Beginners guide to frameless upper cabinets

A comprehensive step-by-step instructional video showing how to make a frameless upper cabinet with full overlay doors. You will learn how to assemble the cabinet carcase, how to size the cabinet door, how to install cabinet hinges, and also a little about common upper cabinet sizes.
Items from the video: (Some of these may be affiliate link and as an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Power Pro 1 3/4" cabinet screws - amzn.to/3nnBZnl
Blum Full Overlay Hinge - amzn.to/3Ebbl83
Grex Narrow Crown Stapler - amzn.to/3psZX33
Woodpeckers TS 600 - amzn.to/2ZnGPce
Rockler Hinge Plate Template - www.rockler.com/jig-it-hinge-...
Rockler 5mm Tab Setup Block - www.rockler.com/jig-it-hinge-...
Link to making video showing how to make shaker doors:
• How To Make Shaker Doors
#cabinet #cabinetry #framelesscabinet
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[@FearsomeWarrior]

Thank you. Rewinded often to catch everything while eating. Worth watching every bit.

[@bentswoodworking]

I appreciate that!!

[@charlottew8443]

​@@bentswoodworking

[@andyjame6456]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@user-vl6rc7fe8e]

Finally! I've found an US carpenter who uses a metric system! Thumb up! ) And a huge thanks for explanations!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@freeflyer6170]

He is sharing parts of the “System 32” cabinet construction methodology developed in Europe post WW11, although not explaining the overall system. It’s a very efficient manufacturing system, especially effective when used in conjunction with CNC machinery although it also can be used effectively in small shops.

[@andyholland8773]

I'm about to embark on building my own kitchen and this is by far the best out there. Everything explained simply for a novice like myself. Brilliant.

[@matthewbrown7170]

16:38 the sound when you slide that nailer perfectly into place - satisfaction

[@SpannerAT34]

10/10 video. Great to hear millimeters being used for us Europeans!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you liked it!

[@dice8245]

I don't even need to watch this, i just need to listen and can still imagine what you're doing. Thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you

[@freeflyer6170]

For those of you watching this and are beginners, do not be intimidated by all the tools showing up in the background, or being used by the author. It’s truly amazing what you can accomplish with the most basic of tools in a small home workshop. I”m a 72 year old professional woodworker/cabinetmaker and have built cabinets on job sites and in backyards with the most basics of tools. A tables saw is certainly great to have but you can cut sheet goods with a skill saw that has a fine tooth plywood blade and a metal straightedge. In fact, those basic tools would be your most expensive investment. Add in a decent cordless drill, a household iron for glueing the hot melt edge tape to the carcass face, a Kreg Jig, and a few other miscellaneous jigs and you will be up and running. Rockler show here in this site has many cool jigs to assist in the process but may not be your best source as they are typically priced high.

[@iancasey1486]

I actually prefer this video above the 50+ I'm watching on same topic. You' get straight to the topic and your explanations are quite concised and helpful.

[@critta21]

Just came across this video. Thank you for joining the rest of the world and using the metric system.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome!

[@Stormy2510]

Thank you for the in depth information on building cabinets rather than the usual "how to" videos where they splice together clips of them building a cabinet without any instructions, measurements etc. Subscribed

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@surfinturfer]

Excellent explanations as to WHY you are doing something, not just HOW you do it. Thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@manikandanganesh5952]

Excellent Video Sir. Never seen anyone on youtube explaining cabinet making with this much detail and simplicity. this is a treasure for a beginner woodworker like me. Best wishes from India

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@Colorado-Tinkering]

Can’t thank you enough. Now I feel 37.2% more confident to start making cabinets for my shop. 😉 Seriously. Thank you 🙏

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@SamehAlKhalidi]

Finally, a video in the metric system for all the world Special thanks

[@peejay6390]

What a breath of fresh air to hear you talk without referring to 32nds and 64ths and all that weird ancient stuff. Where did you get metric setup blocks?

[@bentswoodworking]

Penn tool

[@kimgallagher6254]

Nice. Good to hear an American using metric. Aussies can talk both but metric is easier in woodworking.

[@jefffuhr2393]

Just what I needed; thank you! As if Coach Carlisle were a cabinetmaker AND a pianist and World Champion NBA coach.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful!!

[@randysmith3828]

I’m seriously considering making the switch to all metric measurements, the fractions get me screwed up, your channel has helped, thank you

[@jwar2163]

Get yourself a combo tape measure that has both inch and metric. One side of tape is in inch the other side in metric. It will assist you with the transition process. Also there are apps for your phone or tablet that can be used while in the shop woodworking. I have made the move and find building cabinets easier with metric.

