32 Cheap & Easy DIY Storage Cabinet Ideas

Last updated on May 30, 2024

Here are 32 different ways to make your own storage cabinets, all with different tutorials and materials lists.

If you’re looking for some extra storage space, a great way to get it is by building your own storage cabinet. These DIY storage cabinet tutorials can show you how to build a sturdy and stylish cabinet that will fit in nicely with any room’s decor.

The tutorials cover all the necessary steps, from choosing the right materials and cutting the pieces to assembling the cabinet and adding the finishing touches. With clear instructions and helpful illustrations, these tutorials make it easy to get great results.

Building your own storage cabinet is a great way to save money and get exactly the look and functionality you want. These tutorials will help you every step of the way, so check them out if you’re ready to start your next project.

You can expect to pay $70 to $100 per cabinet.

How to Build a Storage Cabinet

Tutorial: shanty-2-chic.com

Expected cost: $30-$40 for hardwood and plywood.

Supplies:

Hardwood plywood
Pocket hole screws
Wood glue
Miter saw

This project features lovely farmhouse-style “X” door frame cabinets. You can use these in the living room, as they add a ton of decor value. The project is intermediate woodworking level.

simplyhandmadestudios.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: simplyhandmadestudios.com

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
Kreg pocket hole system
1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Stain or paint (optional)

This project is an intermediate-level project that will take some time to complete. It requires some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of how to use a Kreg pocket hole system.

The cost of this project will vary depending on the materials you use, but it should be around $70 per cabinet.

Tutorial: woodshopdiaries.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1×8 lumber
Plywood
MDF
Wood glue
Construction adhesive
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Polyurethane

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a storage console with cubbies, shelves, baskets, and doors to hide things behind.

You will need to have some experience with woodworking and using power tools in order to complete this project successfully.

Tutorial: angelarosehome.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
1×4 lumber
Cordless drill
Circular saw
High-grit sandpaper
Stain or paint
Hardware (screws, hinges, handles, 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.

Tutorial: diyhuntress.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
2×4 lumber
Plywood
Miter saw
Circular saw
Power drill
1 inch hole saw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint
Polyurethane
Cabinet hardware

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on my website, but I think it’s definitely doable for most people. It requires some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of how to use power tools.

The project should take a few days to complete.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Pre-finished maple plywood
Euro style cup hinges
Wood glue
Cordless drill
1/8″ drill bit
Counter sink bit
#8 x 1-1/4″ screws
#8 x 2″ screws
Tape measure
Circular saw
Router
1/4″ router bit
Clamps
Sandpaper

This project is a tall shop cabinet that is used to store safety gear. It is made out of pre-finished maple plywood and has euro style cup hinges.

The project is not difficult to complete, but it does require some basic woodworking skills and knowledge.

addicted2decorating.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: addicted2decorating.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1×8 lumber
2×4 lumber
Plywood
French door hardware
Stain
Polyurethane

This project is a bit more challenging than the average DIY project, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a storage cabinet with French doors and then finishing the inside of the cabinet with stain.

The process is fairly straightforward, but it does require some basic woodworking skills and knowledge.

Tutorial: myoutdoorplans.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
Plywood
Galvanized screws
Waterproof glue
Paint or stain

This step-by-step DIY woodworking project is about storage cabinet plans. If you want to learn more about building tower cabinets with lots of storage space, we recommend you take a look over the instructions described in the article.

Invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood, or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws to prevent the wood from splitting.

Tutorial: girljustdiy.com

Expected cost: $150

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
Circular saw
High-grit sandpaper
Stain
Polyurethane
Cabinet hardware
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Paintbrush

This project is a bit more involved than some of the other projects on this site, but the plans are step-by-step and detailed so if you’ve had any experience using saws you can totally make this too. The Inspiration Piece at Pottery Barn (their Irene Cabinet) retails for $520.

adiamondinthestuff.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: adiamondinthestuff.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
1×4 lumber
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Drill
1/8″ drill bit
Screws
Paint or stain
Polyurethane

This project is a bit more difficult than your average build, but the end result is worth it! You’ll need to be able to measure and cut wood, as well as drill and screw things together. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through every step of the process.

Tutorial: simplybeautifulbyangela.com

Expected cost: $30 per cabinet

Supplies:

2x3s (8 feet long)
Plywood (4 feet by 4 feet)
1x4s (8 feet long)
1x6s (8 feet long)
1x8s (8 feet long)
1x10s (8 feet long)
1x12s (8 feet long)
Cabinet door
Cabinet pulls
Wood screws
Wood glue

This project is a great way to add extra storage and functionality to two cheap cube units. It is relatively easy to complete, with the most difficult part being cutting the legs out of 2x3s.

Once the legs are cut, the rest of the project simply involves attaching various pieces of wood together and adding a door. Overall, this project should only take a couple of hours to complete.

Tutorial: diydanielle.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Stud finder
Level
Cabinets
Countertop
Screws
Legs or feet (optional)

This project is not difficult to complete, but it may take some time depending on the size of your living room and the number of cabinets you choose to use. You will need to find studs in your wall in order to properly secure the cabinets, and level them so they are even with one another.

The countertop can be made from scratch or purchased separately, and you may want to add legs or feet to the bottom of the cabinets for additional support.

Tutorial: storables.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
Circular saw
High-grit sandpaper
Stiles
Construction adhesive
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Paint or stain
Cabinet hardware

This project is a guide on how to build your own storage cabinets. It is not difficult to follow and should not take too long to complete.

Tutorial: jenwoodhouse.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1/2″ plywood
1/4″ plywood
1×2 lumber
1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1×8 lumber
2×2 lumber
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Wood glue
Nails or screws
Table saw
Miter saw
Router
Sandpaper

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a cabinet with a chevron pattern on the front.

The plans are very detailed and easy to follow.

Tutorial: scavengerchic.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Recycled materials (e.g. wood, metal, etc.)
Rustic finish (e.g. paint, stain, etc.)

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a storage cabinet out of recycled materials, and then finishing it off with a rustic look.

This project will take some time to complete, but the end result will be worth it.

Tutorial: jeffandrews.net

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1/2″ plywood
1×2 lumber
1×3 lumber
1×4 lumber
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Wood glue
Nails or screws
Saw

This project is a digital download of plans for building a garage storage cabinet. The plans include a materials list, cutting list, diagrams, and tips.

This project is rated as easy to moderate difficulty and will take approximately 4 hours to complete.

Tutorial: sugarbeecrafts.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Plywood
Caulk
Sealant
Paint

This project is a great way to organize your garage and make it more functional. It is a bit of a project, but it is not too difficult to complete.

You will need to frame up the floor and line the area with plywood. Then you will need to frame in each individual locker area.

To protect from moisture and pests, you will need to caulk and seal each seam and all gaps. Once everything is sealed, you can then paint the frame and doors to finish off the look.

Tutorial: addicted2diy.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Plywood
2x2s
Wood glue
Wood screws
Circular saw
drill
drill bit
jigsaw

This project is a wine cabinet that is made out of plywood and 2x2s. It is a fairly simple project that requires basic woodworking skills.

The most difficult part of this project is probably cutting the notch for the X in the center of the plywood pieces, but other than that it should be fairly straightforward.

Tutorial: prettyhandygirl.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tall and skinny storage cabinet
Plywood
Wood screws
Drill
Saw

This project is a tutorial on how to build a tall and skinny storage cabinet. It is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours.

The materials needed are inexpensive and the tools required are basic household tools.

confessionsofaserialdiyer.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
fence pickets
brown wrapping paper
paint
screws
nails
hammer
saw

This project is a simple DIY storage cabinet that anyone can tackle. It involves building a frame for the door and shelves, then attaching fence picket pieces to the frame.

The back is covered with pretty brown wrapping paper and the hardware is painted for a pop of color. This project should take less than a day to complete.

How to Build a Basket Storage Cabinet

Tutorial: build-basic.com

Expected cost: $65

Supplies:

1/2″ plywood
1×2 lumber
1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1/4″ plywood
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Wood glue
1 1/4″ wood screws
2″ wood screws
Cordless drill
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Orbital sander
Paintbrush

This project is a simple cabinet that is perfect for storing baskets. It is made up of a few basic parts that are screwed together.

The paneled sides and shelves make it look complex, but it is actually quite easy to build. This project will take about 5 hours to complete and is rated as moderate in difficulty.

Tutorial: angelamariemade.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1×8 lumber
2×4 lumber
Plywood
Wood glue
Nails or screws
Sandpaper
Stain or paint (optional)

This project is a bit challenging, but overall not too difficult. It requires some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of how to use power tools.

The most difficult part may be getting the measurements correct and making sure all the pieces fit together perfectly.

How to Build a Wall Cabinet

Tutorial: diymontreal.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1/2″ plywood
1/4″ plywood
1″x2″ lumber
1/2″ dowel rods
Sliding door hardware
French cleat hardware
Edge banding
Wood glue
Wood screws
Cabinet pulls

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a cabinet with sliding doors to store all of your screws, nails, and other small parts.

You will need to cut dadoes for the shelves and doors, as well as edge banding to finish off the front edges. Finally, you will need to mount the cabinet to the wall using a French cleat system.

How to Build a Mudroom Storage Cabinet

Tutorial: thisoldhouse.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
1×8 lumber
2×4 lumber
Plywood
Ruler or measuring tape
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Power drill
1 inch hole saw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint
Polyurethane
Hardware (screws, nails, hinges, handles, etc.)

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a free-standing storage cabinet with cubbies and hooks for storing coats, baskets for storing hats and gloves, and open storage for shoes underneath.

The project will take some time to complete, but the end result will be worth it.

Tutorial: rockler.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
Plywood
Wood glue
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint
Polyurethane

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 and effort to complete, but the end result will be worth it.

This project is best suited for people with some woodworking experience.

How to Build a Rolling Storage Cabinet

Tutorial: sawstop.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Baltic birch plywood
Full-extension drawer slides
Stainless-steel pulls

This project is a rolling storage cabinet that you can build almost entirely on your tablesaw. It is made from Baltic birch plywood and features simple, sturdy construction with some smart touches, like full-extension drawer slides and stainless-steel pulls.

It is a great way to keep all of your tablesaw accessories organized and at the ready. This project is not too difficult to complete, but does require some basic woodworking skills and knowledge.

Tutorial: wilkerdos.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1×4 lumber
Plywood
Table saw
Wood glue
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint (optional)

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 a few hours to complete, and you will need some basic woodworking skills and tools.

You will also need access to a table saw.

project.theownerbuildernetwork.co diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: project.theownerbuildernetwork.co

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
1×2 lumber
Cabinet hardware
Paint or stain
Sandpaper

This project is a great way to add extra storage to your home office. It is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours.

The most difficult part of this project is measuring and cutting the wood for the cabinet.

designsbystudioc.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: designsbystudioc.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

1/2 inch plywood
1×2 lumber
1×4 lumber
Casters
Drill
Screwdriver
Paint or Stain

This project is a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen without taking up too much space. It is perfect for small appliances such as a toaster oven.

The cabinet is easy to build and can be completed in a few hours. The most difficult part of the project is attaching the casters to the bottom of the cabinet, but this can be easily done with a drill and screwdriver.

How to Build Built-In Storage Cabinets

Tutorial: frugalfamilytimes.com

Expected cost: $60 per cabinet

Supplies:

Tape measure
Plywood
1×4 lumber
Circular saw
Drill
1/8″ drill bit
Screws
Paint or stain
Polyurethane

Building DIY built-in cabinets is a bit more difficult than some of the other projects, 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 use screws.

buildingbluebird.com diy storage cabinet

Tutorial: buildingbluebird.com

Expected cost: $70-$100 per cabinet

Supplies:

Cabinet
Paint
Brushes
Rollers
Drop cloths
Tape
Level
Screws
Anchors
Hammer
Drill

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still manageable for most people. It involves building a cabinet and installing it in your basement.

You will also need to paint the walls and ceiling if you want everything to match.

Tutorial: homesteady.com

Supplies:

Carpentry skills
Stud finder
Nail gun
Wood
Plywood
Nails
Screws
Lumber
Paint

This project involves building a floor-to-ceiling cabinet that is built-in to the wall. It requires some carpentry skills and knowledge of how to use a stud finder and nail gun.

The project is not too difficult to complete, but it may take some time depending on the size of the cabinet you are planning to build.