Difficulty

Intermediate

How to build a door for the Modular Bar Plan collection.

Well, Happy Monday!!!

This morning started with the phone ringing and someone knocking on the door before we could remember that it's spring forward day, and I was springing out of bed pretending I wasn't sleeping in. Should be called we got an hour less sleep day.

Spring Cleaning

This weekend, despite weather continuing to deny spring is coming, I got the spring cleaning bug and did some blog clean up. Most everything should be in pretty much the same spot, just more focused on cleaning things up and downplaying graphics so our content can stand out better. No biggie.

New Blog Friends Page

And then I finally got my blogroll page together! If you haven't already, take a second to meet a few of my friends - you will be DIY-amazed at the creativity, resourcefulness, and helpful, giving spirit of the DIY blogging community. I'll be adding to this list, so check back!

Amazing Brag Posts

Okay, so every brag post is super amazing - but I thought I'd share a few that have been recently added. Mike built this dining set from pallets and a 2x4!

And this bed from Jenny at Birds and Soap has a secret! The footboard hinges up to reveal a secret storage compartment. Uh, wow!

And can you believe that this is Bunnie's first project? Seriously amazing! She spent $800 on this Queen sized loft bed project ... INCLUDING the new tools.. table saw, nailer, kreg, new drill!!!

Thank you for Your Support!

And a huge thank you for your support! This was my first year in the running for a Homies award for Best DIY Blog, and although I did not come up with the most votes - congrats to Elsie from A Beautiful Mess! - I feel like a big winner with 600+ of you stopping over to support me! Thank you so much!

Building Plans

We are working on a pretty large scale project for our home, and I hope that we will be able to share the plans with you this week. Something about spring just makes me want to get the house in order, make my cleaning processes ultra efficient, get rid of the clutter, and get outside and enjoy the weather. The projects we are building will help simplify our lives, create storage, and free up more time for soaking up Vitamin D!

Remember the bar that Gina made?

And we've had a few requests to do one final plan in our modular wine bar collection. You can click the text in the diagram to go to different plans in this collection. Today, I'm just going to put together the plans for the door, and also give you some tips on hinges.

Dimensions

Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - base cabinet
1 - knob or handle
1 set of either narrow profile or surface mount hinges

Common Materials

3/4 inch finish nails

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

Cut List

Measure your door openings first before building doors. Doors should be 1/8" less on each side, or 1/4" smaller overall.

2 - 1x3 @ 17 1/4"
2 - 1x3 @ 14 1/2"

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

First you will need to build the base from this plan. If you add shelves, leave the front trim off to give room for the inset door. Measure the opening, confirming it is 1/4" wider and taller than the overall dimensions of door in this plan.

Step 2

Build the door with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 3

Cut plywood to fit back and attach with glue and nails. It's better to make the plywood smaller than larger - this is not the place for overhangs.

If you are using the euro style surface mount non-mortise full overlay/inset hinges we are all so fond of, you will need to notch the back plywood at the hinge installation spot. These hinges only work with 3/4" stock, and with the back plywood, your doors are too thick.

Step 4

We have been putting hinges on quite a few projects lately, and have been using a few different types.

Narrow Profile or Butt/Mortise Hinges

These hinges are special because they are designed so the screw heads sit flush, and can be installed on inset doors in the gap between the door and the opening. However, I find notching out the door to fit thickness of hinge where it is installed to work really well. You can do this by simply making 1/8" deep cuts every 1/8 or so, then removing the material with a chisel, or using a router if you have one.

These hinges are very inexpensive and can also be installed surface mount. You will need to add a magnetic clasp or other stop to keep the door shut.

There's also decorative types, and these, though more expensive, do not require any notching. if the gap matches the overall thickness of the hinge.

When attaching hinges, I like to cut some scraps 1/8" thick and place in the gaps around door for an even fit.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Cabinet Plans

Room

dining room

Style

Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Bunnie1978

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:09

Blushing

Thank you, Anna!
I'm still so proud of my work! The newness hasn't worn out for Aiden either. Every time he goes into his room he says "LOOK! Its my new bed that Mommy made for you! I want to slide" LOL
He's 4.

[email protected] (not verified)

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 09:30

PDF File

Can someone there please fix the PDF file link so I may download it? This is my preferred plan saving method.

Thanks for the help!

Darin

birdsandsoap

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 00:14

Thanks for the mention!

I'm trying to get over the learning curve with sketchup. UGH! I want to try to post some plans with my next big projects I'm currently working on (bunkbed that literally kicks a$$ and a bowfront fishtank stand). Loving the few days of sunshine in between the cloudy, rainy days because it gets me outside working on these awesome plans. I just ordered a rail and stile router bit and I'm going "full cabinet door" on this tank stand. We'll see how that one goes....

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 05:55

fish tank stands ae fun

And a little bit scary. I have 30 tanks all on stands made out of 2 x 4s... Scary. But if the outside of your tanks is handmade and the inside is designed...what a great representation of you.

birdsandsoap

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 11:06

thanks!

My husband decided that he wanted to set up a tank, then quickly decided that he wanted to try saltwater. I was against the idea forever because I didn't want an eyesore tank in the house. So, I decided that if I could build the stand to my liking, we would both be happy.
I've been reading reef forums for months trying to glean knowledge on stand design and setup. I think I am more into this than my husband now! So far, all of the builders have chimed in saying that 2x4 construction is overkill for a 72 gallon tank. And I must say, I am thrilled to hear it!

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 11:52