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  • Column Cabinet Open
  • Step 1: Cut Out the Parts
  • Step 2: Attach the Shelves
  • Step 3: Install the Braces
  • Step 4: Attach the Door Hinges
  • Step 5: Cut a Notch for Baseboard
  • Step 6: Secure Cabinets
  • Column Cabinet Diagram
  • Step 7: Attach Cabinets to the Wall
  • Column Cabinet Closed
  • Column Cabinet Open
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[+]
  • Column Cabinet Open
  • Step 1: Cut Out the Parts
  • Step 2: Attach the Shelves
  • Step 3: Install the Braces
  • Step 4: Attach the Door Hinges
  • Step 5: Cut a Notch for Baseboard
  • Step 6: Secure Cabinets
  • Column Cabinet Diagram
  • Step 7: Attach Cabinets to the Wall
  • Column Cabinet Closed
  • Column Cabinet Open
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Before You Start

Measure your ceiling height and adjust the heights of the cabinets so the two cabinets, when stacked, will be 1 in. shorter than the room is tall. You'll use molding to fill the gap between cabinet top and ceiling. If your ceiling height is less than 8 ft., you can save time and material by building a single tall cabinet and installing two doors.

Step 1: Cut Out the Parts

Mark the positions of the shelves on the side panels. Use a scrap piece of MDF as a guide to draw the shelf widths. Predrill three holes at the center of each shelf position.

Step 1: Cut Out the PartsStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 2: Attach the Shelves

Use clamps or a helper to hold the shelves upright, then drive screws through the sides into the edges of the shelves. Use wood glue to create a stronger bond.

Step 2: Attach the ShelvesStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 3: Install the Braces

Apply glue to the ends and one edge of each brace, position them as shown in the photo and illustration, then fasten them in place using MDF screws. Install the toe kick on the lower cabinet. Paint the cabinets and doors with one coat of primer and two coats of high gloss paint.

Step 3: Install the BracesStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 4: Attach the Door Hinges

Mark the positions of the hinges on the cabinets and the doors. Screw the mounting plates to the cabinets. Drill 35-mm holes in the doors, then insert the hinges in the holes and screw them in place. Click the door hinges into the mounting plates to install the doors.

Step 4: Attach the Door HingesStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 5: Cut a Notch for Baseboard

Use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade to cut notches in the base cabinet to accommodate any existing baseboard on the wall.

Step 5: Cut a Notch for BaseboardStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 6: Secure Cabinets

Position the lower cabinet, then set the upper cabinet in place. Drive four 1-in. screws through the bottom of the upper cabinet into the top of the lower cabinet.

Step 6: Secure CabinetsStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

Step 7: Attach Cabinets to the Wall

Drive nails, screws or wall anchors through cabinet braces to secure the cabinets to the wall.

Column Cabinet Diagram[+]
Step 7: Attach Cabinets to the WallStockFood/Gallo Images[+]

TIP

Use the same type of baseboard trim in the room to cover the three exposed sides of the cabinet base. (You can also add crown molding to cover gaps at the ceiling.) The baseboard molding around the bottom gives it a built-in look, but remove a few screws and you'll have a "cabinet to go." If you don't own a table saw, the home center will cut the pieces to size for a small fee.

Finishing Touches

Sure, the idea behind building this storage unit is to have it fit seamlessly into the space. But, if you love the visual impact of contrast, why not consider papering the cabinet, inside or out? One of our favorite ways to add instant "wow" to anything—furniture, bookcase or a single wall—is to paper it. Many papers are removable for instant change-out. Our favorites include papers by KremeLife. They're bright, colorful, edgy, eco-friendly and gorgeous.
Column Cabinet ClosedStockFood/Gallo Images[+]
Column Cabinet OpenStockFood/Gallo Images[+]
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