Install a Recessed Cabinet

How to Build a Recessed Cabinet

1. 1 Determine the Cabinet Dimensions

   
   

   Measure the width of the space where the cabinet will be installed. Measure at several heights above the floor and at the front and back of the space. Record and use the smallest measurement.

2. 2 Make the Base

   

   Cut the base frame parts to length and assemble the base with 2½" wood screws. Center the base between the side walls and against the back wall. Level the base with shims and then secure it to the back wall.

3. 3 Attach the Divider Panels

   

   Attach the divider panels to the top and bottom with 2" screws. Use a square to make sure the divider is perpendicular to the top and bottom. Bore a pilot hole and countersink hole for each screw. Drive the screws through the top and bottom.

4. 4 Attach the Back Panel

   

   Attach the back panel with glue and 1" brads or 1" narrow crown staples. Keep the cabinet sides, top, and bottom perpendicular as you attach the back panel.

5. 5 Attach the Cabinet to the Wall

   

   Bore a pilot and countersink hole through the back cleat and side panels at each stud location. Place scrap blocks or shims behind each screw hole to fill the gap between the wall and cabinet. Secure the cabinet with 3" drywall screws.

6. 6 Temporarily Attach the Rails to the Cabinets with Tape

   

   Then, scribe the stiles to follow the profile of the wall. Hold the stile perpendicular to the rails and against the side wall. Set a compass opening to match the distance that the stile overlaps the ends of the rails.

7. 7 Scribe the Wall Profile on the Outside Edge of the Stile

   

   Hold the metal point of the compass against the wall and pull the compass down along the wall to trace the profile of the wall onto the face of the stile. The stile must remain perpendicular to the rails as you draw the scribe line.

8. 8 Lay Out the Face Frame Parts + Assemble

   

   Assemble the cabinet face frame with pocket screws. Clamp the parts to a large work surface to keep them perpendicular as they are connected.

9. 9 Make a Template for the Top

   

   Tape together pieces of paper or cardboard to make a template for the top. Leave a 1⁄8" space between the template and the walls. Then, trace the template on the top panel stock and cut out the top.

10. 10 Attach the Top to the Cabinet

    

    Attach the top to the cabinet with 1¼" screws. Drive the screws through the underside of the cabinet top panel and into the finished top. Use one screw in each corner and two screws evenly spaced near the front and back of the cabinet.

11. 11 Rout the Stub Tenon Profile on Both Ends of the Rails

    

    This router bit set cuts a 3⁄8"–long stub tenon. The extra ¾" necessary for the two stub tenons must be added to the length of the rails. Rout the stub tenons on the ends of the rails. Set the router bit height so the top cutter will mill a 1⁄8"-deep rabbet above the stub tenon.

12. 12 Rout the Groove Profile in the Inside Edges of the Rails + Stiles

    

    Set the router bit height to align the groove with the stub tenon. Make test cuts in a scrap piece to adjust the bit height for a perfect fit before cutting the actual parts.
    

    
    

13. 13 Assemble the Door Frame with Glue

    

    Measure diagonally across the corners to check the frame for square (or, just use a carpenter’s square). If the diagonal measurements are equal, then the frame is square.

14. 14 Remove the Back Lip of the Groove

    

    Use a bottom-bearing rabbet bit to remove the back lip of the groove. Set the bit depth so that the bearing rides on the front edge or “stick” profile of the door

15. 15 Hang the Doors

    

    Fasten the hinge to the door using the slotted screw holes first. These holes allow you to adjust the door position slightly. Drive screws in the fixed screw holes after the door is positioned correctly in the cabinet. Drill pilot holes for each screw to prevent stripping the screw head, breaking the screws or splitting the door stile.

16. 16 Install the Glass in the Doors

    

    Attach the tack strips to hold the glass in the doors. Use a brad push tool to drive the brads or gently tap the brads with a small hammer. Cover the glass with a piece of cardboard to protect it.