Cabinets Are Expensive, Do This Instead

Cabinets Are Expensive, Do This Instead

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:

  1. Measure the gap and offset
  2. Use a compass or cardboard template
  3. 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


🤔 What I Learned

  • I'm definitely not meant to be a full-time cabinetmaker
  • Deadlines can spark creativity
  • Budget builds are incredibly rewarding

In just two weeks, I completed the project under budget—and with pride.


🔍 Watch the Full Build + Grab the Plans

This post just scratches the surface.

📹 Watch the full cabinet wall build video

 

Want to Keep Learning? 

"This simplified cabinet method used no backs or tops..." “Drawer Slides Are Expensive — Do This Instead”


📄 Download our digital cabinet plans (from this video)


TOOLS USED IN THE VIDEO (affiliate)  🧰 

3D Printed Track Saw Accessories - http://wittworks.shop

Bora Centipede Folding Worktable - https://amzn.to/4gEtCP4

Kreg Panel Carrier - https://amzn.to/3BeS4WU

TSO Parallel Guides - https://tsoproducts.com/parallel-guid...

TSO Rail Square - https://tsoproducts.com/guide-rail-sq...


Track Saw Options:

Best Track Saw - https://amzn.to/3XIdwex 

Best Value Track Saw - https://amzn.to/3XFpW6U

Budget Track Saw - https://amzn.to/4dlrPeY

Budget Tracks - https://amzn.to/3BmLYE8

Affordable Dust Extractor Hose - https://amzn.to/4ekW4Ut

Cool pencil - https://amzn.to/46ZCJFJ

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig - https://amzn.to/3XIdQtL

Kreg Shelf Pin Jig - https://amzn.to/4gIBBdI

Kreg Stud Finder - https://amzn.to/3TJThMy

Cheap Laser Measuring Tape - https://amzn.to/3Y0hEIn

Cheap Laser Level - https://amzn.to/47L5PsQ

JessEm Tool Setting Gauges  - https://tsoproducts.com/measuring-mar...

TSO Low Profile Work Stops - https://tsoproducts.com/clamping-work...

35mm Concealed Door Hinge Jig - https://amzn.to/4gHuaU9


3D Printing Stuff

The scribing tool I printed for free - https://makerworld.com/en/models/1214...

3D Printer I use - https://shrsl.com/4kdns

 

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