Custom built in cabinets, floating shelves and fireplace mantel

In this video I build a pair of custom built in cabinets, a few floating shelves and a fireplace mantel. The shelves have LED lighting, the cabinets have raised panel doors, and plenty of other fun stuff.
Tip Jar... / mikefarrington

[@dylandog2297]

I watch every one of your videos and every time i'm stunned how perfectly your work looks. I do not think I've ever seen anyone to dedicate so much time to the details, just to make the product look perfect. If I only had half of your skills and knowledge, where it would end👍

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much, thats kind to say. I just try to do the best work I can.

[@richardmcinnis6626]

I have this EXACT layout in my home that I have to fill in and now I have a very good idea how to do it. I am about to retire from the military after 32 years and now have time to start this project. Absolutely amazing work! Thank you for posting.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much, and thank you for your service. Let me know how it turns out.

[@spurii4334]

That was the greatest install video on KZbin by far! Absolutely brilliant! Thx for all the great work and tips!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@16minimonster16]

That is beautifully done! Everything you did on that was perfect to my eyes! Very well talked through and it finished up perfectly!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@joedillon6000]

Very cool fit out. I’ve never heard a cover version of “Never gonna give you up” and I don’t ever want to. Ty Rick.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@MrGlenlaurel1]

How in the world can people give this job a thumbs down? I would be proud to put my name on that job, even though there is no way on earth I could do that at this stage of my knowledge.

[@MikeFarrington]

Everyone has their opinion. Thank you.

[@joelely5464]

Mike, these cabinets look absolutely astonishing. Completely blown away by your craftsmanship and attention to detail. I really look forward to your videos!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Happy to hear you enjoy the videos.

[@CaramelColored]

This guy is so good that he puts his PROJECTS in other peoples living rooms by their TVs. I can barely make boiled water good enough to pour down the sink without feeling like I've wronged the sink.

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Thank you.

[@CaramelColored]

Mike Farrington Seriously! How do you make your hands do what your brain wants? My hands just keep slapping my face.

[@MikeFarrington]

@@CaramelColored Ha! I like that one.

[@tclynn10]

Mike, you are one of the best carpenters I've seen in a long time! Love your shop too!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@marcelo403polo2]

Great clean job!!! I do same thing with overlay fillers, door hight. Looks better, specially on upper cabinets.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. I agree, this technique works even better on uppers.

[@RyKnocks]

Probably the cleanest work on KZbin. As a beginner DIY'er, I always look forward to your videos for master insight and technique. Thanks for posting!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Ryan. Thats very nice to hear.

[@bubbakav]

Really nice lines in these pieces. Very clean. Appreciate you sharing some of the "tricks" you employ in cabinet building and installation. Thank you!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@parkwayconcepts8758]

Mike, this is a work of art! I appreciate your care for detail almost as much as I appreciate your shop haha.

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! I am fortunate to have my shop. Thank you.

[@stephenjimenez9539]

Wow very nice, Mike. I want to get that good someday.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@AssassinGT]

Such a sleek final result. I haven't seen craftsmanship at such a sophisticated level in a while! Amazing work.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@garybusey5370]

Beautiful work. I can tell that passion is what keeps you motivated for perfection.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I enjoy what I do, and I try to do my best work.

[@robb1267]

Hurt by Johnny Cash and Nine Inch Nails. Sounds of Silence by Paul Simon and Disturbed. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode and Def Leppard.

[@arkitson]

Yes, Hurt is great - both versions! I was going to say this.

[@MikeFarrington]

Hurt! Great choice, I also really like Sounds of silence.

[@tuncaydemirtepe7978]

+1 for Sound of silence

[@Pghpete5]

Oh Johnny's Hurt is amazing.

[@jakefallon2335]

Oh yes, Hurt and Sound of Silence

[@dunlapsig]

I have seen other people's videos on scribing trim/shelves to fit, but you always have such a straight forward and direct approach. Would appreciate if you could go into a little more detail on how you were able to scribe the shelves and filler pieces around the cabinets.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I'll include more in an upcoming video. In this case I just didn't have time to film it.

[@jmo0311]

@@MikeFarrington would love to see your method for doing this as well.

[@MikeFarrington]

Yup, I'll see what I can work in.