[@randysmith3828]

@@jwar2163 I use to hear the measurements like in this video ex 700mm and think why would you want to work that way, then I made an error this weekend in the garage and cut a bunch of stock wrong because of getting tripped up on the fractions, now all of a sudden measurements like that seem like they might be easier to manage

[@jwar2163]

@@randysmith3828 Been there done that myself.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@chuckjohnson4048]

Sending this to my cabinet making, face frame buddy. Should save loads of time for him.

[@lucasluiz8735]

As a mechanical engineer looking for to design my own kitchen cabinets, its very well explained. Very simple, very helpfull. Thanks!!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimchallender4616]

Best "How To Woodworking Video" I've seen - Thanks! Video quality and educational content is tops!! You don't miss a thing!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@KissNsdt]

What a fantastic and thorough explanation. I feel I could follow your video step by step to build my own cabinet. Thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@goodtogo4147]

After a year of searching, I finally found awesome video worth to follow. Thanks dude.

[@richardmittra3502]

I have sold my Saw Stop as I was short of space and now I propose constructing a cabinet and hope a circular saw assisted by a constructed track will help me proceed. Thanks mate. It was a very comprehensive and well explained tutorial. By the way i will be doing the cabinet in London when I visit my son next week and that means setting him up with tools for his new home.

[@joejr.971]

The fact that you used metric made me so happy! It makes the backpanel equation super easy 700mm + 15 or whatever, instead of 43 Inches plus 3/7th divided by 1/4rocketships minus 69/4th of a mountain dew without ice. I’m so happy you’ve come over to the simple way of measuring😂

[@ninomaiorano6697]

Canada went metric but people still refuse to go by metric I can’t understand that

[@bentswoodworking]

Definitely much easier for me. Especially when dealing with cabinets.

[@markgarrett2971]

I was just thinking that exact same thing I was listening to the video. I'm struggling going back and forth between metric and imperial. I grew up as Canada was switching to metric. I estimate easily using feet and inches but when it comes to shopmath and find them converting everything over to metric. Have you guys completely converted your shop to metric? Or do you run both?

[@joejr.971]

@@markgarrett2971 I am strictly using metric. (mostly because I live in europe lol) but I tried going over to imperial for a bit because a bunch of plans and videos are in imperial measurements, but I gave it up. For me it makes way more sense just essentially counting from 1-10, in millimeters, instead of doing fractions which require a bunch of brainpower which I obviously do not have 😂. I'd say give it a shot, I don't think the transition will be too difficult for you, because metric is so "basic". A little tip that might come useful is that a foot is 30 cm, and an inch is 25 mm roughly. I use those "benchmarks" even when working strictly metric, because a bunch of stuff is derived from imperial. You got this! 😁

[@darkspeed62]

This was useful and easy to follow along as it was clearly explained, but also seemed so complicated, all the measuring cutting, and things to consider just to basically make a box with a shelf and a door! I reckon just to make one of these would take an amateur like me literally HOURS!

[@iancasey1486]

Metric is the way! I grew up with yard, feet, & inches. However, I've been using metric for any related to science and engineering for decades now!

[@jofasable]

thank you, best video I seen for cabinet making.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@frankj5947]

You gave me the aha moment regarding measuring in metric instead of using imperial to minimize miscalculations!

[@bentswoodworking]

I find it much easier

[@navdaman4431]

That was a very good video on how to make simple upper cabinets, thumbs up for sure! Some wood workers forget most us watching these videos are diy dads that wanna organize our garage a little more with the simple tools we pick up along the way fixing our house.

[@bentswoodworking]

I’m glad you found it helpful

[@justinperrier307]

Much better then my Yr 3 instructor and text book 🛠

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@HeyLookWhatICanDo]

Best 20 minutes of my day, thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Excellent tutorial, perfectly paced. As ever, the inclusion of metric measurements was appreciated. I use crown staples all the time, as I find they have more holding power than brads. Alas, over here the cost of that fine looking plywood would make even basic cabinets extremely costly, so it's MDF all the way. Even that has more than doubled in price over the last 18 months. I will be checking out the shaker door tutorial to see how you go about it. Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re very welcome

[@sixpotshot]

Excellent instructional video. Somehow I spot a Castle machine on the backdrop...oh goodness me - you don't know how much I fancy one!

[@bentswoodworking]

It is and I’ll actually be releasing a video on it on the 21st

[@Cochran05]

Best basic cabinet build yet. I appreciate the tool setup tips and explanation.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waynemiller6070]

Funny, as I watched a couple of your videos I had decided to start using metric. And as soon as I had mentally made the decision, you addressed why you use it. 👍

[@campion05]

Frameless cabinets can look great for shop or kitchen. Thanks for the refresher. But those particular frameless carcasses with half overlay door hinges are super super expensive. Thanks for the vid!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@brianpeterson3752]

Dude. Best instructional video on simple cabinet making by far.

