How to Build an EASY File Cabinet--{Using Plywood and 2x4s!}

Learn how to build your own DIY File Cabinet in this video!
Plans, details dimensions here:
www.woodshopdiaries.com/home-...
This video was sponsored by my friends at DAP!
I’m bringing you another fun build to add to the matching series I’ve been building for my Dad’s office. This time, it’s a DIY filing cabinet.
If you’ve followed this whole series, you may be thinking-haven’t you already made your Dad filing cabinets for his office?
And yes-I did. I built modular file cabinets for my dad to set his large stencil cutting machine on in his office back last fall:
www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-f...
But apparently that wasn’t enough for all his papers, so I’m back at it building another one-this time in a design that matches the style I built his recent table, desk, and shelf.
See Table: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
See Desk: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
See Shelf: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-s...
This is a very basic cabinet that works well as a file cabinet, but could also make a nice printer cabinet, or even a side table or nightstand.
I'm sharing some helpful tips throughout this video including:
--How to make your own table legs from 2x4s
--How to turn a drawer box into a file folder drawer
--How to ensure a cabinet is level
--How to attach trim pieces using RapidFuse
Tools and materials used in this video:
(affiliate links)
Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/2rkObz
Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/drzBM
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/9WGNvW
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3rorfFS
Table saw and/or router (optional)
(3) 2x4x8 boards
(2) 2x2x8 boards
(1) sheet 3/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95
(1/2) sheet 1/4" plywood
(4) 8' sticks cove molding
(2) pair 16" ball bearing drawer slides: I buy bulk package--amzn.to/3bjzXQo
2 1/2" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/30hjXYQ
2" wood screws
1 1/4" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/30dDA3Z
1" wood screws
Weldwood Wood Glue: amzn.to/3kMfHty
RapidFuse Glue: amzn.to/3sQMMax

[@franciscomedina6485]

Your Dad most be proud of you.. I like all your projects 👏👏👏👏👏

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!! I think we are equally proud of each other haha. I’m definitely a dads girl 😄

[@danielgeng2306]

Your dad is a lucky guy, very nice work but more than that it warms my heart that you’re building this stuff for your dad ~

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m definitely a dads girl. I’d build him anything he asked for!

[@caryboren2051]

Looks great!

[@kaylalanger241]

I love this set! so fun to watch it evolve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Aww thank you so much!! I’m thinking about one more precinct to finish it off and show off the whole space. Stay tuned 😄😉

[@helderdesouzaegidioengenhe451]

Parabéns!!! Você é muito talentosa!!!!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

This is a great series. Thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you’ve enjoyed it! Thanks for following along!

[@MikeTheSith200]

Oh my goodness. I’ve been needing to make a file cabinet for a while. Now I have a great guide! Thanks!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! I hope this helps!! 😄

[@johnjohn71400]

Another great video, I love your creations, it teaches me a lot of things, I am always impatient to see your next videos :)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that and so glad you enjoy the videos! 😄

[@johnisley4578]

Great work, you make it seem so easy which is fantastic. Cheers

[@WoodshopDiaries]

My goal is to keep things as simple as possible! It’s definitely doable! Glad you enjoy that 👍

[@rogerwa123]

I love your build and you make it look so easy.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@johnkelley9877]

This has been a great series and the file cabinet looks great! I like the natural finish too and the designs are really nice. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! So glad you’ve been enjoying the series! It’s been really fun to build 😄

[@MsMeri1969]

Thank you for all of your video's! They gave me the inspiration and confidence to make my own bedroom headboard and footboard and matching nightstands. You make it look so easy!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s so amazing to hear! I’m so glad my videos were helpful and that you were able to tackle that project! 🔨🔨 that makes my day!

[@timdyer7692]

Excellent job! I really like all the office projects you created. Your dad is one lucky guy.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I’ve had a ton of fun building these pieces. I think I’m the lucky one to have two great parents that let me build them things haha 😅

[@stephenneal739]

Absolutely gorgeous. And your work is beautiful as well 🙂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you 😄

[@SuperMarcus2323]

Another great idea.....well done!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@vs77mail]

Great job! I say daddy is very happy to see all this good looking furniture in his office.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Another nice addition to your dad’s office! A project than be used for many things. I really like the simplicity of the corner leg design. They look great and are functional. Thanks for this series! Be safe out there Shara!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words and glad you’ve enjoyed the series! Have a great weekend!

