How to build a dining sideboard — 60" × 15" × 33"

Cut list

Step by step

1. Prepare edges and knob holes

   Smooth the precut panels and drill the two knob holes before assembly.

   • Mark each knob center 1 1/2" from the inner edge and 14 1/8" above the bottom.
   • Clamp a backing block beneath each door hole.
   • Drill each knob hole with a 3/16" bit.
   • Sand exposed edges with 120-grit paper.
   • Smooth faces lightly with 180-grit paper.

2. Assemble the recessed plinth

   Join the two long rails to the three connecting webs on a flat surface.

   • Clamp the three webs between the long rails.
   • Mark two screw centers at each web end, 1" and 2" above the bottom.
   • Drill 3/32" pilots through the rails into the web edges.
   • Countersink the screw heads flush.
   • Drive two 1 1/2" screws at each connection.

3. Join the cabinet shell

   Fasten the bottom and top to the four upright panels before adding the base.

   • Clamp the four uprights between the bottom and top.
   • Set each outer cupboard opening to 15 1/4" clear width.
   • Drill three 3/32" pilots at each upright end.
   • Countersink the outer faces of the top and bottom.
   • Drive the 1 1/2" screws through the top and bottom into each upright.

4. Install shelves and door stops

   Screw in the fixed shelves and glue the upper door stops behind the closed doors.

   • Clamp the center shelf with its top 16" above the finished floor.
   • Clamp the cupboard shelves with their tops 18" above the finished floor.
   • Drill three 3/32" pilots through each supporting upright into each shelf end.
   • Drive the 1 1/2" screws flush into the countersunk holes.
   • Glue the two stops beneath the top behind the doors.
   • Clamp the stops until the glue cures.

5. Secure the back and base

   Square the cabinet with its back panel, then fasten the cabinet onto the plinth.

   • Clamp the back between the top and bottom rear edges.
   • Equalize the cabinet diagonals.
   • Fasten the back to all four uprights and three shelves with 1" screws.
   • Lower the cabinet onto the plinth with a helper.
   • Set the plinth back 2" from the front and both ends.
   • Drive the 1 1/2" screws through the bottom into all five plinth members.

6. Apply the clear finish

   Finish the cabinet and loose doors before mounting the door hardware.

   • Remove sanding dust from all surfaces.
   • Apply a thin coat of water-based clear polyurethane.
   • Allow the coat to dry for the label's stated interval.
   • Smooth raised grain lightly with 180-grit paper.
   • Apply a second thin coat.
   • Allow the finish to cure before fitting hardware.

7. Hang doors and fit knobs

   Mount the two inset doors with equal gaps and attach their knobs.

   • Position each hinge center 4 1/2" from its nearest door end.
   • Support each door on 1/8" spacers.
   • Mark the hinge holes through the actual hinge leaves.
   • Drill depth-limited pilots for the hinge screws.
   • Fasten the four hinges with twenty-four 5/8" pan-head screws.
   • Attach the two knobs with their 1" machine screws.

8. Check the finished sideboard

   Check the cabinet's stability, door operation and fasteners before use.

   • Place the sideboard on a level indoor floor.
   • Inspect every screw head for protrusion.
   • Open each door through its usable swing.
   • Close both doors against their stops.
   • Store heavier items in the lower compartments.