[@ChimobiHD]

Subscribed. Such a well thought out tutorial, thank you!

[@mikerollin4073]

Cool to see someone in the U.S. using metric in spite of our imperial overlords!

[@Matthewuzarski]

love how you work in metric - need to get into that mindset

[@bentswoodworking]

I find it much easier in most cases

[@juniorcarbajal8035]

Always trust a guy with that much Festool gear. Thank you for all the info!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@rolexotieno424]

Helpful especially with the hinges that have always been nightmarishly had for me. Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@geoffreynicholson6704]

Hi Brent you are a brilliant teacher, you explain things really well thank you. Geoff

[@miguelmartir1040]

Great video. Thanks for the technical information on the cabinet measurements that most people miss on other videos.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@jorgearenas872]

Thanks for the instructions...Very clear and organized...Greetings from Medellin, Colombia!!!

[@zandorfilms]

I must say, this is one of the best instructional video for woodworking. Jason, excellent instruction, well done production quality. Very inspiring, gives me the confidence to tackle my cabinet projects. I have subscribed and look forward to the wealth of information your channel provides.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petewoodhead52]

Thank you, I need to build some frameless cabinets and this helped to build my confidence. Lots of good tips and very good instruction. Sure makes a very convincing argument for metric, which as you point out is so much simpler. We nearly made that transition when I was in school, I sure wish they had.

[@janodjano5828]

Excellent No Music, No Jokes (bad Jokes) and the voice was clean (accent free) I’m hard of hearing so I tend to skip videos with Music,Jokes and Accents. Enjoy Stay Healthy in the new Year and I may be following along ( on the simpler side items)👍🏼

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@helgs08]

Thanks Jason. Breath of fresh air watching a video dealing in metric. A+ guide.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@adgieem1]

Nicely done. Easy to understand.

[@maurell-webb820]

Once again very, very informative...and perfect timing for me! Thanks again for sharing precise and useful info!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@randomreviewz]

Thanks! Def one of the best cabinet videos I've seen so far.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you

[@joemccoy6318]

Love your use of the metric system. It’s so much easier. Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Happy to help!

[@eugenekofiasante1578]

Thanks so much for this excellent piece. Really learned a lot. Looking forward to seeing more videos on frameless cabinets since it’s very common in my country. Would be very grateful for that 🙏🙏🙏

[@bentswoodworking]

There will definitely be more.

[@BKMakes]

I think I’ll be coming back to this one a lot. Love it👍🏻

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks buddy

[@mubarakkhan537]

One of the tutorials. Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@s9plus20]

Nice job! I really like your editing, its very thoughtful.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@pennyroyal3813]

Nice and thorough video. Thanks Jason.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@csimet]

Excellent tutorial. One tip if I may add... with any cabinet builds and before assembly, sand and seal/finish the interior surfaces before screwing/nailing things together. That way, you don't have to try and get into corners in those possibly tight cabinets after the fact. Makes life so much easier. ;)

[@hythewoodworkdesigns]

Thanks Jason. Without any doubt, this has to be the best walkthrough ever. 90% of what you demonstrated is what I do, the only difference is that I tend to have the top & bottom on the top & bottom, not inset as you showed. Different techniques, but same results. Very well done.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you so much Gary. I appreciate that 👍👍

[@MrWookie1981]

I believe there was another video on youtube that explained the shear strength of the screws were stronger than the holding strength of the threads of the screw which is why most people use the method shown in the video as it is technically stronger.

[@hythewoodworkdesigns]

@@MrWookie1981 Don't get me wrong. I've tried both methods, but I actually find it easier the way I do it. However, when doing inset (rarely), I would do exactly the same as Jason. I'm about to try a different technique in a week or so. It should work & make lining up much easier.

[@stallionranchwoodworks]

Typically a top and bottom panel are set into a dado on the side panels. This is done so when you look at the side panel, it is a solid piece from top to bottom. Otherwise you have to deal with the plywood layers showing on the edges. Also the shear strength is better this way.

[@number6396]

@@stallionranchwoodworks You said top and bottom into a dado. Did you mean rabbet?

[@ohicks4807]

Bonus points, a subscribe and a thumbs up, as mentioned below, thanks for using metric and crown staples!😀

[@mikskinner6431]

Definitely one of the very best videos on cabinet building. Well done you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@johnisley4578]

Once again perfectly explained and your work is extremely high quality. Not too many people would check to see if the hinge is square. Great stuff.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@johnisley4578]

@@MAGAMAN I'm talking about squaring up the hinge that's WTF I'm talking about. I have seen countless video's whereas they just simply fit the hinges and nothing else, Simple eh?. !!! BTW if the hinge isn't square it will still work. Who's got half the brain ?