[@jenniferbell4571]

Love this!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@RiverPlaid]

You are so talented and inspiring.🍄

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind! I appreciate that!

[@Jones572]

Very cool Shara🤙🏾💯. Your craftsmanship is second to none! Thanks for sharing❤️

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s so kind! Thank you so much 😊

[@moamenaskar4470]

u have a unique way of putting Cabinet together. I admire it a lot. nicely done!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@AB-nu5we]

Very nice again. Backs can help square up and keep square pieces like this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Yes that’s a good point. But this beast is pretty ridgid so I don’t think the back would help much in this particular case.

[@dre7637]

Great job! Love your videos!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@WoodUCreate]

Time for a book shelf, the kind mounted to the wall, one of those angled stands for your feet under the desk, a desk organizer/monitor stand. Just a few ideas I've been thinking of. Trying to keep you busy there.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Great suggestions! I’ve got a few ideas brewing 😉

[@danielgeng2306]

Good table saw technique, you’re aware of where your hands are and where the kickback is gonna go if God forbid a kickback occurs. Impressive ~

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Always try to be careful on the table saw. It’s a little intimidating haha

[@danielgeng2306]

@@WoodshopDiaries yes they are ! Lol

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Another great piece of furniture Shara! Thanks for sharing the video with us!💖👌👍😎JP

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Your very welcome Shara! Have a great weekend!😎

[@wals6383]

Although another cabinet There is no need for regret Whatever that you choose to build I am always very thrilled I love your shows and content And in the shed my time is spent Motivated with what you do I hope to be as good as you So thank you for all your posts The KZbinr I watch the most Your attention to detail which you describe Has instantly made me subscribe!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Oh wow that’s awesome! 😄 nice poetry skills! That seriously made my day haha. I am so glad you enjoyed the project and I appreciate you following along!

[@downunderfulla6001]

This turned out bloody awesome Shara. This series has produced some excellent office or just home furniture. Thanks again for sharing 🍺🍺

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@danieloldfield8219]

Such a great series. Thinking of using this cabinet design to make nice looking workshop storage, and perhaps a nice miter saw station.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes! That would be awesome. Some fancy shop storage!

[@danieloldfield8219]

@@WoodshopDiaries ... plus a good way to practice skills/techniques

[@don9133]

My office is going to be spectacular! :)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Happy building!

[@felixreali7101]

another great project. keep 'em coming :-)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!! Glad you’re enjoying them!

[@STANWoodwork]

nice build, looks good

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@noonesbusiness3951]

Great job very nice

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@cordharrison6495]

First off, Love your content and i must say i started just looking for a video on a good dresser idea, but ended up setting it on Autoplay and watching for 4 hours.. lol.. i heard you mention in a video about the negativity from people on TikTok, and listen here, someone once told me that if you dont have any haters then you arent doing something right. its a strange thing these days to see how often people dislike watching others succeed. And you are doing a great job and i encourage you to please keep up the excellent work! you have a real talent here and im sure many of us love to watch. God Bless!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind! I really appreciate your kind words and I’m so glad you enjoyed watching my videos! (I’m embarrassed at some of my older stuff haha. I had…and still have…a lot to learn!). Putting content out there can be anxiety inducing sometimes because, you’re right, some people are just angry and won’t have anything good to say no matter what. It’s part of the job, though, and I know there are people it’s helping and inspiring so I keep on. I appreciate the encouragement 😊

[@cordharrison6495]

@@WoodshopDiaries I’m sure coming up with content ideas can be frustrating and time consuming for you, but there Is definitely nothing wrong with doing different styles of the same items you have done in the past. Like your dads office for example, maybe this time around he doesn’t want a filing cabinet by itself but rather incorporated vertically into his desk with a different color scheme you know? You seem to have a very creative and photographic way of doing things in your head, so that’s just an off the cuff example but I’m sure you see what I mean and I trust that whatever you would come up with would’ be way better than my own idea so I would definitely be tuning in to watch that new series too! But yea keep it up and let the trolls troll lol. Take care and God Bless

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Fabulous

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@jimkoz5052]

Love all your vids. Very good. Also love your hair

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!!

