CHEAP and EASY Shaker Cabinet Doors and Drawers | DIY | HOW TO MAKE | Circular Saw | Tutorial

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Easy and cheap shaker cabinet doors with a circular saw DIY
This video was inspired by people who want to make cabinet doors without a table saw.
Let me show you how to build the best cheapest shaker style cabinet doors and drawers I can come up with on a budget using a circular saw.
To be clear, this is not the BEST way to make cabinet doors... This is the BEST BUDGET way to make shaker cabinet doors I have been able to find.
With that being said, I put these through an exaggerated level of abuse to test out their integrity.
They are made with 1/2" MDF used for the frame and 1/8" MDF panel. These shaker style doors look nice and are so easy to build, even a beginner can do it.
Using these budget materials, you can price each door out to be around $10 a piece. Depending on the number of doors you have to make, you can complete a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel for less than $300.
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Here are a few methods how:
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Tools Featured:
Kreg Rip Cut Guide:
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Kreg Door/Drawer Pull Jig:
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Kreg Hinge Install Jig:
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Kreg Pocket Hole Jig:
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DeWalt Circular Saw (A bit smaller than the one used in the video = easier to handle and better for this application):
amzn.to/3U3qbrR
DeWalt DCF850 (Impact Driver):
amzn.to/44e8YxS
Soft Close Cabinet Hinges:
amzn.to/3KLhmhk
Door/Drawer Pulls:
amzn.to/3sOIHsH
Paintable Caulk:
www.amazon.com...
Respirator:
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Camera Gear:
Sony A7Riii: amzn.to/2Sk4Qdv
A7iii (Cheaper but awesome alternative): amzn.to/2Slj4dZ
GoPro Hero 5 Black (Lowest Price): amzn.to/2RyotQ0
Tripod: amzn.to/2zB3mF4
Lights: amzn.to/2y24Ack
Lapel Mic: amzn.to/2BSznGe
Microphone with deadcat: amzn.to/2VnyLBj
_____________________________________________________
Disclaimer:
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sound Stripe copyright code(s):
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[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

I was thinking about buying a Slam Simulator 2000, but after this review I think I’m just going wait for the 3000. Once they figure out how to make it stronger.

[@WoodNerds]

That’s true! The 2000 has a feature I didn’t have time to showcase called “where’s the toaster?”. This feature had my wife testing the durability of the cabinet doors inside the house as well. Pretty neat!

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

I think the 3000 is semi-fully automatic.

[@WoodNerds]

🤣🤣

[@shawnwaldrop3702]

I dunno. They just don’t make Slam Simulators like they used to. Probably made overseas.

[@WoodNerds]

It’s a shame, really!

[@thaught9475]

If MDF is tough enough to take the abuse of being made into a car subwoofer box, suffer the hot/cold cycles of a being in a car trunk, slamming junk into it while making tight turns, not rattle apart from the bass, and still look decent after all that time... it can be a cabinet door haha. Thanks for proving it! Certain materials get a bad rap, but this goes to prove that the reputation is not always deserved.

[@WoodNerds]

Great points! I appreciate you man! Thanks for watching!

[@JameyKing.]

Unless you plan on putting those cabinets in the kitchen near the sink, liquids or moisture from steam/hot water…….. oh wait

[@thaught9475]

@JameyKing. Sure, if you don't protect it with paint, or caulk, or something else... oh, wait. Chill out man, the point is still valid haha

[@WoodNerds]

If it’s sealed with a top layer, then moisture cannot reach the material.

[@uhN0id]

​@@WoodNerds I agree mostly but the moment you get a crack in the paint you never believed would happen because you "made this right" and it starts slowly warping and disintegrating..... Ask me how I know. I primed my MDF until they looked like white wood. I used Benjamin Moore Bath and Spa paint. I had a very very solid coating. It looked factory made. Got a tiny split where the panel met the style and ignored it. It was about 5ft from my guest bath shower that never gets used so I figured no problem. The door quickly became wet paper after a few months of random multi night guests showering. I know it's a non issue if this doesn't happen to you with the split but this wouldn't have been an issue at all with Plywood. Maybe it's where I am in California but plywood is about $25 more for 4x8 Baltic birch 3/4 ply than the MDF equivalent. I guess I just don't think it's worth cheaping out on if you're already investing the effort to build it. But like I said I agree MDF gets a bad wrap. I've built closets with it and it's fantastic.

[@mohshad]

All I got is a Circular Saw and a drill. I'm tired of these diy videos with expensive machines...wait a God dang minute...woah, this is awesome. THANK YOU!