[@ephraim.1964]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Excellent teaching!!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@marianam8643]

Great video. So happy you are doing metric because I get so lost with the fractions.

[@jameshite4820]

great video. i especially appreciate the good audio.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@andrewbazeley7274]

Very informative and clear instructions 👍🇬🇧

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@user-wy5ik6zq4r]

Great video. You do a good job of explaining. 👍

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@BlakePizzey]

About to build and make a video of some shop cabinets. It will be my first! This was very helpful! Thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to hear that!

[@pmelchman]

Excellent video and a valuable reference that is going to get saved.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks buddy

[@jrandis85]

I love it! A good looking cabinet with no fancy tools required!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@bobmonday925]

Thank you so much..gonna build cabinets for my new shop

[@SARIKAINC]

The handwork is very fine.

[@bgm1911]

Awesome video, and this is exactly what I'll use for the garage cabinets I'm about to start. I understand it's beyond the scope of this video, but I need to dress up the plywood edges, some show. Just the same, you got a new sub, and I appreciate the effort you put into all your videos.

[@heykevwhatyouup2]

Yay someone in the USA using correct metric 👍

[@samdoyle9048]

Brilliant tutorial. Thanks

[@michaelbrindle7154]

Excellent video Jason! You've got me really considering switching to metric, especially with all the sheet good builds I've been doing lately. Also, nice tip on the Woodpeckers rule regarding the 32mm spacing, I never realized that!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks buddy. Glad you found it helpful!

[@AmarSingh-zc5nj]

Metric is the way forward

[@tedrzz]

Wow I had no idea the Woodpecker TSquare had those 32mm holes!

[@bentswoodworking]

Very useful

[@a.dejesus792]

This information has been very helpful. Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@TeamProsperity]

Great video Jason, thanks. Yeah I love those hinges

[@bentswoodworking]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@tonytillman316]

Dude, I love your attention to detail. I have learned so much from your videos. I am excited to be building out by Garage Shop using your methods and processes. Thanks for all you do!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@stevehennessy3588]

I'm just starting my woodworking adventure, and I found your style of teaching to be excellent for me. I'm going to be building a corner cabinet for a shop stereo and will use some of your techniques to help me do that. Looking forward to watching more of your videos - past and future. Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@sofalvarez]

Thank you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for :)

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@darvaish4552]

thanks you just helped me to make a shoe shelf with door/drawer

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@bruce-le-smith]

This is a great video, very helpful for a noob like me, thank you! Growing up in the north I'm more used to CM measurements (to me 43.8 sounds more human sized than 438), but I realize that Europe and Australia have decided to always speak in MM so I guess that's the way it will be in my lifetime. Totally agree that adding metric is way faster/easier than fussing with 16ths and 32nds!

[@jorgemejia5986]

Awesome job and great explanation!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tdunn2]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@stevenbruce242]

fantastic presentation, thank you! subscribed

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@thomasmcginty2482]

I am a subscriber to your channel. This is amazingly helpful. Just FYI, I would have watched an hour long video like this with info on how to make better looking doors. Thank you for putting in the effort to make these videos!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you are finding them helpful 👍

[@Atlas.X9X]

Great video, nicely done. I agree with your thoughts on working with metric measurements. Thanks for sharing. Watching the shaker door video next!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@lindamilewski4697]

Great tutorial! Being a novice, I would have loved to see what they look like installed. Thanks for posting!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful. I never installed this. It was purely for the video. Sitting in my basement now actually 🤣

[@atomictyler]

I had no idea that woodpeckers 600mm t-square had the holes at 32mm on center. I guess I got lucky, because it's the only woodpeckers t-square I have!

[@bravomalice7238]

Good stuff 👌🏼 many questions answered 🎉

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to hear it!

[@THECOLLECTORDC]

Great stuff !! thanks for your wonderful job

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@StansE250]

Really enjoy your content. Could you please consider doing a segment on how one might make doors LOCKABLE (including bypass doors) ?

[@waynemiller6070]

Zero fat in this video. Everything you need and nothing more! My kind of video! And even though I'm a musician, I don't care for the distraction during the learning process.

[@georgekastanas1718]

Love how you are using mm, 🇦🇺

[@Markfnyc]

I'll be tackling this project for the first time in the near future and will be referencing your instructions. Your video has given me both knowledge and confidence, thank you for sharing.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful