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Here are some great tutorials and plans for creating custom built-in cabinets in your home. These projects range from simple to complex. Read on!
Building your own built-in cabinets can be a rewarding and challenging project. With careful planning and execution, you can create beautiful built-ins that will add value and functionality to your home.
These tutorials provide step-by-step instructions on how to build your own cabinets, from start to finish, and give you the plans. With their help, you can successfully complete this project and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
What you need to know before you begin:
- You can turn store-bought cabinets into built-ins by covering the unfinished sides with plywood and moldings.
- For a cheaper project, use bookcases from IKEA.
- Depending on the size the project will cost you $300 and more.
How to Build a Custom DIY Built-In Cabinets
Tutorial: angelamariemade.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 1×2 lumber
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Hooks
- Nails
- Hammer
This project is a bit more challenging than the average woodworking project, but it is still doable for most people with some patience and attention to detail.
The most difficult part of this project is probably attaching the frame to the wall, but as long as you take your time and measure everything carefully, it should go smoothly.
Tutorial: familyhandyman.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Cabinet hardware
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
This project is a tutorial on how to build built-in cabinets, bookcases, and shelving. It is rated as easy to moderate difficulty. Plans are included.
Tutorial: atlaneandhigh.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- hammer
- screwdriver
- chisel
- saw
- tape measure
- level
- cordless drill
- paintbrush
- staple gun
- utility knife
- cabinet screws
- wood glue
- 1 1/4 inch wood screws
- shiplap
- 1/4 inch plywood
- wood for countertop
- trim
- crown molding
- wood putty
- caul
This project is a bit time-consuming, but none of the steps are particularly difficult. As long as you have the right tools, it should be fairly straightforward.
You’ll need to remove existing trim, install cabinets, re-install trim, and glue shiplap to unfinished sides.
Tutorial: woodmagazine.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tablesaw
- General purpose blade
- Drawer fronts
- Boxes
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It involves making cabinets using only your tablesaw and a general-purpose blade to cut the joints.
You will also need to mount the drawer fronts to the boxes for dead-on alignments.
Tutorial: classyclutter.net
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 2×4 lumber
- Nails
- Hammer
- Paint
- Trim pieces
This project is a bit more difficult than some others, but it is definitely doable with some help. You will need to take measurements, build the base structure, and then add trim and details to finish it off.
It is important to take your time and measure everything carefully before beginning to build. Once you have the base structure built, you can then begin adding trim and details to customize it to your taste.
This project will take some time and effort, but the end result will be worth it!
Tutorial: frugalfamilytimes.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 1×4 lumber
- Circular saw
- Drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Polyurethane
- Cabinet hardware
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It will take some time to complete, but the end result is worth it.
You will need to be able to measure and cut wood, as well as drill holes and screw in screws.
Tutorial: housefulofhandmade.com
Expected cost: This project will cost around $300 to complete.
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stiles
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Cabinet hardware
- Cabinet pulls
- Cabinet knobs
This project is a tutorial on how to build cabinets. It is not difficult to complete, but does require some basic woodworking skills and knowledge.
Tutorial: addicted2decorating.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- 1×4 lumber
- 1×6 lumber
- 1×8 lumber
- 2×4 lumber
- Plywood
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Cabinet hardware
- Paint or stain
This project is a bit time-consuming, but it is not overly difficult. You will need to be able to measure and cut wood, as well as drill holes and screw in screws.
If you have never done any type of woodworking before, you may want to get some help from someone who is more experienced. Overall, though, this project should only take a few days to complete.
Tutorial: jennasuedesign.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Cabinets
- Trim
- Paint
- Caulk
- Nails
- Screws
This project involves building a base for cabinets to sit on, as well as trimming and filling in around the cabinets to create a built-in look. It is somewhat difficult to complete, but can be done with some patience and attention to detail.
Tutorial: ana-white.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 1×2 lumber
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Cabinet knobs or pulls
This project is a tutorial on how to build built-in shelving in a living room. It is rated as being easy to do and only requiring basic tools and materials.
Tutorial: catholichomebody.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Cabinet hardware
- Cabinet doors
- Shelving hardware
- Wood screws
- Paint or stain
- Caulk
- Sandpaper
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still manageable for most people. It involves building cabinets and shelves around a window, which can be tricky.
However, with careful planning and execution, it can be done relatively easily.
Tutorial: decorandthedog.net
Expected cost: $450
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Ruler or straight edge
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Polyurethane
- Cabinet hardware
- Screws
- Anchors (optional)
This project is a guide on how to build your own custom built-ins. It is heavy on pictures and light on words, but provides helpful tips and tricks that Nate learned along the way.
This project would have easily cost thousands of dollars if we had hired it out, but by following this guide you can do it for around $450.
