In this article we’ll consider how to build a simple box cabinet and the various design and manufacturing factors that need to be considered. We’ll showcase a variety of design options for cabinet carcasses, along with multiple manufacturing and assembly possibilities.
This article focuses on educating amateurs in the joinery industry, and widening design and manufacturing scopes for professionals. Additionally, software solutions will be provided for the efficient design and manufacture of cabinets.
Material selection
Material selection is important when designing a simple box cabinet. A designer needs to select the correct materials and colours for different unit components in accordance with customer selection and physical requirements.
A common material selection would see an 18mm textured particle board with an 8mm material for a cabinet back. Textured material is a good choice for cabinet carcasses as it is more resistant to the wear and tear from harsh objects such as the regular sliding of food cans or crockery.
Other common materials used for carcass construction include:
- Plywood
- Particle board (multiple thicknesses)
- Corelight board
- Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
- Solid timber
- Marine plywood (usually for cabinets in outdoor settings)
Basic cabinet construction
Carcass component formation is important for a cabinet along with the parts fit together. The configuration of a cabinet’s fittings should consider the forces that will act upon the finished cabinet, alongside what manufacturing resources are available.
A cabinet maker may use different joints and techniques, these include:
- Mortise and tenons that make for a very strong joint
- Butt joints
- Mitre joints
Further information on designing carcasses with fixings can be seen here: How to build a cabinet: from carcass construction to fittings.
Manufacturing output for your cabinet
A cutting list of parts needs to be generated along with a cutting plan. Various software packages are available for this, or this can be completed manually with a pen and paper. Cabinet components must be cut for processing, typical equipment includes:
- Table saw
- Mitre saw
- Panel saw
- CNC router
- Band saw
Further processing may need to be undertaken that involves adding cabinet drillings and toolings for joints and hardware. This process can involve equipment such as:
- Manual jigs, an easy option for amateurs
- Drilling machines (such as the Blum MINIPRESS)
- CNC drilling machines
- Bench drills
- Hand routers
- Hand drills
Cabinetry CNC manufacturing
A computer numerical control (CNC) machine enables automated manufacturing of cabinets that can incorporate cutting components and performing all the required drillings and machinings.
There are multiple types of CNC machines, further information can be found in the link below. This specifically focuses on nesting vs point to point CNC machines and the pros and cons of each:
Point to point vs nesting CNCs
Panel saws and beam saws are also options for cutting cabinet components. These machines cut components from sheet material that can be further processed for drillings and machinings manually or using a CNC drilling machine.
See further details for Beam saws here
Edging/finishing
Once cabinet components are cut, the parts need finishing on selected edges (if laminated manufactured board is used).
An edge bander is a piece of machinery used to apply edging, also edge tape can be ironed onto components manually. Below are some examples of different types of edge banding machines.
Contour edge bander | larger edge bander
Iron on edge tape is showcased in the following image.
Cabinet assembly
The final stage in our guide on how to build a simple box cabinet… assembly.
Assembly can be completed with many different tools and jigs depending on the fixings being used. The following fixings are options for cabinet assembly:
- Adhesive
- Screws
- Nails
- Cabineo by Lamello
- PEANUT by Intelligent Fixings
- Rafix by Häfele
- Channel Lock by LockDowel
All hardware can now be added to a cabinet including drawer slides and hinges. Assembly can range from manually assembling components to utilising fully automated robotic assembly.
Software solutions for designing and building cabinets
Wood Designer provides a range of software that supports business of all sizes in building box cabinets across the design to manufacture stages.
These are:
PolyBoard
A design to manufacturing software that focuses on cabinetry. PolyBoard enables the generation of full manufacturing details including workshop plans, cutting lists and machining files for your CNC.
More details on PolyBoard cabinet software
OptiNest
An optimisation software specifically for nesting CNC machines incorporating labels and stock management.
OptiCut
A cutting optimization software for profiled and sheet materials commonly used with CNC beam saws and panel saws. OptiCut includes labels and stock management.
VCarve Pro
A CAM software that integrates with a large range of CNC machinery.
Next steps
You can register for free here to download and test any of these software solutions.
Please contact us if you would like to book a demo with a member of our technical team.