[@adamnicholzz]

In the mean time if you're on instagram check out JCHcabinets.. Very talented cabinet installer/designer. He shares a lot of good tips/tricks for scribing.

[@a-carpenter9229]

Peter Millard just posted a cool video a while back on how he makes a template for shelves between walls but he brought them back to the workshop to cut. For me personally working on the job site I'd use a stair thread jig

[@parallelburrito]

Thank you for sharing your sketch with dimensions. I have almost the same width space and was concerned the doors I was planning were too big but you proved it works well. Thanks!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you for the nice comment.

[@clintt5266]

This video was an absolute joy to watch on so many levels. Thank you. Also, Jump, covered by Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I look that cover up, great suggestion.

[@joelevstik4670]

The Boys of Summer, originally by Don Henley and covered by The Ataris. Both versions are great.

[@MikeFarrington]

This is a good one. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@sunny131078]

All i can say is "FANTASTIC JOB" my american brother!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@eva2k0]

Good coffee, good music, and my own successful woodshop are three major components to my dream life. I currently have two of the three and a job I enjoy that allows me to slowly acquire tools and build my skills up. Your work is extremely motivating to me.

[@MikeFarrington]

Its always a joinery, keep building up tools and working on skills.

[@coops4549]

Despite years in the trade I always come away a bit wiser after watching your videos, thanks. Hey Joe Hendrix & Willie Deville

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you, thats very nice to hear. Hey Joe is a good selection for sure.

[@aaronberk1234]

Unless the rabbit has it coming... LOL 🤣

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha!

[@aaronberk1234]

A little woodworking humor is always good for the soul.

[@MikeFarrington]

Totally.

[@6point5]

yup, lots of dad jokes in this one. love it.

[@jej3films]

"Time After Time" Cyndi Lauper, cover by Quietdrive My favorite cover of all time. Highly recommended!

[@MikeFarrington]

One of my very favorites. Very good selection, thank you.

[@kwesty1]

Blown away! Awesome craftsmanship.. thank you for sharing.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. My pleasure.

[@marin082164]

AWESOME VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SUPERB PROJECT! THANK YOU Mike for sharing !!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. My pleasure.

[@Shakito77]

"Sleeping Satellite" by Tasmin Archer, covered by Karnivool (I like the cover a little bit more)

[@MikeFarrington]

Haven't heard of this one, I'll give it a listen. Thank you very much. Always good to find new tunes.

[@tlansing18]

Tasmin Archer! Wow!! WHAT a great album that was !!!

[@YannoZog]

Disturbed also does amazing cover of “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel 🤘🏻. Also your videos are great!

[@MikeFarrington]

Yes! That is a very good cover.

[@HulkSmash77]

I really like the clean and flush fitment. This is very similar to something I am trying to do in my own home. After seeing this I think I would inset the track lights slightly toward the middle so you don't get that bright flash off of the sidewall. Something I would not have been able to even consider without this video; thank you!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Jake. I think holding the lights in on either end a few inches could be nice.

[@davidmcnichols5624]

Your videos are so therapeutic. I mean you are on Norm Abrahms level in my opinion. Great job!!!! Keep them coming.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Thats the highest compliment, I grew up watching Norm.

[@thetruth5210]

Disturbed adding “Shout” and “Ice Ice Baby” is so awesome! “Last Kiss” J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers & Pearl Jam

[@MikeFarrington]

I like all of these.

[@jeffmazur8037]

The Tracks of My Tears, by Smokey Robinson, then Linda Ronstadt.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Thats a good one for sure.

[@patrickcunningham5073]

The humor is a nice touch. you are a true craftsman and make it look so easy. Thanks

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@zalllon]

You are an excellent craftsman and great at sharing your skills. As a hobbyist, I enjoy seeing all the tools that I didn’t know existed, seeing how they’re used and appreciating how they help make these easier for your small production output. Really, really interesting and I appreciate the time you’ve spent to capture it and share it.

[@zalllon]

Forgot to note, subscribed!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Great to have you onboard.