Tutorial: honeybearlane.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Cabinets
- Bookshelves
- Plywood
- Wood screws
- L-brackets
- Paint or stain
- Cabinet hardware (optional)
This project is a bit difficult to complete, but it is definitely doable with some patience and careful planning. It will take some time to build the cabinets and bookshelves, but it is well worth the effort in the end.
The finished product looks amazing and provides a lot of extra storage space.
Tutorial: jaimecostiglio.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Ikea dresser
- Ikea cabinet
- Plywood
- Wood screws
- Cabinet hinges
- L-brackets
- Paint or stain
- Polyurethane
This project is a tutorial for building built-ins using an Ikea dresser and cabinet. It is a fairly easy project that can be completed in a weekend.
Tutorial: sawdust2stitches.com
Expected cost: $100-$200
Supplies:
- Cabinets
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil
- Paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Optional: wood glue, clamps, wood filler, wood putty
This project is a fairly simple one that can be completed in a short amount of time. The most difficult part may be modifying the cabinets, but this is completely optional.
Overall, this project should not take more than a few hours to complete.
Tutorial: bhg.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Paint
- Stain
- Trim
- Bookcases
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still manageable for most people. It involves painting, staining, and adding trim to bookcases to create a built-in look.
The most important step is adding the trim, which can be tricky to get right. But with a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can do it!
Tutorial: woodshopdiaries.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Cabinet carcasses
- Face frames
- Drawer fronts
- Finish of your choice
- Hardware of your choice
This project of floor-to-ceiling cabinets is a bit tricky, but if you have the measurements for your space, it shouldn’t be too difficult. You will need to build the cabinet carcasses and then add the face frames.
The hardest part might be adding the drawer fronts, but if you are careful with your measurements, it should be fine. Once everything is assembled, you can then finish and install it in your space.
Tutorial: designedsimple.com
Expected cost: $300
Supplies:
- Wood
- Baseboards
- Trim
- Door hardware
- Paint
- Caulk
- Nail filler
This project is one of the easier ones, but it is still time-consuming. You will need to cut the wood, attach the baseboards, trim out each shelf, add door hardware, and paint.
The most tedious part will be caulking and filling in each nail hole.
Tutorial: livingwithlady.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- MDF
- Shiplap
- Trim
- Paint
- Wallpaper
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, as it requires precise measuring and cutting. However, if you follow the tutorial closely, it should be a relatively easy project to complete.
You will need to gather some supplies before beginning, including MDF, shiplap, trim, paint, and wallpaper.
Tutorial: thistlewoodfarms.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Crown molding
- Trim
- Plywood
- Wood glue
- Nails
- Hammer
- Saw
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still manageable for most people. It involves removing moldings, building a frame, attaching crown molding, and adding trim.
The most challenging part may be attaching the trim to hide the gap between the bookcase and the new top.
Tutorial: roomfortuesday.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Ruler or straight edge
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stiles
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrush or roller
- Cabinet pulls
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It will take some time to measure and cut the pieces for the built-ins, and you will need to be careful when installing them so that they are level and secure.
Once the built-ins are installed, you can then add doors, trim, and paint to finish them off. This project will likely take a few days to complete.
Tutorial: lovelyetc.com
Expected cost: This project will cost you at least $300
Supplies:
- A lot of time
- Patience
- Attention to detail
This project is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail.
But if you’re up for the challenge, the end result is definitely worth it!
DIY Home Library Built-In
Tutorial: catzinthekitchen.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stiles
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Cabinet hardware
- Lumber
This project involves building custom cabinets and a bookshelf to create a floor-to-ceiling built-in unit. It is fairly difficult to complete, as it requires woodworking skills and knowledge of cabinet construction.
How to Build Custom Built-in Shelving Units
Tutorial: thisoldhouse.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- 1×4 lumber
- 1×6 lumber
- 1×8 lumber
- 2×4 lumber
- Plywood
- Wood glue
- Nails or screws
- Paint or stain
- Sandpaper
This project involves building custom shelving units around an existing fireplace mantel. It is a relatively simple project that should only take a few hours to complete.
Tutorial: jenwoodhouse.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Plywood
- Butcher block countertop
- Glass for doors
- Router
- Cove and bead router bits
This project is a bit challenging, but can be completed with some patience and attention to detail. You’ll need to measure and cut the plywood for the bookcases and window bench, then route a cove and bead profile on the edges of the butcher block countertop.
The most challenging part will be building the glass-front doors for the bookcases, but there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you through that process.
Tutorial: plankandpillow.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Ruler or straight edge
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Polyurethane
- Cabinet hardware
- Drill
- 1-inch hole saw
- Cordless drill
- Screws
- Anchors (optional)
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. You will need to have a good understanding of woodworking and carpentry to complete this project.
The finished product will be a set of built-in bookshelves that are unique and stylish.