[@billprocter942]

Really liking the modern farmhouse look. I hope you're giving your dad a family discount on his custom furniture, charging double. 😳 Purchasing some rapidfuse through your link. Nice not having to use an accelerator. Hopefully works.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha Dad definitely gets a discount. Most times I don’t charge at all 😅 hope you enjoy using the RapidFuse. It worked well in my case. I’ll definitely be keeping it handy for the future. I hate waiting for glue to dry 😂

[@jasonthomas1760]

Great build as always! Don't know how many times I tried to wipe away the black dot though lol. Keep up the amazing work

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I saw that when I was editing 🤦🏼‍♀️ I got a new camera lens and I think I got some fuzz stuck between the camera and the lens 😂😅

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Shara! Really nicely done! 😃 A piece like that could be used even for a 3d printer. It's so sturdy that I doubt it would have wobbly issues! 😃 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Once it was done, it was definitely sturdy! It would be so cool to have a 3D printer for it haha. Thanks as always for watching!

[@MCsCreations]

@@WoodshopDiaries I agree! I still don't have one either. 😕

[@mrprivate8846]

Great job,,,I like the beanie

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! My sock monkey hat is my favorite!

[@arth.4196]

Shara, your awesome 🙏 just like The Original Carpenter of the Life Giving Book.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@themrnorwood]

Dad got more papers than Michael Scott Paper Company. Came out great!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

😂😂 I love The Office!

[@raylane7056]

Great project!! Love your designs. Would you consider developing a 4-drawer model?

[@jeanloreaud9282]

Encore un très joli meuble,bravo à bientôt salut Jeannot 🛠😉

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!!

[@evafinnegan1724]

Love your hat!!!😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍 sock monkey is my favorite! 😂

[@evafinnegan1724]

@@WoodshopDiaries 😊

[@cabman86]

So this is why Dad lets you use his tools? hehe. You do amazing work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you!! But what’s funny is that actually my dad needs to borrow my tools. All. The. Time. 😂

[@cabman86]

You should have added your Dad's reaction.

[@cabman86]

@@WoodshopDiaries HA!

[@ronb2505]

Hi glad to be a new subscriber

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad to have you following along! Thank you!

[@NirvanaWoodWorksbyJanie]

To quote my 4yr old... "Those are super nice. I want to build some of those".

[@WoodshopDiaries]

😂😂 thats the best!

[@bryanp1969]

Set your printer on it too???? 🤯🤯🤯 Seriously I'm loving this series beautiful and affordable

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Right?! Mind boggling 😂😂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series!! So glad to hear 👍

[@georgeloredo1764]

Looks amazing!!! Im building a gaming table and after watching your video i think i might be changing the design 😭 lol! Its so depressing how almost no floor is perfectly leveled so how do u get this thing leveled out? With out it messing with the look of the beautiful legs?

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Another great piece for your dads office. Do you see a possible office reveal in the future? It would be cool to see how it all looks in its home.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Once it’s all finished, I’ll post a picture but I doubt I do a full video on it. Dads office is definitely not magazine worthy by any means haha. He just has nice furniture now 😂 there’s an ac unit on the wall, the wall paint color isn’t great and he really needs a new floor. It’s just not super photogenic ha. But I’ll post a picture of all the pieces when I’m done anyway 👍

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

@@WoodshopDiaries A pic would be great.

[@patgregg9158]

Can you use 2 project panels (24"x48"). Believe it or not it's cheaper that a 48"x96" at my local big box store. Not sure if impacts the cut list. Thanks for the video. Can't wait to try this. It's just what I've been looking for.

[@rubengalvan3836]

Wow

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@edithmorrison5332]

I don't suppose there would be a way to make the desk L shaped? I love ho easy you make it look. I would love to try these pieces.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You could certainly make a few modifications to make the desk in an L shape. One cabinet on one side and one on the other, then use a corner leg and a few braces to support the top at the back corner.

