANT!!!! There are many different kitchen cabinet plans on this site. This base cabinet is designed to work with the base cabinets built for the White Momplex Kitchen (Sewing Mom) with a side panel overall measurment of 34-1/2" tall by 22-1/4" wide, with a 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" toekick.

So this is the overkill part ....... I put 3/4" plywood on the two back sides. We did use a cheaper plywood for the backs because it's not every going to be seen.

Make sure you drill 3/4" pocket holes along the back side edges so you can attach the sides in later steps.

Step 2

The bottom gets attached with a 5" space under the bottom shelf. Use the 5" wide plywood pieces as a spacer to help you line it up.

Remember to drill 3/4" pocket holes along the underside of the side edges for attaching the sides in the next step.

Step 3

The sides are attached to the back and bottom. Make sure there is a 5" gap under the bottom shelf on the sides.

Again, remember to drill 3/4" pocket holes along the sides for attaching the face frame in later steps.

Step 4

Instead of buying another sheet of plywood for the top, we used a scrap from the back to make up the top, cutting out the pie cut front from it. The plywood must be at least 34" x 20" to start with.

NOTE: Also drill 3/4" pocket holes facing forward on the front pie cut edges on top for attaching the face frame in later steps.

Step 5

Step 6

We built the face frames seperately with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue, and then attached though the predrilled pocket holes with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Face frames overextends the sides by 1/4".

Step 7

I'll be adding a post shortly on hanging doors with concealed euro style hinges. Doors should match the height of other overall base cabinets, and should be in width 3/8" wider than the inside opening of the face frame.

Step 8

When you go to install your base cabinets, this corner does not have the same 1/4" plywood tacked to the back as the other base cabinets that we built for the Momplex white kitchen. Easy fix is to use scrap plywood to block where you attach the base cabinet to the wall.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

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.

Comments

Patti312

Sat, 03/26/2016 - 08:29

Hi Love these plans and presently building this cabinet. I have only one question:: What size lazy suzan insert is used. I am seeing that there are more than one size and I can't seem to find the size in the plans. Thanks.

gogadgo

Thu, 05/31/2018 - 09:58

Hi Anna, 

I built this cabinet and am at a loss of how to measure door panels for ordering, what do you recommend?

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!