Build your own snack cabinet with these simple plans! Leave the shelf and store a fridge in there. Inspired by Pottery Barn Teen Chantham Snack Cabinet, this free, simple DIY plan guides you step by step through making your own!
Many of you probably took a bittersweet journey today, taking your children to school. We are so thankful Grace is a winter baby and we get to keep her on the construction site yet another year. Who says learning how plumbing works (and is installed) isn't an education?
A special thank you to you for nominating me and voting for me by clicking the Facebook Like as a "Mom Who is Changing YOUR World" at Babble. The winner of each category is given $5000 to donate to a charity of choice. I greatly appreciate your support!
Preparation
1 - Sheet of 3/4" Plywood or MDF or particle board (please go the Formaldehyde Free route!) cut into 15 3/4" x 8 foot long strips, referred to as 1x16s in this plan
2 - 1x16 @ 28" (Sides)
4 - 1x2 @ 15 3/4" (Side Trim)
4 - 2x2 @ 30" (Legs)
2 - 1x16 @ 24" (Shelves - one is optional)
3 - 2x2 @ 24" (Front/Back Trim)
2 - 1x2 @ 24" (Drawer Trim)
1 - 1x16 @ 29" (Top)
1 - 1x3 @ 29" (Top)
1 - 1x2 @ 29" (Top)
2 - 1x3 @ 21 1/2" (Drawer Front/Back)
2 - 1x3 @ 16" (Drawer Sides)
1 - 1/4" Plywood @ 16" x 23" (Drawer Bottom)
1 - 1x4 @ 23 3/4" (Drawer Face)
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
Attach trim to sides with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue as shown here.
Step 2
Then add the legs with the Kreg Jig as shown in diagram.
Step 3
Now the shelves. The bottom shelf sits up 3/4" from the bottom of the sides. Attach bottom shelf fixed, but middle shelf can be made adjustable with shelf pins or left out for use as a fridge.
Step 4
Trim bottom shelf and add top support as shown in diagram.
Step 5
Step 6
Build top as shown above, squaring up edges and making sure top is flush.
Step 7
Then attach top to cabinet. You can also use 2" screws from the 2x2s to attach top.
Step 8
Build drawer as shown above, adjusting for square and attaching plywood to bottom. Attach drawer members to drawer bottom as done in this plan.
Step 9
Install cabinet members in cabinet with drawer in highest possible position. Fit drawer and make sure it slides nicely. Remember, the drawer needs to be inset 3/4" for the face of drawer to inset (see next step).
Step 10
Once happy with the drawer, attach face with an even gap around all sides with 1 1/4" finish nails and wood glue.
Step 11
Finally, add the bottom trim as shown above.
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.
Comments
Jami H
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 11:38
Yes, heartwrenching...
I didn't quite expect this post today. We're taking our eldest to college next week, out of the state of Alaska. I thought I was OK and keeping it together until I read the third paragraph of this post. I started sobbing. Dropping the other kids at school this week was no biggie. No big milestones there,(FTR I love having my kids around and frankly, resent that they choose to go to public school instead of letting me homeschool them), but moving my firstborn out of my house this week is KILLING me!
I have to be a big girl, though, and remember that I am the one who taught this bird to fly away. I just hope he answers his phone occasionally and still feels like moving lumber around for me when he comes home to 'visit'.
Thank you for thinking of us, poor ($) parents of *gulp* college students, Ana, you're the best.
Ana White
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 11:46
Wish I could give you a hug
Wish I could give you a hug right now! If she's anything like me, will be scurrying back to Mom and Alaska before you know it! You must be so proud too!
TonyaLynn (not verified)
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 13:35
I have one starting high
I have one starting high school and one starting kindergarten..and on top of that my stepson goes back to college-he's a junior. It's the first time that my kindergartener has been away from me in any real capacity so I am not looking forward to it, but forunately I have about two weeks left to enjoy. But the house is going to be so quiet all day with the exception of my 9 month old. It will be a whole new world for me. )-:
n8ur9irl
Fri, 08/19/2011 - 05:23
Sending them off to College
I too was in your shoes. We took our first born to college and I felt like our family was being torn apart. I cried for two weeks! But I have such good news. They come back. I don't mean for the occasional laundry drop off but in later years with gifts so wonderful you can't imagine. Besides growing into the wonderful adults you always wondered if they would achieve they bring Grand kids! There are so many good times ahead even if it doesn't seem like it right now. I hope this helps because I too was in your shoes.
dananryan
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:14
More please.
Thank you Ana for another great plan!
This one actually got my son (15) interested in building but he would like to make the desk with the smaller file cabinet. Are you planning to post plans for any more pieces from this collection by any chance? Pretty please! This would make a great mother-son project that he can take with him when he goes off to college in 3 (hopefully very, very long) years.
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 12/16/2011 - 13:05
tanks
tanks