How to Build a Corner Linen Cabinet

Corner cupboards put unused space to work. This compact closet is designed to hold linens or towels. It's small enough to tuck into a hallway by the bathroom, the bathroom itself, or a corner of a bedroom. Don't be put off by the handsome doors; there's no fancy joinery involved in building them.

Materials and finishing
The face frame and doors of this cabinet are made of birch plywood and solid poplar that look great when painted. You might choose to make these parts of oak and matching plywood or of another hardwood with a clear finish. The sides and shelves, which won't be visible with the doors closed, are made of lauan plywood, which doesn't take paint quite as smoothly as birch but still looks fine and is a bit less expensive.

Checklist

Time
About 16 hours to construct, plus finishing time

Tools
Hammer, nail set, combination square, bar clamps, tape measure, chisel, stepladder, tablesaw, circular saw with ripping guide, power drill/driver with #6 adjustable counterbore bit and 1/16-inch bit (for predrilling nail holes), router with 1/2-inch piloted rabbeting bit, doweling jig, pocket-hole jig

Skills
Accurate measuring, sawing, routing, drilling

Prep
Assemble tools and materials, prepare a large work area, prepare installation site