Open Shelf End Wall Cabinet

Difficulty

Beginner Projects

Free plans to DIY a kitchen cabinet open end shelf by Ana-White.com

Hello DIY Friends!

We are so close to being done with the second Momplex kitchen! But not quite, so just sneak peeks today :)

One of my favorite parts of this kitchen (as opposed to the first Momplex kitchen) is the open end shelf we made above the bar area.

We did this for two reasons:

We built a bar, so access to a cabinet above would have been limited. But it would have looked unbalanced to end the kitchen without the open end cabinet.

And we built an open wall cabinet on the other end of the wall cabinets. The kitchen is more balanced with the two open wall cabinets on each end.

This is also the easiest cabinet to build - you'll be amazed at how easy it is to add open end wall cabinets to your kitchen!

Enjoy the plans following!

XO Ana + Family

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above - alter to fit your cabinets!!!

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x12 @ 30" long or 3/4" plywood @ 11-1/4" x 30" (MATCH YOUR CABINETS!!!)
1 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 4 feet long
1-1/4" nails or staples
Screws for hanging to adjacent cabinet and studs in wall

For painted cabinets, use poplar
For stained cabinets, choose a wood species to match your cabinets or plywood (maple, oak, alder etc)

Cut List

1 - 1x12 @ 30" or 3/4" plywood @ 30" x 11-1/4" (MATCH YOUR CABINETS SIDES!!!)
1- 1x8 @ 30"
4 - 1x8 @ 10-1/2" (ADJUST TO FIT!!)
2 - 1x2 @ 7-1/4" (or width of 1x8)
2 - 1x2 @ 9-3/4" (ADJUST TO FIT!!)

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

We stapled this entire cabinet together because we did not want any pocket holes showing. The cabinet is plenty sturdy. Here we used glue and 1-1/4" staples.

The side panel should match your other cabinets, including a face frame and the back if your other cabinets have one. Also check the height of your existing cabinets - 30" is standard.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you assemble your cabinet in the correct configuration for installation - As shown, we built a cabinet that is open to the left.

Step 2

Build the top and bottom shelves first with staples or nails and glue. We used 1-1/4" staples here.

Step 3

Then we glued and attached the top and bottom shelves to the backs.

Step 4

Then we added the remaining two shelves.

We hung the cabinet by attaching it to both the neighboring cabinet and studs in the wall. If no studs, use a drywall anchoring system.

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

Kitchen Cabinet Plan, Accessories and Serving