How to Make a Medicine Cabinet

Before You Begin

Cut a single louver door in half to form two. Recycle a wardrobe door, or buy one for about $25. You may need to adjust the height and width of the cabinet to suit your door (this one measured 3/4-in. x 12-in. x 65-in.). So, buy the door first then alter the carcass and shelves as necessary.

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Step 1: Assemble the Carcass

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Step 2: Drill Shelf Support Holes

Using a scrap of pegboard for positioning, drill shelf support holes. Wrap masking tape around the drill bit to prevent drilling right through. Set the 1/4-in. holes (depending on the support) 1 1/2-in. in from the front and back edges of the sides.

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Step 3: Halve the Louvered Door

Lay the door face down (so any splintering happens on the back) and cut in half using scrap timber as a saw guide. To finish, sand the cut edges with 120-grit sandpaper.

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Step 4: Attach the Hinges

Position the hinges 3-in. from the top and base of the doors. Use a self-centering drill bit to position the screw holes then fasten the hinges.

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Step 5: Attach Doors to the Cabinet

Position the doors and clamp to the carcass. Fasten the hinges from the inside for an exact fit, ensuring the gap at the top, sides and between doors is about the thickness of a nickel.

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Step 6: Cut the Molding

Measure the top of the cabinet (including doors) to cut the top and base frames. Set a miter saw to 45° and position the molding upside down, against the fence. Clamp a block to the fence to secure the molding while cutting.

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Step 7: Attach Molding to the Top

Pre-drill nail holes to avoid splitting. With the sides in place, add the front top molding. Cut slightly long and shave one end with a miter saw for a tight fit. Add the molding to the base frame the same way.

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