Shortcut to Hanging Cabinet Doors


Store-bought closet doors make it fast and simple

Bathroom Cabinet
Reader's Digest
Learn how to build this cabinet.
Building cabinet doors is a tricky, time-consuming job. But you can avoid all that fussy work by buying closet doors and cutting them to fit the cabinet. We’ll also show you a fast, foolproof way to hang the doors using special hinges.

Cutting List

Key Qty. Size & Description
A 2 8" x 32-5/8" sides
B 3 8" x 22-1/2" top, bottom and middle shelf
C 2 3" x 22-1/2" top and bottom cleats
D 2 8" x 22-1/4" adjustable shelves
E 2 11-15/16" x 32-3/8" doors
F 2 9" x 24" crown and base frames
G 3 2-1/4"-wide crown molding (cut to fit)
H 3 3/4"-tall base molding (cut to fit)


Except for moldings, all parts are 3/4-in. plywood.

1. Assemble the cabinet box with glue and screws. Then add glued dowels for rock-solid joints. Drill splinter-free dowel holes with a brad-point bit.

2. Drill shelf support holes using a scrap of pegboard to position the holes. Wrap masking tape around the drill bit so you don’t drill all the way through.

3. Cut the doors using a homemade saw guide to ensure a straight cut. Lay the door face down so any splintering takes place on the back of the door.

4. Mount the hinges on the doors. A self-centering drill bit positions the screw holes for perfectly placed hinges.

5. Position the doors carefully and clamp them to the cabinet. Then screw the hinges to the cabinet from inside for a foolproof, exact fit.

6. Cut the crown molding with it upside down and leaning against the fence.
Clamp a block to the fence so you can hold the molding firmly against it.

7. Nail the crown to the frame. Nail the mitered corners only if necessary. If they fit tight and are perfectly aligned, let the glue alone hold them together.

8. Center the crown on the cabinet and fasten it with screws driven from the inside. Then center the cabinet on the base and attach it the same way.


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Materials List

Item Qty.
4' x 8' x 3/4" birch plywood 1
2-1/4"-wide crown molding 5'
3/4"-tall base cap molding 5'
1-1/4" screws 1 box
1-5/8" screws 1 box
3/8" dowels 16
1-1/2" finish nails 1 box
Hinges* 4
Shelf supports 8
Spray primer 1 can
Spray paint 2 cans
Wood glue
Wood filler

*To order hinges, call (800) 383-0130 or go to www.wwhardware.com. We used No. A03180TB G9 PK. For other styles and finishes, do a search for “A03180.”