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Building a farmhouse countertop cabinet can be a rewarding DIY project that is both functional and stylish. With just $20 worth of wood, an hour of work, and a few basic tools, you can create a beautiful and practical addition to your home. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps of constructing this cabinet from start to finish, from cutting the wood to assembling and painting the final piece. Plus, at the end, we’ll take a look at similar designs on Etsy, where sellers are successfully turning their creations into a profitable side hustle.
Key Takeaways:
- A farmhouse-style countertop cabinet can be built with minimal tools and budget.
- The project involves precise wood cutting, assembly, and some finishing touches like sanding, gluing, and painting.
- DIY furniture projects like this can be sold online, with sellers making consistent sales on platforms like Etsy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Farmhouse Cabinet
Materials and Tools Needed:
- $20 worth of wood (dimensions provided below)
- A saw for cutting wood pieces
- A router for decorative edges
- Brad nailer and glue for assembly
- Sandpaper for finishing
- White chalk paint for the final look (or any color of your choice)
1. Cutting the Wood Pieces Start by cutting your wood to size. The first cut should be an 8 by 20-inch piece, followed by two side pieces measuring 8 by 5 inches. Be sure to cut the side pieces so that the end grain is on the top. This will give the front of the cabinet a nice finished look.
Next, cut the bottom, back, and side pieces. The top piece should be 23 by 8 inches, and we will add a middle divider later in the process.
2. Assembling the Frame Once you’ve cut all the pieces, it’s time to dry fit them together. Place the bottom, back, and side pieces together to see how the project is coming along. At this point, you haven’t nailed or glued anything yet—this step is just for making sure everything fits properly.
Now, glue and brad nail the top piece onto the frame. After securing the top, use a router to create a decorative edge, which will give the cabinet a more finished, professional look.
3. Adding the Divider and Drawer Sections The next step is adding the middle divider. This piece will help create the space for the drawers. After the divider is installed, it’s time to move on to constructing the drawers themselves.
4. Constructing the Drawers Each drawer will have five pieces: the bottom, back, two side pieces, and the front. Sand all the drawer pieces before gluing and assembling them. When attaching the front panel, clamp it in place to avoid brad nail holes. Before gluing the front, it’s a good idea to pre-drill the hole for the knob to make the process easier.
5. Finishing Touches Once the drawers are assembled and dried, test them by sliding them into the cabinet. They should fit snugly but smoothly.
Now it’s time to paint! Per the request in this project, the cabinet was finished in a white chalk paint, but you can choose whatever color suits your space. Finally, add rubber feet to the bottom of the cabinet to prevent it from slipping. For those looking for a more decorative touch, wooden peg feet can also be used.
6. Checking Out Etsy Sales After completing the project, take a look at how similar cabinets are performing on Etsy. Sellers are making consistent sales with farmhouse cabinets, with one design selling 58 units over a year and a half, and another larger design priced at $192 selling 73 units in a similar timeframe. This just shows that with a bit of creativity and craftsmanship, you can turn your woodworking hobby into a profitable business.
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This farmhouse countertop cabinet project is not only a fun and fulfilling DIY project but also an opportunity to explore the world of online sales. Whether you’re creating one for your own home or considering selling your designs, this simple project is a great way to showcase your woodworking skills. With a bit of effort, you can craft a stylish piece that adds charm to any space.