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

How do you determine the distance between the draw slides. Thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I have a guide on that here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/theres-no-wrong-way-to-make-a-drawer/

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

@@WoodshopDiaries 👍

[@noonesbusiness3951]

I really enjoy watching your videos..who is the camera person....you could build a nice house I've watched this twice

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m the camera person. It’s a tripod haha. And I actually built my house now! 😄

[@eeodle]

HI SARA BBQ SEASON IS COMING UP.I would like to see you make a bbq prep table with a sink build in to it Thank you

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I’d love to build that. If I can find a use for it for myself or someone I know, I’ll definitely give it a go!

[@eeodle]

@@WoodshopDiaries build it for you or your dad or good friend bbq is more popular then ever

[@DiegoGarcia-bt7zx]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@matthewogden352]

Is there a benefit to using the impact driver for the screws? Or is it just convenience of not having to swap out the drill driver bit?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Convenience mostly. You can use a regular drill/driver for both drilling and driving so you don’t need both.

[@donniem1967]

you have a great talent. have you considered expanding your skill by learning more traditional joinery techniques?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you. My business is creating content to teach beginners and casual woodworkers how to get started and how to build awesome stuff without a bunch of tools, time, and complicated methods. So honestly, I don’t build for fun...I build for business. And my business is keeping it as simple as possible. 👍

[@PerrynBecky]

Very nice set you made for your dad. It's so refreshing to see someone your age doing things productive and nice for their parents, and others; rather than sitting on their butts all day demanding their parents wait on them hand and foot. Both thumbs up to you.

[@dbiernackijr1403]

How do you like using the new pocket hole by kreg? I've been reading mixed reviews... Saying the lever that you push down is wobbly and the little rivets on sides of the handle hits The plastic and breaks it unless it's pushed down straight. This was my main concern on the reviews other than a few other things I think I could live with. The self adjuster seems to be brilliant. Along with the option to lay it down so you can pocket hole big pieces of wood you can't stand up. But the clamp they give you to put it in this position don't seem too sturdy when you go to clamp it down.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! So I’m not 100% sure what you mean about the handle hitting the plastic. Which handle? The clamp? Either way, I 100% honest have no complaints about the new jig. I’ve used it for a few projects so far and feel is it a vast improvement over the old one. I don’t find the clamp to be wobbly at all and it’s MUCH easier on my arms to use it continuously. I love the clamp to clamp it to the workbench and personally I don’t have any issues with “sturdiness.” I’m not super rough on it...I mean I’m not beating it up or anything. Just using it as intended. My only “complaint” if I had one is that the drill guide is difficult to change out if you swap between the pocket hole jig and the plug cutter. But I rarely use the plug cutter so I don’t really care.

[@dbiernackijr1403]

@@WoodshopDiaries awesome... Thank you for your input!! All's I read was about the handle you push down.... Reviews said it's really loose and when you push it down if it's not straight it hits the sides. But other than that I'll take your word for it because in your video I seen ZERO movement as you clamped down!!! Thanks again and look forward to your next video!!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Okay I think I understand what you’re saying. I promise I’d be honest with you...I don’t have any issues with the clamp handle...at least so far. But I will say there’s a knob on the side to adjust the clamping pressure. It COULD be that the reviewers didn’t realize there’s an adjustment and had theirs too loose. 🤷‍♀️

[@dbiernackijr1403]

@@WoodshopDiaries 🤣🤣I have no doubt you would be honest with your input. I stalked you down in Facebook and attached a pic of what I'm talking about on the same project.

