Choose retro for you kitchen!

Photographs Karl Rogers and Ed O'Riley | Production Marian van Wyk

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE

Hard labour 5/10

Skill level 4/10

Time needed 1 to 2 hours

Do it yourself for ± R3 195: timber R2 350, track R65, screws R20, glue R40, sandpaper R10, wood filler R40, glass R670

Project notes

• Our cabinet consists of three sections (one of 600mm and two of 700mm), with outer panels all around to give it a neat finish.

• We used ribbed glass (595mm tall x 70mm wide x maximum 5mm thick) and removed the side panel in photo 4a to slide the glass in; then the panel was replaced.

Tip Let the cabinet rest on something sturdy while you attach it to the wall. We attached metal brackets to the wall (photo 6a) to support the cabinet and removed them afterwards.

You will need

• 18mm plywood, cut into the following panels:

six 600 x 390mm (sides, all three sections)

two 564 x 390mm (bottom and top, 600mm sections)

one 564 x 564mm (back, 600mm section)

four 664 x 390mm (bottoms and tops, 700mm sections)

two 564 x 664mm (backs, 700mm sections)

one 564 x 370mm (shelf, 600mm section)

two 664 x 370mm (shelves, 700mm sections)

two 636 x 410mm (outer side panels)

two 2 000 x 410mm (outer top and bottom panel)

• one packet 6mm x 40mm chipboard screws

• one packet 8mm x 30mm chipboard screws

• one packet 8mm x 16mm chipboard screws

• eight 8mm x 75mm nail-in anchors

• two 2m tracks for sliding glass doors

• Alcolin Fast Set Glue

• 150-grit sandpaper

• wood filler

TOOLS

• cordless drill and 3mm drill bit • hot glue gun • pencil • tape measure • try square

Get started...

1 The 600mm and two 700mm cabinet sections Glue and screw a 564 x 390mm bottom and top piece between the ends of two 600 x 390mm sides. Screw the 564 x 564mm back inside this frame to complete the 600mm section. Also screw two of the 664 x 390mm bottoms and tops between the ends of two 600 x 390mm sides; screw one 564 x 664mm back into this frame to complete one 700mm section. Repeat with the remaining panels for the second 700mm section.

2 For the shelves Turn all three cabinet sections on their sides. Measure and mark 273mm from the top; draw a line perpendicular to the front across each side. Drill pilot holes where the shelves will be in the respective sections and screw the 370mm shelves in place in each section. Screw the shelves to the back as well.

3 Now place the three cabinet sections next to each other with the 600mm section in the middle, and screw them together with the 8mm x 30mm screws. Use clamps to secure the sections next to each other while you screw them together.

4 Now for the outer panels Lay one of the 2 000 x 410mm panels on your work surface. Place the cabinet on top, with the back edges flush. Screw the cabinet to the panel; also screw a 636 x 410mm panel to one side. Then screw the remaining 2 000 x 410mm panel on top, as well as the last side panel to the other side.

5 Using the hot glue gun, glue the track for the glass to the bottom and top lips of the cabinet. Fill all visible screw holes with wood filler and allow to dry completely before sanding the cabinet thoroughly.

6 Position the cabinet against the wall and make sure it is level. Attach it to the wall with the nail-in anchors and slide the glass onto the track (see project notes). Paint or varnish the cabinet in the finish or colour of your choice.

Timber supplied by Timbercity (timbercity.co.za)