[@WoodNerds]

Haha! I know the struggle! Happy to make videos for makers that don’t have a full shop! Going to keep it in mind for future videos as well. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment!

[@sajidrafique375]

You still need those exp Creg jigs

[@speedupp98]

Well you are going to need some tools at some point. If u only have a circular saw and a drill i recommend u start by getting some clamps and meassuring tool. If u see it as "if i buy tools for 100 dollars i will have 300 less in expenses". Instead of just seeing the pricetag. Also you will have the tools for future projects.

[@bekind6196]

I’m starting my life over alone. I think I can do this thanks to you and people like you on KZbin. Thank you for your hard work and explanations.

[@WoodNerds]

You got this!! I mess things up so often haha. If I can make them, you can too. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a nice comment! I appreciate it.

[@LadyAstolat]

I don't have the space, money, or desire to purchase a table saw and it's really tough to find videos that don't require one, or a gazillion dollars of high end equipment. So from the bottom of my fledgeling woodworker heart, THANK YOU 🙏

[@WoodNerds]

Of course!! I’m glad this video was helpful! Thank you for watching and taking time to comment!

[@wameier84]

Same here! This is an awesome vid!

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@gretchen_needs_a_dog]

This was very helpful. I desperately need 3 Binet doors or I’ll be forced to hang curtains. 😮 So I am happy to see an alternative to buying “all the equipment.” Thank you for the video! Very entertaining as well.

[@WoodNerds]

I appreciate it! I plan to make more videos using less expensive tools for this reason. It can be challenging to figure out a legit building method without them but people have been building amazing things with their hands for ever! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@soulstr3ss]

I had to pause the video as we greeted Bob! My childhood was filled with being in a dojo and beating the crap out of Bob, he was a best friend and a therapist and handled all the abuse I threw his way with a calm strength and zen, and I'm forever grateful for him. I miss Bob every once in a while. Edit: I'll be remodelling my kitchen this summer/fall - I'm assuming it will take me 2 seasons to finish since there's a lot of doors, and I work 6 days a week, so I only have Sundays. But this is a good start to a project I've been dreading financially. Thank you so much for your informative videos!

[@WoodNerds]

Bob is the best! Active therapist. Doors are actually fairly easy if you batch the process. Cut all your rails and stiles in one day, panels the second day, assembly the third. Working one day a week on the project, I can see you getting them done in a month (give or take).

[@londs2k]

Another awesome video brother. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait for the next one.!!!

[@WoodNerds]

I appreciate you man! Thank you!

[@livemoksha]

Man, for someone living on a rental and wanting to give an upgrade to the old cabinets, this is perfect.

[@WoodNerds]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment! I appreciate it! Cheers!

[@KaylaaMariee48]

THANK YOU! What a great tutorial! Everyone says stay away from mdf, it's not for water place etc... This makes me feel so much better.

[@WoodNerds]

Of course! Thanks for watching! If probably cared for, it will last! Just make sure if it sustains damage and the raw mdf is exposed, that you touch up the paint. Water is the main enemy of mdf and the paint acts as a barrier to protect it. Other than that, should be a solid door. I’ve had some I made in my high use/high moisture bathroom for almost two years and they are still perfect.

[@cedartreeworkshop]

Nicely done! I used this same technique to make a plywood 4’x8’ door and it turned out great.

[@WoodNerds]

I’ve been wanting to do the same to satisfy my wife’s need for a sliding barn door! Thanks for watching!

[@nickarmani031]

Excellent job as usual. Happy that you keep the content easy to follow. Subbed for the videos, rang the bell for the awesome t-shirts lol!

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! Haha I was just replying to another comment about needing to work on more designs! I seriously appreciate the support! Cheers!

[@tonyc7352]

I've always been more impressed what someone can do without a table saw.

[@WoodNerds]

I agree! Or craftsman that can make beautiful furniture with hand tools only. Technology helps bridge the skill gap for sure.

[@bryck9068]

I’m in a wheelchair and use a stationary sled with my circular saw on top. Make it much comfortable for me.

[@SalukiJoe14]

Just watched the work bench vid from 4 years ago, then clicked into this bearded lumber jack bro immediately after. Talk about evolving into ultimate form!

[@WoodNerds]

Hahaha! I appreciate it man! Thanks for watching!

[@NealosMetropolos]

Excellent video! I'll be making my mock shakers with 1/2" panel and 1/4" trims to give it weight and less depth from edges to panel but really appreciate the circular saw method! I've built a work table with DIY drop-down saw guide but that Kreg jig is brilliant. Subbed.

[@WoodNerds]

I’ll have to try that method out! Thanks for watching and following along!