[@scubasteve159753]

You make amazingly beautiful cabinets, but I notice a lot of MDF and sometimes particle board. Do you recommend these materials over quality plywoods? Are you choosing this material based on budget? I typically think of higher end cabinetry being made from solid wood or a quality plywood.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. A lot goes into these choices. Some of it comes down to budget (I like to put budget into the stuff that is visible), some of it comes down to what I can get easily. I also think these materials have been given a bad name by builders who don't use them properly. I spend a lot of time to make these materials look as good as they can. Lastly, most of the time when I offer some of the really high end products (plyboo comes to mind), even very wealthy customers flinch at the price. I have a running joke, I'll paint it pink if you want, its your project. The final decision comes down to the customer. By the way, I have done several project were I painted them pink and they were really cute.

[@scubasteve159753]

Thanks! Are there areas that you do not recommend MDF or particleboard due to moisture or heavy wear, such as kitchens or drop zones? Or can you overcome at least the moisture concern with a good paint job (possibly pink...)?

[@cmdrsocks]

You can get water resistant versions of both MDF and particle board, I have used both in my kitchen, bathroom and porch, make sure they are well sealed and finish with suitable products for the location and they will last for years. Most European kitchens are made out of the non-water resistant variety and the cabinets last reasonably well just look at the crap that Ikea make their stuff out of.

[@MikeFarrington]

Matt, I try to not use particle board or MDF around sinks. For this, often, I order a product that is white melamine with a plywood core. One brand is known as dragon ply. The main issue with these products is they are hard to get ahold of. Sometimes its weeks until delivery, I just can't wait that long. Also they are about 4-5 times the cost. One trick I always do when I build a sink base out of particle board melamine is to caulk the inside corners. This keeps water off the core were water damage can occur. Paint can help, but the melamine surface is fairly resistant to water, and its much more scratch resistant than any paint, so I shy away from painting the inside of a sink base. I could think up a ton of situations where cabinets and water come together, but my work revolves around sinks, kitchens and bathrooms. So I am really not an expert on this topic.

[@MikeFarrington]

cmdrsocks, Here in Colorado, at least where I buy stuff, I can't get MR MDF. I really wish they sold it, I would buy plenty of it. I also wish my supplier sold MDF core melamine, I would buy that too.

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

"Enough comedy jokes, back to work!" Lmao

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha!

[@dmalka518]

You are a true professional. Everything you do is slick as snot. Incredible as always. Thanks

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much Dave.

[@northerndarklight5305]

When I Fall In Love by Doris Day, and Nat King Cole. Twist and Shout by the Isley Brothers, and the Beatles. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, and Jeff Buckley.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Great picks, I really like the Buckley version of Hallelujah.

[@sounddad67]

"Tie Your Mother Down" by Queen, covered by Lynch Mob. Both versions are fun.

[@MikeFarrington]

Great song. I have not heard the cover, I'll give it a listen.

[@samuelduncan6209]

Great as always Mike. Thanks for creating these, I love watching

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Keep watching, I'll keep posting.

[@iJanz24]

Always love to watch and learn from your videos!! The extra effort you must put into your work to use a camera and edit is greatly appreciated! Love your work Mike

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. It certainly slows down production, but I think its worth it. I've had a lot of fun posting videos.

[@bobsherwin1973]

This couldn't be better said by Mr. Janzen. Really enjoy your work and your style, I learn a lot with each video.

[@dlandes14]

Simple man by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Shinedown. The man who sold the world by Nirvana and David Bowie.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Simple man...great. The man who sold the world, is a very good one.

[@camkoerselman4687]

Try Simple Man by Deftones as well.

[@riggins44ful]

I watch Mike's work then look at my work ( which I thought was really good) and realize it sucks. Then go kick my dog because my work sucks. Jk....love my dog...but you get the point!

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Come kick me before the dog. I get your point, that is a really nice thing to say, thank you.

[@jeffsuedbeck2074]

Wow! Mike, this video couldn't have come at a better time for me. I've recently started taking on more and more projects and the tips and descriptions of your methods in this vid are so helpful! I dream of the day I can quit my boring office job and make woodworking a full time career - hopefully soon! Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate your videos and willingness to share your methods. Thank you!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Happy to hear the videos help.

[@bo9647]

Mike, Thanks for all of your videos. I recently got my first big built in job and I built this exact design. I referenced this video alot in the build.

[@MikeFarrington]

That is really cool to hear. Hope everything well.

