Constructed with Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets from Lowes
In this installment of the One Room Challenge, I’m excited to delve into the process of creating custom built-ins for my partner’s home office, focusing on maximizing space and efficiency through built-in home office cabinets and smart home office storage.
While I’ll detail the tools and materials I used, remember that flexibility exists in executing this project with different tools. If you’re considering a similar project and have questions about tool compatibility or any aspect of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Ready to Assemble Wall Cabinets from Lowes. I used these for the bookcase bases, these for the window seat, and these for the nook.
¾’’ Poplar Sanded Plywood (4×8 Sheets)
2x4s (for the cabinet base)
1x2s (for trimming out the front of the bookcases and the edge of the countertops)
1x4s (for trimming out the front of the bookcases)
1x6s (for top and side filler pieces)
Assorted GRK Style Screws
Assorted 18 Gauge Finish Nails
Baseboard Material
Beadboard (4×8 Sheets for bookcase backing)
Shims (for leveling)
Wood Glue
TOOLS USED
HAND TOOLS
25 Foot Measuring Tape
Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver
Hammer
Speed Square (Large and Small)
Combination Square
Scribe
Bevel Gauge
Assorted Levels
Assorted Clamps
Caulk Gun
Japanese Hand Saw
POWER TOOLS
Drill
Impact Driver
Miter Saw (Also Called a Chop Saw)
Track Saw
Circular Saw (Also Called a Skillsaw)
Jig Saw
Oscillating Tool (Also Called a Multi-Tool or Fine Tool)
18 Gauge Nail Gun
*Note* Tool names can vary by region. Knowing these alternative names can be handy if ever someone “corrects” you for calling a tool by the “wrong” name. (particularly if you don’t happen to identify as a cis man) It took me a long time to figure this out when I moved to New England from the Deep South… Like “No Derek, Skilsaw is a brand not a type of saw, just like Klenex is a brand, not a type of tissue.”
ASSEMBLY PROCESS
Cabinet Assembly: Begin by assembling the cabinets, ensuring sturdy construction with wood glue at every joint. If you’re heavy handed, either use a proper mallet or a hammer covered with a piece of cloth and secured with a rubber band.
Base Installation: Install the 2×4 base for the cabinets, adjusting with shims for proper leveling.
Wall Cabinet Bases: Secure wall cabinet bases for the bookcases, checking that each piece is plumb and level before installing the next.
Blocking Installation: Install blocking for trim pieces and the countertop to support as needed.
Bookcase Assembly: Assemble the bookcases, utilizing pre-cut pieces for efficiency.
TIPS FOR CABINET AND BUILT-IN ASSEMBLY
Pre-cut Plywood
Utilize services at stores like Lowes to have plywood precut, making transportation and handling easier. Be sure to plan your cuts beforehand to optimize material usage and ease of assembly. (see photo above)
Layout Preparation
Use painters tape to layout cabinet position on the floor.
Blocking Placement
- Strategically place blocking to support filler pieces and ensure a seamless fit.
- I opted to leave the baseboards in place, so I knew I’d need to add blocking at the gap that would create between the wall and the back of the cabinet
- I also knew that blocking would be required at the edges to catch the filler stips. These were set back ¾’’ to allow the filler strips to set flush with the cabinet front
Scribing
For scribed pieces, I like to use my jiz-saw, set on an angle to leave a sharp edge at the front of the piece. This makes it easy to come back with a hand plane to refine the cut during installation (as I’m only planning off a thin edge, not the entire depth of the piece of wood)
On-site Layout
While initial plans are essential, on-site layout ensures accurate adjustments to accommodate room dimensions.
SHELF INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Quarter Round Molding: Enhance shelf strength by installing quarter round molding to support the shelves at each end.
Securing Shelves: Secure shelves with screws through the upright pieces.
Alignment Aid: Pre-drill shelf screw placement from the inside first. For screws that will land on the exposed end of the bookcase, be sure to countersink so you can fill and cover before painting.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Proper Clamping: Secure workpieces adequately to prevent accidents. This can be done using clamps and a stable working surface, or by using dedicated clamping system such as a Jawhorse or Festool table.
Protective Gear: Prioritize eye and hearing protection, particularly when operating power tools. If you’re ready to invest in long term eye protection, I highly recommend Stoggles
Cordless Tools: Whenever possible, I prefer to opt for cordless tools. While corded options are often less expensive and more powerful, cordless tools can help to minimize tripping hazards and enhance mobility. For me, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff.
LESSONS LEARNED
Despite years of experience, I continue to learn something new with every job. Here are my takeaways from designing and constructing the office built-ins.
Floor Protection: Utilize packaging materials for temporary floor protection, but consider adding drop cloths for better debris control.
Cabinet Backing: Ensure that the cabinet backs fit fully into the designated groove at each step of assembly. Neglecting to do so required me to partially deconstruct on cabinet to fix the issue.
Door Style Awareness: Double-check cabinet door styles to avoid unexpected adjustments during installation. Every off-the-shelf cabinet I’ve ever used had a partial-overlay doors, so I planned for that in my design. It didn’t occur to me until well into the project that these cabinets had full overlay doors (also called european style). This initially caused an obstruction at the intersection of the bench seat and the adjacent door, but after some trouble shooting I was able to make the necessary adjustments. (luckily without having to disassemble anything)
DIY SERVICES
Seeking guidance for your DIY home improvement projects? With my experience as a DIYer and professional organizer, I offer personalized consulting and coaching services tailored to your needs. From project planning to execution, I provide practical insights and support to help you achieve your home transformation goals. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!
SPRING 2024 ONE WEEK CHALLENGE POSTS
Week 1- Finally Joining the Fun! My One Room Challenge Journey Begins
Week 2- Learning Space Planning, Mood Board Design, and Concept Image Creation
Week 4- Installing Reclaimed Stained Glass Windows (plus DIY Glass Dry Erase Board)
Week 5- Paint Colors and Process
Week 6- Adding Ambient Lighting (plus Hiding Cords)
Week 7- Interior Styling and Organizing
Week 8- Home Office Reveal! (Plus Honest Cost Breakdown, Including Tools Used)
It looks amazing! I can’t wait to see it done.
Thanks so much! It’s been a really fun project : )
The built-ins are a lot of work but are going to be amazing – congrats 🙂
Thanks so much! They’re definitely a lot of work, but SO worth it