[@NealosMetropolos]

@@WoodNerds I'm now thinking your method with 1/2" edges might allow for a decorative bead inside it so thanks for the inspiration!

[@WoodNerds]

@NealosMetropolos of course! Would also be cheaper by about 50% as the more expensive plywood makes up just the border rather than the full panel.

[@NealosMetropolos]

@@WoodNerds I'm a scientist (physics) and fully approve your Slam Simulator 2000 testing methodology and results! 🖖

[@WoodNerds]

@NealosMetropolos hahaha thank you! It’s official!

[@willowm94]

The new fleece brush rollers are superior to anything I’ve ever used! Even, no bubbling, beautiful coats.

[@WoodNerds]

I’ve gotten some great results using roller brushes. For large jobs, a sprayer would be best but if you don’t have one and want to save money on that purchase, I bet you could get away with $20 in rollers.

[@MrVasmikey]

You are very easy to listen to. Your gift is speaking and diction Keep it up.

[@WoodNerds]

Hey! Thank you! I really appreciate the compliment! Good luck with your projects! Cheers!

[@altpath]

You convinced me. I'm going to make some doors like this.

[@WoodNerds]

Do it! I’d love to hear how they turn out!

[@DeSalvoLaw]

If you wanted to just reface your cabinets, this has got to be the best way to do it east and fast with great results. Great videos.

[@WoodNerds]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment! It means a lot!

[@BeesyWoodCo.]

GREAT video for folks that don't own a router or table saw!

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks for watching! I remember the struggle! Trying to think of those without all the goodies.

[@wilmervalles1509]

LOL. 🤣 The Slaminator did not meet the expectations. Good shaker style construction. 👍

[@WoodNerds]

Hahaha thanks for watching!

[@harumipena]

You are such a great teacher! I am just watching videos to learn to build things and have been purchasing some tools, but I don't have the space for a table saw and this really helped me to start my first project which will be a drawer. ❤ Thank You!

[@WoodNerds]

I’m glad the video was helpful! Congratulations on starting with your new hobby! I hope your projects turn out well!

[@LaurelandHardy.30]

Well demonstrated, made it sound so easy. Good job.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@TheBenjammin]

I build things with mdf all the time. My whole miter station is entirely mdf.It's very underrated. It's strong, flat, and stable. The only down side is It's dusty.

[@WoodNerds]

I’ve been using it for about lot of projects for those reasons exactly! Dude! Dusty is an understatement haha. Routing it is the worst!!

[@ShaneTheGeek]

Thanks!

[@WoodNerds]

Dude! Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@ShaneTheGeek]

@@WoodNerds Dude you're so welcome! I have seen countless videos thinking I would need a table saw, router table, trim router, planer, jointer, DIY crosscut table saw sled, furniture grade birch ply and woodgrain filler to make a competent cabinet door. Your doors are great looking, clearly sturdy enough and way easier to build than the alternatives.

[@WoodNerds]

@ShaneTheGeek I’m stoked the video was helpful! I got some feedback on my last cabinet door video that a lot of people didn’t have table saws etc. and wanted an alternative way to make them. Took me a bit to figure it out but I’m glad I was able to come up with an easy solution!

[@rsandhu02]

I built cab doors with the same method but used 2P-10 glue to attach the frame to the panel. You have to be quick but it works well and you get an instant bond.

[@WoodNerds]

Great tip! Saving some time is a win in my book! The overnight wait was probably the least efficient part of the process.

[@shdwhealr]

Great video! when it come to MDF, I like to put sanding sealer on the MDF to harden the edges, doesn't soak up as much paint. Lightly sand and paint.

[@WoodNerds]

Great idea! I did notice the first coat slightly drink a little paint but after that it wasn’t noticeable.

[@mykolashatkovskyi576]

Best "unconventional" usage of toaster I've ever seen on YT. Not the worst paint job to be honest. Nice circular saw skills as well. I'd go with table saw anyways, even if I'd had to by new one. But you've made your point, man. The only one grumping - I'd fill pocket holes with Dyna Patch Pro patching putty before gluing. And I'd use No More Clamp Wood Glue Adhesive for that pocket joinery - 15 mins approx to dry enough to keep working. Great job, neat video - thank you, man!

[@WoodNerds]

Haha! My wife was less amused! I appreciate the perspective! I’ll have to look that stuff up. Being able to keep working would make this process much more efficient! Thanks for watching and taking time to leave your thoughts! Cheers, man!

[@CardiacCat]

Great video. And for anyone who is on a real budget and cannot afford a lot of tools, this is perfect. I have tool but cam appreciate making this way so that everyone can have something that look nicer. Also, these would be a great cabinet refresh for rental properties. If they get messed up by a bad tennant, its an easy and cheap replacement, while looking modern and stylish.