[@wam2b]

"Sweet Dreams" - The Eurythmics & Marilyn Manson

[@MikeFarrington]

Both great!

[@danieldanix1]

I Shot the Sheriff by Bob Marley and then by Eric Clapton. I Will Always Love you by Dolly Parton and then by Whitney Houston. Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[@MikeFarrington]

Very good suggestions, thank you.

[@marting.7564]

What a fantastic build all together. I really like your work and I can appreciate the hard work and attention to detail that goes into your work. I’m new at this hobby and I get great ideas and inspiration from the building community here on KZbin (some more than others).

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@wolverjay]

Incredible job as usual Mike. Your attention to detail is unrivaled

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Jay.

[@erikp2004]

Mad World by Tears for Fears and then by Gary Jules.

[@MikeFarrington]

Totally agreed. Both great.

[@orbepa]

Haven't seen you on my feed for a while Mike, it must take you ages to do such top quality videos - I can't imagine you getting much from your efforts from KZbin (especially not these days), but we all really appreciate you doing what you do. It's another top quality video in every aspect. You can't watch one of you videos without learning at least three things.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Its been a while. I'll keep them closer together going forward. I'd be very curious why you say I'm not getting much out of KZbin especially these days. Is this based on experience. I ask because I have no idea what I should be getting. I'm still pretty new to this video making thing. I am happy to hear you pick up a few tricks from my videos.

[@f1rstclass596]

Impressive craftsmanship. I love your tools and shop setup. Much continued success. And y’all stay safe.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@davegoss3908]

The sound of silence “ another song disturb did an amazing cover !!

[@MikeFarrington]

Yes, I fully agree.

[@tkay4401]

Excellent work! The finished product is incredible!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@hezelmet]

I LOVEEEE these type of videos. Using tools that only 0.00001% of the population has. Awesome job!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@robertpotter9506]

Mike you are a whole bunch of something else and that is good. Love your work. I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Love your dry sense of humor. And thank you for keeping your wonderful job of narrating clean. Your son if he takes an interest in woodworking will certainly have a good teacher.Once again your work is top notch. Keep up the good work..

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much Robert.

[@urusvati7777]

Make, as always- perfect! Very very nice job!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@befmx31]

Great sense of humor and amazing wood working skills.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@mountainlightwoodcraft]

Great job as always, Mike. Love that tip on making the filler strips a bit thicker than the doors.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I think thats a really neat trick.

[@jaykepley5238]

I look forward to your videos, and this was another great one! Beautiful work. Nicely done. Hope all is well.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Jay.

[@hurley954]

It took about 14 minutes... but when I saw that slick router table and heard you say "very good router table"? Instant subscribe.

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! That great to hear. Good to have you onboard.

[@Myrkskog]

You make it look effortless.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@amircogs]

Love your tools and love your work style. I try to learn a lot from you. Thank you

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@Grevlain]

Absolutely beautiful work. Very impressive.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@sahagunville]

Great job! Gotta build similar to this coming up for my wife. Got some great pro tips! Thanks for the video😁

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Best of luck with your build.

[@andrewlischuk1443]

Another beautiful job Mike. Phenomenal detail.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much Andrew.

[@jlinkhart]

Damn that looks incredible. You have some sweet unique tools too!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@deansolano1483]

Man ! What a nice shop , work looks awesome!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@hazembata]

I dig it. Looks great. Simple yet elegant.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@dwgar1322]

You shared a lot of great technic and I for one really appreciate it. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeFarrington]

My pleasure!

[@mihaelachiscovici]

Yo, this thing is amazing!!! Super cute, easy to install and it adds a fancy touch to my bedroom. Perfect condition! No regrets!

[@MikeFarrington]

Glad you like it!

[@tomdorion5735]

Drooling with envy over your shop. Some may say the quality of your work is because of the machinery. Those of us who really know... skill is in the hands. I'm just finishing a very similar project fabricated in a cold garage with way less horsepower lol. seeing your project makes me feel even better with my installed result. It's inspiring because it's clearly your skill that got you to the "Boardroom". Subscribed and sharing. Thank you!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Some people get weird about tools. All the projects on my channel could be done with far fewer tools, just not as fast. With that said it takes plenty of skill to use good tools efficiently. Oh and my shop is not heated either, I freeze my butt off in the winter. Thank you for subscribing, great to have you onboard.

