You won't get very far without some good wood or at least choosing your materials carefully. Oak has been popular choice for ages, with red oak the preferred choice of the moment. This wood takes a stain very well and is exceptionally durable. Once it is in place you don't normally need to guard against scratches and dents. Furthermore it can usually be obtained at a very good price. Hickory, birch and maple all have particular characteristics that might change your mind, but red oak is best in general. plan.

If you need to know how to build kitchen cabinets here are some tips. If this is your very first do-it-yourself project consider the fact that many experienced builders think you should possess at least intermediate woodworking skills and a basic set of woodworking tools before you get started. If you don't possess those skills and tools you may end up borrowing both tools and expert advice along the way.

Here is a list of what you might need in addition to your red oak. At the very least you will require a tape measure, some clamps, wood screws, a drill and a table saw. You may also need the following: a sander, jigsaw router, sandpaper, wood glue, 1/2-inch plywood, 1 x 6 lumber, dowels, hinges, knobs, finishing nails, wood putty and drawer slides.

As far as plans go there are countless free sources available from hardware stores, building supply stores or online that will give you step by step guidance on how to build kitchen cabinets. Sample a few before you decide on your own plan of action and take heed to the bits of advice that follow. You also need to touch base with the people that will be using the kitchen once it is in place to gauge the amount of storage space you are going to require.

The time honored tip to measure twice and cut once can be expanded to include additional specifics: Take out your tape measure and use it to estimate not just the dimensions of the area in which the cabinetry is going to go but also the location of windows, appliances, plumbing and electrical outlets.

Next you can create a cut list for the plywood parts that will be assembled into the boxes that will be at the heart of your cabinets. These box-like structures are put together using finishing nails and glue.

If you are new to this you might want to consider having your local building supply store cut wood to order. When assembling a cabinet, rest the parts on end on a clean, flat surface. The back should always be attached last. If you are using metal pipe clamps protect the wood by inserting a shim between the wood and the clamp.

Once your cabinets are assembled it is time to apply a finish to them. Finishing costs can account for as much as 50 per cent of the entire cost of finished cabinets. Paints and finishes that add a glaze to your cabinetry will cost considerably more than non-glaze products.