[@WoodNerds]

Great points! Thank you for the kind words!

[@cesarbeltran2596]

Wonderful Video with paint process and everything, and I need that Slam Simulator!!!

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! They just had a Black Friday sale on them!

[@karthiktulasi7474]

Finally something regular diyer can do. ❤

[@WoodNerds]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@israelgreen8682]

Fantastic tutorial! Now I just got figure out how to make the actual cabinets..

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks man! I’m working on some plans for cabinets as we speak haha.

[@israelgreen8682]

@@WoodNerds oh wow,I didn’t think you would actually make one, now I’m def subscribing to get the video when it’s out!

[@WoodNerds]

Haha I appreciate that!

[@syence_nird]

amazing video!! In Canada where I live, a sheet of MDF is actually same price, if not slightly more than a full sheet of plywood of the same thickenss. Its crazy this used to be considered a "cheap" alternative. Not for me :(

[@WoodNerds]

I’m sorry to hear that! Things are wound so tight these days. I have hope we’re close to a point where it starts to swing back. I appreciate you watching and taking time to leave a comment!

[@DavidOldenburg1]

Love all the "experts" who give advice here...

[@OVHabitats]

Results are a total surprise. I have only used MDF as sacrificial layer to protect "good wood" or as the inner panel on a painted door.

[@chuckcostello5167]

I was able to accomplish a similar look and design by using 1/2” MDF panels and 1/4” strips glued to the front to simulate rails and styles. Glued and nailed down, gaps filled with spackling and sanded smooth. You can’t even tell they’re MDF once they’re painted.

[@WoodNerds]

I’ll have to try that out too! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@kf77111]

I've got to get me Slam Simulator 2K, but I think I'll upgrade the control module to a toaster oven. Lol. Great job on the cabinets.

[@WoodNerds]

lol! That’s too boojiee for me! Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@jeffdillon1972]

Great video. To be honest I’ve always shied away from MDF but I’ll be giving it a go now thanks to you! New sub, blame Mitt. But so glad for the suggestion. And as the master himself says, keep up the good work. Wow that top setting on Slam Simulator, otherwise known as “little brother ate the last pop-tart” was impressive!

[@WoodNerds]

“Mitt” is ruining KZbin for me! Haha thanks for watching and leaving a comment man! Bagel mode was too much for the simulator to handle.

[@cyndij8312]

The explanations along the way were so helpful. A couple of questions: 1. Was the primer water-based? I've heard that could raise the MDF fibers but maybe just sanding would take care of that. 2. The edges didn't need to be filled to conceal the two pieces of MDF coming together? It maybe was addressed when you talked about using MDF for both. Nothing wrong with MDF doors! And the tool cost is so minimal. I don't understand the people who complained about that. The fence is reasonably priced, a cheaper pocket hole jig could be used, and one wouldn't really need a jig for the handles. I actually think I could do this!

[@WoodNerds]

I think it is water based. I didn’t experience any raised fibers when I used it. In my experience, MDF can be exposed to a little water here and there without it blowing up. It’s sitting in water and lots of exposure over time that really hurts it. Plus, once you have a light coat on the MDF, every coat afterwards isn’t touching the MDF, it’s only building on previous layers of paint so you should be fine with that. I didn’t have to do anything special outside of what I showed in the video. I try to showcase every step so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Making sure your cuts are square and accurate will ensure you don’t have a lot of messy cleanup to worry about when it comes to gaps and such. It was much easier than I thought. Safety is most important here. Just be aware of where those blade are, and where they are going to be and keep your hands out of that path.

[@cyndij8312]

@@WoodNerds thanks so much for the reply!

[@WoodNerds]

Happy to help :)

[@ZenDreaming60]

Getting ready to down size houses. My expensive solid wood 38” cabinet doors are twisting and curved and they are only 3 years old! Next house, building my own! Thank You!

[@WoodNerds]

Dang! Sorry that happened. Of course! Glad the video helped! Mine are in great shape still.

[@winter.aaron.m]

Thanks man. Im buying my first house but can only afford smaller older homes. I can drywall, fix siding, and general construction stuff all day, but millwork is a much finer end product. Most places I can afford have old cabinets, many broken/missing doors and this is giving me confidence in being able to fix/replace.

[@WoodNerds]

You can do this no problem! If I can do it, anyone can (I mean that). Cabinets seem much more daunting than they really are once you get into them.

[@alexsafonov7270]

thank you for this helpful advice and demonstration :) now I know MDF is OK. another good test would be to slam the panel door in the other direction, a reverse slam. to see when and how the hinges might fail.

[@WoodNerds]

Dude! Great idea. Might have to order a slam simulator 3k for that test!

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

Perfect Now all I need to know is how to make the cabinets.

[@WoodNerds]

I’m working on plans for this as we speak!

[@ronguy4420]

Awesome video. I need a wall cabinet in bathroom for my man junk. I think I will change the old doors to match my new doors. Question, what wood should I use if I prefer wood. I don’t have access to FDF. This was right on time. Thank you sir.

[@WoodNerds]

Hey! Thank you! You can use poplar! It’s a fairly cheap hard wood. Maple isn’t too bad either. As you get into real wood, it becomes more expensive and more work to mill down to final dimensions. Also a risk of warping. All that said, solid wood is much cooler than the manufactured stuff. Just more work and cost.

[@harounhajem7972]

Awesome 👍🏼 video! Like the music and style a lot

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@ProudMama-boy]

Very well explained! Thanks

[@WoodNerds]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@davidclayton6521]

I have a table saw I am still going to watch this. Why it is still more easy to break down a whole sheet of anything with a circular saw in the majority of shop set ups. Unless you have a huge and well set up shop

[@WoodNerds]

I agree. In my experience sheets are hard to lift and maneuver without the appropriate space and equipment. Once you get them to the table saw, it’s also a challenge to keep them up against the fence as you rip. Those fence roller guides are worth their salt if you’re cutting sheets all the time. Without, it’s much easier to muscle the sheet to a flat surface or the floor, add a spacer underneath and bring the saw to the material. Track saws are probably the best answer but I used the kreg guide to demonstrate a cheaper alternative that might not be perfect, but it can get the job done.

[@lesleighwilson5823]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Sending you some beer money 😀

[@WoodNerds]

Lesleigh! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Cheers! 🍻

[@salvatoreclaps4374]

Great video, beautiful doors. Also I lile your garage door insulation what is that material? thank you

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! It’s foam insulation. Comes in sheets that you can cut with a utility knife to fit in your garage panels. I got mine at Lowe’s. In my opinion, it has helped cool the garage down a lot! The heat coming off that door is incredible during the summer. To fasten it to the garage make sure it’s a tight fit and it’ll hold pretty good by its self then add gorilla tape around the border to keep it in place. People in KZbin videos suggest using that foil tape but it doesn’t adhere for long, but gorilla tape has withstood the test of time over the summer here in Phoenix.

[@sevan7]

Thank you for the very through tutorial 👍

[@WoodNerds]

Of course! Hope it was helpful!

[@Lincolnstww]

Great video

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks man! I appreciate it! Same for you. Your recent cabinet video helped a bunch of people. Cheers!

[@rlatimer1962]

Dude you made this look so doable I can't wait to give it a try. My last quote for Cabinet Door Shaker Style $98 per door. I have 40 doors in my Kitchen so $3,920. What do I have to lose. Thank you for the video and your time.

[@WoodNerds]

It’s really not hard. Try a couple to get the process down and make sure they turn out how you want, then batch the process and make the rest. Making sure to test fit and dry assemble along the way. Good luck!

[@thepropertyhunters]

DWL . Love this video. Your slam simulator is the icing on the cake😆

[@scottmochinski5447]

Awesome video! Well done, sir.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you, Scott! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! It helps! Cheers man!

[@cmyoutuber1289]

I like how the name of the paint matches you!

[@crystalBall9287]

I'm glad youtube brought you through my algorithm! I like how this worked up and I might have to use these doors on a wall cabinet set i want to build in the living room

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks for watching! If you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out!

[@benjaminhobbs8042]

I do own a table saw, but for the application I have (basement storage cabinet doors) I don't need the fancy dados/mortise and tenon joinery. This should be super easy and good to go.

[@WoodNerds]

Nothing wrong with quick and easy!

[@markbarnes4358]

That was a thoughtful and methodical tutorial, kudos.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you, Mark! I appreciate you taking time to respond!

[@ABGH007]

LOVE YOUR CONTENT BRO!

[@WoodNerds]

I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment! Cheers man!

[@Capten1001]

Thanks for the great video. The screws are causing a bulge in the MDF. Any tips for that?

[@WoodNerds]

A bulge on the opposite side or the side of the hardware? Could try a bigger pilot hole. If it’s on the opposite side of the hardware, might need shorter screws!

[@SaltCreekFarmstead]

Great video! When you explained the benefit of mdf to mdf, it made me question what you could use for a trim piece for added design. I know you can use the router, but that doesn’t exactly apply to the lack of equipment that is the focus of this video. There’s lots of small trim options. Wonder if you could glue trim where the rails/styles meet the panel for added detail? Thoughts?

[@WoodNerds]

That’s a great point! There is a bunch of trim options that could spice the basic shaker design up with almost no added effort, and since the doors are the same size, you could easily batch them together. I’m partial to adding coves in my trim work and think they would dress this up. I’ll have to try that out. Great idea!

[@chrislow123]

Loving those kreg jigs

[@WoodNerds]

You can make a lot of them yourself but they are very handy!

[@galaxytrio]

I like your content and style.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate you taking time to say something!

[@Mixdplate]

Many, Many Thanks for posting this DIY for cabinet doors without a table saw or router and the little details & tips throughout are extremely helpful. Will this method work just a well with 1/4" & 1/2" plywood? I only ask because that is what I purchased for this project, before finding out it was going to require more tools/skills than I have...LOL!

[@WoodNerds]

Plywood can be used but you’ll want to use edge banding or some type of filler on the edges to get a clean result. In my experience the ply’s in plywood are too visible and often times contain voids that show through when painted without treating the edges first.

[@Mofareig]

Good job 👍🏾

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I appreciate it! 🙏🏻

[@347Winnie]

FN well done!

[@WoodNerds]

Haha Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@lynn8307]

Thank you, you demonstrated this very well. Love the doors and can you tell me the color you painted it.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you Lynn, Of course! It’s “clary sage” satin finish, using a “cabinet and furniture paint” base to help mitigate wear and tear. my wife picked it up at Lowe’s. I think the color manufacturer is sherwin Williams!

[@Supermachoo1]

I am happy to view. Thank you.

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuperDudson]

Thanks--this is very helpful to me, as I do not have a table saw but I do have enough skill and confidence to pull this off. A question about your method, however: Why not FIRST glue the stiles and rails to the flat panel, THEN install the pocket screws through the entire assembly? A disadvantage would be that you would see the pockets on the backside of the finished door, but wouldn't this be much stronger?

[@WoodNerds]

Hey! Thanks for watching! The intention with the pocket holes isn’t really to add strength (although it does contribute). The main purpose is to suck the rails and stiles together and hold them tight while the glue cures. All the components together make for a pretty solid door (according to my tests).

[@SuperDudson]

@@WoodNerds ​Thanks for your reply. I might not have asked my question as I intended it, so I'll try again. Why build the frame first, then glue the MDF to it? Why not start with the MDF panel, which is already square, then glue the stiles and rails to it one at a time, then put pocket screws through the whole assembly? It seems to me that this assembly would be better integrated, automatically square, and yes, stronger. Also, this allows me to drive the pocket screws into 3/4" of material rather than 3/8" or whatever thickness you are using. The downside is visible pocket screws on the back, but these can be plugged. Any reason this won't work?

[@WoodNerds]

@SuperDudson you can try to do it that way! Without a tablesaw it’s pretty tough to cut a perfectly square panel. In my opinion, it’s easier to cut square rails and stiles, fasten them together, then glue to an oversized panel with the intention of sanding the panel flush with the frame you’ve built. But the fun thing about building is doing the way that makes most sense to you and testing your results. The strength of the pocket screws is a non issue once the frame and panel are glued together. As a matter of fact, if you glue everything up, then add pocket screws after the glue cures, you’re probably putting unnecessary stress on the glue that’s already cured but that’s just a thought

[@SuperDudson]

@@WoodNerds Good point about installing the pocket screws belatedly, in which case maybe I will just rely on glue and clamps and be done!

[@WoodNerds]

Yeah! I’d be interested to hear your experience if you go that way!

[@jahnramos]

Awesome video!

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I appreciate it! Cheers!

[@wallycheladyn1190]

The toaster was the icing on the cake.

[@WoodNerds]

My wife wasn’t thrilled but it had to be done.

[@richstak]

Great video

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@mattfrazier3115]

Just found your channel. Good pacing, humor, and straight to the point. Looks like your channel might have died out before I found it though. Bummer.

[@WoodNerds]

Hey Matt! I really appreciate it man! Channel isn’t cooked yet haha just taking a break! Wife is pregnant so all my time has gone to finishing up some long overdue house projects haha. I have a bunch of videos I’ll be working on in the near future! Thanks for watching!

[@paulmshanga3310]

🎉 thanks for the information 🙏 👍🏻 🇿🇲

[@WoodNerds]

Of course! Thanks for watching!!

[@sjnmurph]

Thanks for the video! Glad to have found a video not requiring a table saw.... new to wood projects so I was wondering why you used pocket screws instead of a nail gun? Is it a matefial difference in quality/sturdyness? I am trying to do MDF to an existing flat panel wood door

[@WoodNerds]

I think the screws will help hold the rails and stiles together in a way that you’d get if you used joinery (dado and tenon joinery in this case). Otherwise, if the panel flexes, you might end up with the rails and stiles separating. I haven’t actually tried this out so it’s an assumption but I’d rather the extra hold there in case the little bit of glue holding them together wants to give up the ghost.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Really like your design, thanks Have a look at Stuart at Proper DIY exact cuts circular saw. Put the two ideas together? Just an ixea

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks for watching! I’ll check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@AlvinC-sz3li]

I thought about it, but I thought it wouldn't turn out good. But from your video, it seems like works well, flush flat edges, no router needed, and you even covered the pocket holes with the 1/8 board. And I guess the only issue is, MDF won't hold the screw well. Since your door dimention is 1/2 + 1/8, you can easily drill a hole, glue and hammer in a hardwood dowel, and put screw on it. About to try this method this summer.

[@alzae]

Thanks for the video, everything is great and beautiful. But when I drilled the holes for the handles from the back side, it didn’t turn out nicely, so that this wouldn’t happen, put an unnecessary piece of MDF under the drilling site, and then drilling into it wouldn’t happen. The doors turned out wonderful!

[@WoodNerds]

Dude! Glad to hear they turned out nicely! Thanks for sharing your results!

[@munchkyn56]

Great video! I have a question for you... since I don't have local access to 1/8 inch MDF, can I glue up 1/8 inch HDF with the 1/2 inch MDF? Thanks in advance!

[@WoodNerds]

Hey! Thanks for taking time to comment! I don’t think that would be an issue! It’s all compressed fiber board so the transition should look similar (I believe).

[@munchkyn56]

@@WoodNerds Good to hear. I will give it a go and report back in due time.

[@WoodNerds]

@munchkyn56 awesome! Yeah, I’d be interested to hear the results!

[@edenbuell1572]

These videos are fantastic! I can't afford the store prices and have never tried anything like this, so thanks for making this so easy. However, do you think MDF would work for a slab cabinet? I’m kind of a minimalist and I think slab cabinets just look clean.

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you! Yeah, I think mdf would work perfectly for that. Would be much easier if a project as well. You’ll likely have to get a thicker sheet though so you don’t cut through with when drilling the holes for the hinges!

[@edenbuell1572]

@@WoodNerds Awesome! Thank you so much! We need an update STAT, so I’ll let you know how it goes! 😅😁

[@robinsonespinal716]

Great video, thank you so much. Quick question, what paint color you used?

[@WoodNerds]

Of course! It’s “clary sage” satin finish, using a “cabinet and furniture paint” base to help mitigate wear and tear. I think the manufacturer is sherwin Williams!

[@captenchaos4740]

Hello, great video thanks for sharing your awesome skills! Question: Is 1/8" MDF the same thing as 1/8" hardboard?

[@WoodNerds]

Hi! Thanks for watching! The two seem to be very similar. If anyone sees this and knows better, please correct me, but I believe hardboard is just like mdf but a higher density.

[@RonieVarjao]

Here in Brazil we use MDF a Lot, for everything. There is waterproof MDF for wet areas

[@WoodNerds]

Thanks for sharing your insight Ronie! Much appreciated!

[@huntermark1160]

How well do you think the mdf would hold up as cabinet doors in a covered outdoor environment in Florida?

[@WoodNerds]

I think they’ll be fine if you give them a thick layer of outdoor paint. Once they are sealed, there’s no issue with moisture. The only problem would be if that outer layer gets damaged and moisture gets in to swell the mdf. I’d also opt for moisture resistant mdf as additional insurance against moisture.

[@mohammedjaffer8522]

Very enlightening. Tyvm 👌👌👍👍😊😊

[@WoodNerds]

I appreciate it! YWVM!

[@johnbaumgartner7731]

Love this video, have a question about paint though. Our kitchen cabinet frames have all been painted with oil based gloss white so of course we would want the doors to match. Will the MBF accept the oil based paint without swelling or would a primer need to be painted first to seal it? The paint will be spray painted.

[@WoodNerds]

Hey! I’ve tried both on MDF and haven’t had any issues. Any time I talk to a paint specialist, they say primer is a must regardless the material or top coat paint type.

[@secrandell]

Where do you get 1/8” mdf? I could only find 1/8” hardboard. When I built and painted them they warped.

[@WoodNerds]

Try a lumberyard. Plywood works as well.