[@javashak]

Best original and cover; Sound of Silence, Simon and Garfunkel and Disturbed!! Awesome!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Agreed.

[@TubeYouHunter]

Me encantan tus diseños tan inspiradores, un trabajo muy limpio, una técnica impecable, felicidades. Saludos desde México.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@SteRumbelow]

Just, wow. Amazing work.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@mrcwoodworks4523]

I am a amateur carpenter and I have so much to learn and look forward to becoming a professional like yourself

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Good luck with your journey.

[@nicolajhansen7232]

Awesome pro tips in this one. Well done

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@alexedwards3984]

Glad to see another great video Mike. Keep up the great work! I'm going to share with all of my home renovation friends.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Alex. Thats very nice to share the video.

[@jtltet]

Yeah, I need that table saw. No, I take that back. I need your entire shop. Very nice!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@Alboto]

Nothing compares 2 u. Written by Prince, covered by Sinead O'Connor. Also, The sound of silence covered by disturbed. Both versions awesome!

[@MikeFarrington]

Agreed.

[@samgomez7902]

I’m so envious of you huge workshop. Nice work mate!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@cna5018]

Great Job. Great craftsmanship.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much!

[@diggler306]

Mike you're the best. Another video with tons of great information. I always look forward to your vids!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Josh. I always appreciate your kind words.

[@ForwardGuidance]

I have a picture of a forklift! Nice job, you, your tools and your apprentice are off the charts amazing. Enjoyed watching. Thanks.

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Forklifts are cool, even if just a picture. Thank you very much.

[@chrisfach4]

Truly amazing quality, Great job! please keep them coming, really enjoy your videos

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much, will do.

[@tporter23]

Fantastic work, beautiful end result.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@barnstar2077]

Beautiful work as always!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@OB1974]

This has given me some ideas. Excellent video and what a great job. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeFarrington]

Glad it was helpful!

[@acewoodworks2709]

Outstanding work, Mike!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@mattatkinson9096]

Great work!! Neat tricks with the biscuit joiner. I'll have to remember them. Thank you for being an inspiration.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@josephscisson5253]

Mike that front piece idea with the bisquit joiner is awesome man! All your bisquit joiner technique r great

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much. Happy to hear you like the tips.

[@josephscisson5253]

Man your videos are awesome its such just clean straight info and ive watched them all multiple times cuz it seems everytime i rewatch i learn something diffrent or it reinerates something better that i already picked up from your vids previously

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you, that is very nice to hear. It is my goal to pack as much info into each video as I can. Its great to have you as a viewer.

[@adwokatdiabla7753]

A very nice and clean job!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@seanchase9988]

Awesome and very slick as usual Mike!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@woodmasterguy]

Nice work Mike. Watching you cutting the long slot with the biscuit, I remember in the ol' pre domino days, for face frames on carcasses I used to put a slot cutter in a trim router, cut long slots entire lengths of the 4 edges of the case. Put biscuits where ever I wanted on the face frames. Made life real easy. Like your thickness tip on the fillers...

[@MikeFarrington]

I worked with some old timers back in the day that were artists with a biscuit joiner. I also have a slot cutter in a trim router, I haven't used it in a while cause I just like cutting slots with the biscuit joiner. Being able to put biscuits anywhere is a real time saver, neat trick.

[@sharonmoore2626]

It's so refreshing seeing a true professional at work!! I wish you were located in PA!

[@MikeFarrington]

Wow, thank you!

[@Rage-of-War]

W.A.S.P "paint it black", best cover ever!! Rolling stones was good but the cover was FIRE!!!

[@Rage-of-War]

What is your method of scribing your finish top to the walls? I've been using carboard as a template, same as a granite guy would, but maybe you have a better way? lol

[@MikeFarrington]

That is a really good song and cover. Using a template material such as cardboard is works just fine.

[@andreweastaughffe1070]

Nice work the colours are very nice and give a very timeless style to it all and the design of it suits the home very well.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@DuyNguyen-hm8kk]

Hey Mike.. great job.. super clean.. thanks for sharing your work and videos!.. love watching your work man.. thanks again

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much for watching.