Tutorial: dreambookdesign.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- 1×4 wood
- 1×6 wood
- drill
- screws
- saw
This project is a great way to add some extra storage and style to your home. It is a bit more difficult than some other projects, but it is definitely doable for most people.
You will need to be able to measure and cut wood, as well as drill holes and screw in screws.
Tutorial: homedepot.com
Expected cost: $300
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 1×4 lumber
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Paint or wood finish
- Screws
- Anchors (optional)
This project is a beginner-level project that will take you through the steps to build your own DIY built-in bookshelves. The project is not difficult to complete, but it will take some time and effort.
You will need to measure the area where you want the shelves to go, choose the wood for the shelves, cut the support frame and side panels, drill holes for the hardware, paint or finish the wood, and attach the bottom shelf and baseboard. Once you have completed all of these steps, you can then add books and decor to your new shelves!
Tutorial: artsychicksrule.com
Expected cost: $300
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Cabinets
- Screws
- Drill
This project is a bit time consuming, but not overly difficult. You will need to measure and cut the wood for the base and shelves, as well as assemble the cabinets.
It is important to be precise when measuring and cutting the wood, in order to ensure a professional looking finish.
Tutorial: younghouselove.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Two cabinets
- Blocking
- End panels
- Filler pieces
This project entails building a platform for two cabinets, adding blocking to the back of the cabinets, attaching end panels to the sides of the cabinets, and adding filler pieces to bridge the gap between the cabinets and the wall. It is a moderately difficult project that requires some basic woodworking skills.
Tutorial: clare.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- Circular saw
- Drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Paint or stain
- Shelving brackets
This project is a step-by-step guide on how to create a DIY built-in bookshelf. It is not overly difficult, but does require some basic carpentry skills.
You will need to measure and cut the wood for the shelves, as well as drill holes for the shelving brackets. Once the shelves are installed, you can then paint or stain them to match your desired aesthetic.
Tutorial: paultrandiy.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Cabinets
- Plywood
- 2x4s
- LED lights
- Wire
- drill
- saw
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a platform for the cabinets to sit on, as well as cutting and installing spacers to create the built-in look.
You will also need to wire LED lights into the cabinets and install them.
DIY Built-in Storage Cabinets
Tutorial: angelarosehome.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Plywood
- 1×4 lumber
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
- High-grit sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Hardware (screws, hinges, knobs, etc.)
This project is a storage cabinet DIY that anyone can do. It is a relatively easy project that only requires basic carpentry skills.
The most difficult part of this project is removing the baseboards from the wall, but other than that it is a fairly straightforward project.
DIY Built In Cabinets and Window Seat
Tutorial: blesserhouse.com
Expected cost: This project will cost around $300 to complete
Supplies:
- Wood boards at least 2 feet by 2 feet
- A saw
- A drill
- A set of drill bits
- A set of saw blades
- A set of clamps
- A set of sandpaper
- A set of screws
- A set of nails
- A set of wire
- Paint
- Wood glue
This project is a bit challenging but definitely doable for the average person. It will take some time to complete, but the end result is worth it.
How to Turn Stock Cabinets into DIY Built-Ins
Tutorial: morelikehome.net
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Stock cabinets
- Plywood
- Construction adhesive
- Cordless drill
- 1 inch hole saw
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Sander
- Paint or Stain
- Cabinet hardware
This project is a tutorial on how to turn stock cabinets into built-in’s. It is a moderate difficulty project that requires some basic woodworking skills.
Tutorial: rainonatinroof.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Tape measure
- Carpenter’s level
- Carpenter’s square
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screws
- Plywood
- 2×4 lumber
This project involves building a frame for prefab cabinets to sit on, and then attaching the cabinets to the frame. It is not difficult to complete, but does require some basic carpentry skills.
Tutorial: thefarmhouselife.com
Expected cost: $300+
Supplies:
- Wood
- Cabinet making tools
- Paint or stain
- Hardware (knobs, pulls, etc.)
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It will take some time to complete, but the end result will be worth it.
You will need to have some basic knowledge of woodworking and cabinet making to complete this project.
Tutorial: makeitwithkate.com
Expected cost: $300
Supplies:
- 1×4 lumber
- nail gun
- wood glue
- level
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for someone with intermediate building skills. You will need to be able to measure and cut wood, as well as use a nail gun and wood glue.
The most difficult part may be making sure that all of your shelves are level, but as long as you take your time and measure carefully, it should be fine.
How to Build a DIY TV Built-In
Tutorial: justcallmehomegirl.com
Expected cost: $300
Supplies:
- 1×4 lumber
- 1×6 lumber
- Kreg Jig
- Drill
- Saw
This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for someone with basic woodworking skills. You will need to be able to use a drill and saw, as well as have access to a Kreg Jig (this can be rented from most hardware stores).
The project will take a few days to complete, depending on how much time you have to work on it.
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