[@Harveygeeding]

Geat videos and series; I'm liking the content I'm sure you mom and dad are as well likeing it; you make videos they get furniture for office win win I guess for both lol I dont know if this crossed your minde but have you thought about building and shipping out hand made stuff for customers or thought of it and decided against it b/c more money going out I guess then in b/c shipping and building it thought I'd ask Or have you taken your stuff to a flea market thanks sorry for spelling not a strong point for me !!!! lmfao 😀 hahahahaha

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! So glad you’re enjoying the series! So I don’t typically build commission pieces. I build for close friends and family and for myself...but don’t get beyond that. I stay busy enough already haha. And I definitely don’t deal with shipping. It’s more money than most are willing to pay. That’s also why I don’t go to flea markets to set up booths to sell in. J couldn’t even get material cost out of my pieces at places like that. I attempted for a little bit several years ago but there’s no money in that. So I stick to creating content, plans and videos now 😊

[@73satanico]

👍👍👍

[@alerrapalexrap36]

Ok great... Congratulations

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@patriciamcsherry2748]

Trouble having the drawer slide in all the way any thoughts?

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

God bless yoy

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! You as well!

[@shawnbonita7885]

I am new to woodworking and don't have a table saw. How would you square 2x4's without a table saw?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You could use a circular saw and a straight edge and be VERY careful. But you’ll have to cut as deep as you can on one side, them flip it over and cut the other since a circ saw won’t cut through 3” thickness in one pass. You could also use a flush cut bit on a router and a straight edge, or a jig saw and a straight edge, but that would be the messiest method and probably require the most sanding.

[@Kloran27]

Unrelated to the project; but do you find there is a 'value' in buying the kerosene fuel from the box store over getting a can and getting from a gas station? Or is it just not that available in your area? It looked to be ~4x the cost per gallon to do it that way.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So our area had a insane cold snap a few weeks back. They called for a lot of ice and we were worried about heat since ours is electric and they expected power outages. I borrowed my grandpas spare kerosene heater and just picked up a gallon of kerosene just in case we needed it. Didn’t want to buy a special container and get five gallons when we might only need it for a day or two. We didn’t need it so it’s still sitting there.

[@hillbilly59apache59]

That’s awsome but looks like you need a space heater

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha nah. A coat and a hat does the trick 👍

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

🙏🌹

[@jellybelly6584]

How much would you sell this for?

[@klansimpson]

Is there a reason you didn't just buy some 3x3 off the shelf for the legs instead of joining/gluing together? Asking seriously, just wondering if you feel its stronger or ends up better design wise Looks awesome btw, well done, liked and subbed👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve never seen 3”x3” posts available precut off the shelf where I’ve shopped. I take that back-I have, but only in oak and they’re crazy expensive and only come in 3’ long pieces. So I just glue up 2x4s and trim them down so they’re square. I don’t use 4x4s because where I live, you can’t find them untreated off the shelf-you have to order them and they’re expensive and look like garbage. It’s cheaper, and much better quality to just glue up 2x4s and make my own posts.

[@klansimpson]

@@WoodshopDiariesah makes sense so its availability. I have 3x3 in my local wood suppliers (wouldn't work out cheaper making these myself), I figured it might be availabilty though. Thanks for the info & keep up the good work I am on my 3rd video of yours now haha

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! Keep in mind that 3x3 doesn’t always mean 3”x3”. You may already know that. My posts are 3” square but a nominal 3x3 is only 2 1/2” square.

[@j.c.8975]

I love your video's. How in the world can you use pocket screws without the item moving around on you ?? I use clamps and I still have problems, lol Do you have a gofundmepage so you can gather enough $$ to purchase a furnace your lil cold body. Kudo's 2 U......

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha. I need for a heater! A coat and hat does the trick 😄 I get that question a lot from people about the pocket holes. And I don’t have an answer. I’ve just learned to hold the pieces over the years I guess 🤷‍♀️ haha

[@Heidi43434]

So...how do you hang files?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hang them on the plywood using hanging folders.

[@brianluck84]

I hate when a pocket screw pulls your piece out of alignment that 1/16-1/8 of an inch when I didn't clamp it properly

[@irvinwittmeier5208]

!;-)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@joangrant5248]

It is obviously me, but I can’t find the plans.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

In The description of this video, it’s on the second line that says “plans, details, dimensions here:”. They’re in the link following 👍

[@joangrant5248]

@@WoodshopDiaries thank you for this reply. I have since been to your website and seen that I can get them there. Your videos are really excellent. Thank you.

[@safginogggrscjk4220]

น้องสาว

[@SuperArbi007]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