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A modern frameless open-shelf base cabinet from one sheet of hardwood plywood, edge-banded for a clean furniture look. A grain-and-cut-order lesson.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelves | 4 | 3/4" × 22" × 15 1/2" | 3/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 22" × 26 1/2" | 3/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Back | 1 | 1/4" × 17" × 26 1/2" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Base front/back | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 15 1/2" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Base sides | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 19" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood, 3/4" hardwood, 4x8 sheet | 1 each | ☐ |
| Plywood, 1/4" hardwood, sheet Back. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 6 ft (Pine) Base (optional — can rip from scrap ply). | 1 each | ☐ |
| Edge banding, wood grain, 25 ft roll | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4" | 30 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 3/4" | 40 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 6 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Circular Saw, Table Saw. Materials: Plywood, 3/4" hardwood, 4x8 sheet
There's more to cutting plywood than a chalk line and a circular saw. Consider the direction of the wood grain across the visible parts, and get clean cuts — with no face frame, a ragged edge shows. Plan your layout on the sheet before ripping.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Assemble the cabinet with the pocket-hole jig: 1-1/4" pocket screws set for 3/4" stock, plus glue. Keep it square as you go.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Speed Square. Materials: Plywood, 1/4" hardwood, sheet, Brad nails, 3/4", Wood glue
Adjust the cabinet for square, then attach the 1/4" back — nailing into the shelves as well as the sides so the back actually stiffens the box.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x2, 6 ft, Pocket-hole screws, 1-1/4"
For the base, either rip a 1-1/2"-wide strip from scrap plywood, or build it from 1x2s — your call. Attach it under the cabinet.
Tools: Iron for Edge Banding, Random Orbit Sander.
Apply edge banding to every exposed plywood edge per the manufacturer's instructions — it's easy and it's what completes the frameless furniture look. Trim, sand, and finish.