Cabinets Are Expensive, Do This Instead

September 27, 2024

Watch The Video Here

Skip the $113,000 cabinet quotes and build your own stunning wall of storage for less than 2% of the cost. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I created over 12 feet of custom cabinets and bookshelves using smart materials, basic tools, and beginner-friendly techniques.

📅 The Game Plan: Design Meets Budget

When contractors quoted between $112,000 and $155,000, I made it my mission to cut 90% off that price tag without compromising quality. With a design from my friend Steve, the build needed to:

Include at least 12 feet of functional storage
Be beautiful yet simple
Stay under budget

Spoiler: I built it for just $1,966.58.

🔧 Where to Buy Affordable Plywood and Materials

Big box stores charge a premium. I found Vietnamese Birch plywood for $40/sheet versus $160 for Baltic Birch — and the quality difference? Minimal.

Pro Tip: If you're near a large city, pro builders often have access to hidden gem suppliers. Ask around or search online for wholesale plywood distributors who sell to DIYers. Quality plywood comparison

⚒️ Day 1: The DIY Build Begins

You don’t need high-end tools to succeed. While I used a Festool track saw, there are budget versions that work perfectly for beginner cabinet builds.

🧰 Easy Cabinet Construction: 3-Piece Box Method

Forget complex joinery. I simplified my build:

Two cabinet sides
One bottom panel
3-inch stretchers instead of full backs or tops

This minimalist approach saves material while ensuring stability and easy wall mounting.

Construction of cabinet boxes

🔢 No More Measuring Headaches: Use a Laser Tool

Tired of awkward tape measure gymnastics? A $30 laser measuring tool helped me measure uneven walls quickly and accurately. Huge time saver.

Laser measuring device

☕️ Toe Kick Hack: Build One Platform

Rather than building toe kicks into every cabinet, I constructed one long platform. It made leveling on my sloped garage floor a breeze.

Toe kick platform

🧩 Countertops on a Budget

I debated materials for days, but landed on painted plywood. It matched the cabinets, kept costs low, and still looked amazing. Don’t overthink it.

🤜 Face Frame Scribing 101 (In 90 Seconds)

Scribing to wonky walls? Here’s how I nailed it:

Measure the gap and offset
Use a compass or cardboard template
Sand or plane to fit

I walk through it all in a 90-second video snippet.

• Painting Without Pain

I hate painting, so I tried an airless paint sprayer. It saved hours and gave a pro-level finish. If you're like me and dread this step, it’s worth the investment.

Painting process