Storage cabinet for under standing desk

nicklemickey

🖼️

The project:

I couldn’t find a cabinet or bookshelf that would fit under my sit stand desk that could be used for storage and hide my feet whilst sitting. So I decided to build one for myself as my first furniture making project.

- Materials:

Pine panels - https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1200-x-405-x-18mm-timber-multi-use-pine-panel_p0419611

I used 18mm thick for the internal uprights and shelves and 26mm thick for the external frame.

finished pine - I used 42 x 18mm x 1200mm finished pine

MDF - https://www.bunnings.com.au/3mm-mdf-panel-standard-2440-x-1220mm_p0590054

Wood glue - Gorilla wood glue

Paint - https://www.bunnings.com.au/taubmans-1l-white-semi-gloss-water-based-enamel-paint_p0147167

also taubmans 3 in 1 primer

Hinges - was black flush hinge 20 pack

Door Handles - https://www.bunnings.com.au/prestige-71mm-black-twist-t-shape-knob_p4023561

Shelf pins - taskmaster 5mm clear shelf pins 20 pack

biscuits - Ryobi joining biscuits size 0

Door latch magnets

- Tools:

table saw, drop saw, biscuit joiner, belt sander, drill press, Corner clamps , Paint brush, Paint Roller, Paint tray, Painters tape

- Step 1:

I first chose the size and the style of my cabinet and purchased the best size panels to limit off cuts. I then used a table saw to rip down the panels into 300mm widths, and to cut them to the correct length.

- Step 2:

I then Made a dry fit and made sure everything was square and labeled which lengths of panel were to go where so I wouldn’t get them mixed up. I then used a drill press to make 5mm holes in the uprights to allow me to put in shelves later on. I drilled the complete way through on the middle panels and 10mm deep on the external uprights and only on the inside.

- Step 3:

I then used a biscuit joiner to create the holes for biscuits and wood glue to join the main frame as to not have screw holes to fill in later. I clamped it together checking for square and allowed the glue to dry.

- Step 4:

when dry, I sanded everything, added feet (glued together offcuts and used a drop saw to make even legs) I screwed this on, used a drop saw to cut down the offcuts from the frame to use as shelves. And filled in any holes I could find and filled in the joins where needed, sanded and refilled and repeated until it was smooth. During this time I also cut down an MDF board with a Stanley knife (as I found it gave a cleaner cut) to fit the back of my cabinet.

- Step 5:

I then primed all the individual parts and had the primer tinted grey as I was going to paint a darker colour. (Sat it on some saw horses I made haha) I also sanded with paint sandpaper post priming to allow for a smoother finish.

- Step 6:

I then painted everything with my final colour adding multiple layers sanding between each coat.

- Step 7:

I measured my openings for the doors. I used a drop saw to cut to length and a table router to allow for the MDF to be glued into the frame. I connected these together with wood glue and dowels. I camped them together an allowed to dry.

- Step 8:

I then cut MDF to fit the frames gluing it together and allowing that to dry. I then filled and sanded all the holes.

- Step 9:

Prior to painting the doors, I attached hinges, door knobs, and magnetic latches to make sure I did not need to make any adjustments to make everything flush.

- Step 10:

I primed and painted the doors as I did the cabinet, attached the doors to the hinges, nailed on the back MDF. And now I have my perfect sized cabinet.

EricL

Hello @ @nicklemickey

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for sharing your impressive custom-built storage cabinet.

There's something special about a piece of furniture that exists nowhere else. I love the finish in a striking royal purple; this cabinet is far more than just storage. It's a one-of-a-kind piece, thoughtfully designed to fit the space perfectly while adding both personality and practicality to the room.

It's easy to appreciate the amount of planning and craftsmanship that has gone into this project. Building a cabinet to custom dimensions means making the most of every centimetre, and the finished result looks as though it has always belonged there. The handcrafted doors provide plenty of concealed storage, while the open centre shelves create the perfect place to display books and favourite decorative pieces.

What really stands out is how well the project balances form and function. Rather than settling for an off-the-shelf solution, you've created a cabinet tailored to your exact needs, complete with adjustable shelving and a layout that works beautifully for the space. The end result is a practical, stylish piece of furniture that will no doubt be enjoyed for a very long time.

Let me call on our experienced members @JoeAzza, @woodenwookie, @woodalwaysworks and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their thoughts on this design.

Eric