[@gary-q2f]

Just a note. Yes, you made the cuts with a circular saw, but you also must have another $400 worth of Kreg Jig products to complete the task of making the doors. I like the design and think it makes a strong door due to the solid back panel. Just remember there will be a sizeable investment in additional tooling. Nice video.

[@WoodNerds]

Hey, it’s more like $250 (I paid for them) but I get your point. You can make a couple of the jigs yourself but the question is how much work do you want to do and what level of accuracy is acceptable to you. To make accurate jigs that cut square and straight also require tools and materials to ensure they are square and straight haha. There’s an unfortunate truth about basically anything in the creative space and that is; tools make the job easier and the outcome better. Can someone produce high quality and accurate work with basic tools? honestly, I can’t, but can someone else? Absolutely, but where the trade off is you need to have the skills to be able to make up the gaps that these tools fill. This setup (in my honest and empathetic opinion) is the cheapest and easiest to use for beginners that don’t have a lot of the tools a seasoned maker has. Some things you just can’t make without proper tools and/or an appropriate level of experience.

[@daleatwin7874]

Well said my friend

[@LisaCurtis-s3j]

Awesome

[@WoodNerds]

Thank you!

[@LisaCurtis-s3j]

You’re welcome.

[@DonneishaSmith]

Loved this video! I am planning to redo all my cabinet doors and was hoping to make a “thinner” door and this will work great. Is the 1/8 inch panel ACTUALLY MDF , or is is tempered hardwood? For some reason I can’t find 1/8 mdf where I live.

[@WoodNerds]

Mine is mdf, might be listed as 3mm sheet. I have some hardboard as well and while I haven’t used it for the panel before, I don’t think it would cause any issues to use that instead. I say this without experience using that material for that purpose of course so take that with a grain of salt.

[@sheldondennis1461]

Hey I was just curious on the edge looks? Can you tell it’s two pieces sandwiched together? Or did the sanding and paint hide that and make it look like a solid piece?

[@WoodNerds]

Great question! After sanding and painting it is very hard to tell it’s two pieces!

[@sheldondennis1461]

@ thank you for the quick reply!

[@WoodNerds]

Of course! Happy to help! Good luck with your project!

[@daneo617]

"Paint in the direction of the grain, we have no grain here " nor a brush. 😂

[@WoodNerds]

Hahaha! We’re in uncharted waters!

[@mistygeller3193]

Abso f*#%’n lutly going to try this build method out!! I love the video for a number of reasons!! 😜😂😂

[@WoodNerds]

Hey Misty! Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment! If you do, id love to know how your cabinet doors turn out!

[@Foxed_In]

Do you have recommended clamps?

[@WoodNerds]

Yeah! I have no issues with budget clamps like the harbor freight trigger clamps as long as you have a flat surface to clamp to as well to help mitigate any deflection that might be caused by clamping more to one side over the other. On Black Friday, Lowes has consecutively had great sales on Jorgensen parallel clamps. I’ve been using them for a couple years now and have zero complaints. Outside of the sale price, they aren’t a bad price normally.

[@RonKillian]

Cool idea, but I will stay with solid wood for door frames. Pretty much no worries about cracking or stripping out. Pocket holes are not an issue with solid wood. Not to mention how heavy MDF sheets are and how much more nasty dust they create working with them. Also, why not use dowels instead of screws? Doweling jigs are cheap, they are hidden, with no big ugly pocket hole, holes to fill. Dowels have been around much longer than pocket hole screws. Course just my opinions. :)

[@KariGouldstaffingconsultant]

Great video! Thanks for all the helpful info! And forget the haters commenting about the extra tools needed to make a really good quality cabinet door….they can certainly not use a track saw or jigs and make themselves wonky cabinet doors! Question-I can’t find the $0.50 paint can pourer; where did you get it?

[@Kristine-bt8rf]

Curious how it feels to clean, Is it rough to the touch with a wet wash cloth? Any snagging the wash cloth? Cleans easy?

[@WoodNerds]

No issues that I can speak of. If you want it super smooth you can use a gloss or even semigloss paint. The higher the coat count the more plastic like and smooth it will be.

[@ireneduran5527]

where can i get the soft close hinges?

[@WoodNerds]

Soft close hinges are linked in the description of the video!

[@cesarbeltran2596]

Wonderful Video and

[@dptp9lf]

Try Flotrol in your paint... it will level much better and not "dry" up on you when brushing or rolling. I don't paint without Flotrol

[@WoodNerds]

I’ve seen this mentioned a few times! I’ll have to experiment with it. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@vaughncartier6935]

I thought the hinges were soft close. Was it able to slam so hard?!

[@WoodNerds]

I have soft close hinges but used the non soft close for the demo haha.