DIY Built In Shelves Tutorial | Base | Cabinets | Part I

-- Supplies & Tools --
1. Hardware / Cabinet Pulls: amzn.to/2uF5rwN
2. Chanel: Collections & Creations: amzn.to/2pW8mN3
3. The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living: amzn.to/2IiaN2Y
4. Monochrome Home: Elegant Interiors in Black and White: amzn.to/2GqrgBP
5. LED wire: amzn.to/2GM8isU
6. LED dimmer: amzn.to/2EcN8ie
7. LED Power Supply: amzn.to/2GI9pK7
8. LED Strips: amzn.to/2IpeG6C
9. Solder Tool: amzn.to/2H30pgc
10. Ryobi Impact Driver: amzn.to/2EewTkK
11. HomeRight Paint Sprayer: amzn.to/2EeXe1V
12. Tablesaw: amzn.to/2IH25vG
13. Drill: amzn.to/2GP3AqR
14. Brad Nailer: amzn.to/2GODJDM
15. Circular Saw: amzn.to/2HoCVlP
16. Can Do Clamp: amzn.to/2GS13MP
17. Leveler: amzn.to/2GOFIYt
18. Wood Glue: amzn.to/2IM8uWp
19. Liquid Nails: amzn.to/2ECxpcl
20. Caulking Gun: amzn.to/2qoRPjR
21. Stud Finder: amzn.to/2GP5ImC
22. Tape Measure: amzn.to/2GPRthp
23. 2.5" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2IJzHJ3
24. 2" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2GPBdwL
25. 1.25" Wood Screws: amzn.to/2qp3hvX
26. Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System: amzn.to/2GQsY3M
27. Kreg Screws: amzn.to/2IKcBCb
28. Clamps: amzn.to/2GTv7eM
29. Hearing Protection: amzn.to/2qnAtEg
30. Jigsaw: amzn.to/2GT3dQk
31. White Cabinets: www.lowes.com/...
32. Cabinets: homedepot.sjv....
33. Cabinets: homedepot.sjv....
DIY Blog: www.PaulTranDIY...
Essential Safety Gear:
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Hearing Protection: amzn.to/2QvPy39 or homedepot.sjv....
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Respirator: amzn.to/30IZ3AR or homedepot.sjv....
- Video Equipment --
Compact Camera - amzn.to/2eA2NxE
Mirrorless Camera - amzn.to/2TGE0tR
Small Tripod - amzn.to/2w1zmL5
Regular Tripod: amzn.to/2UYmnap
Slider - Konova Camera Slider Dolly K2 60cm (23.6 Inch)
amzn.to/2iXHOtD
Drone - amzn.to/2HJfcQk
Lighting: amzn.to/2YKXBvY
-- Social Media --
Instagram: / paultrandiy
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Music by HookSounds: www.hooksounds.com
Disclaimer: These videos are intended for entertainment and inspiration only. Woodworking and making stuff is dangerous. Always seek professional advice and training before using any power tools. If you have any uncertainty before performing any woodworking or fabricating procedure, stop and learn a safer method. Do not attempt anything simply because you saw it in one of my videos. Summary: be smart, use common sense, and respect your power tools.
This description contains affiliate links. This helps support the channel and allows me to make more DIY videos. Thank you for the support!
Items I received at no cost / sponsorship include (some of which I may not use in the video):
1. Ryobi Power Drill
2. Ryobi Router
3. Ryobi Circular Saw
4. Ryobi Impact Driver
5. HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer
6. WeatherWash Oaked Stain & Maintenance Oil
7. Ryobi Belt Sander
8. Ryobi 12" Sliding Miter Saw
9. Ryobi Wet Saw

[@mollyoxy]

You are so undersubbed. Your DIYs are some of the best I’ve seen on KZbin!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks!!! Yeah sometimes I want to give up but comments like this really help.

[@mollyoxy]

You'll get there! I try to share your videos whenever I can. I look forward to your future projects. Cheers mate

[@AnoviVonkica]

I couldn't agree more. I have literally just discovered your channel and I am absolutely amazed by your talent. I am moving house soon and plan to follow some of your plans (if I decide I'm brave enough ). I would like to order some tools from your list. I hope they deliver to UK. Please keep up the good work because it would be a real shame to stop expressing yourself through such wonderful projects. All the best with everything.

[@cptspinach]

@@PaulTranDIY KZbin is pretty over-saturated with content. If you keep at it, eventually you'll outlast the quitters. Keep up the good work!

[@caddieprom8608]

RIGHTTTT I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING !!!!

[@brendanmclennan5021]

Hey Paul, great job! I noticed at around 5:50 when gluing the cabinet spacer in place it slid around a bit. A trick I learnt (from another woodworker) was to sprinkle a small amount of really fine grain salt over the glue. When clamping it helps to prevent the timber sliding around. The trick has worked for me many times, so I thought I’d pass it forward.

[@AfterBurner369]

👍👍👍

[@EndorphikaMorphika]

Brilliant! I love how he used a full size chunk of pinewood to hide that seam! Makes it much more affordable to use the plywood for the remainder of the base table, and no one will ever notice!! I also love that he didn’t need to cut away the baseboard, since it’s really not necessary in this case. And that secret door is amazing! Love it love it love it!!

[@richardmcinnis6626]

I do a lot if cabinet work and furniture builds in general and your videos are amazing to watch to see how others do the same work and achieve excellant results. Yiu are defenitely amongst some of the best tutorials out there....if not one of the best. Great job...you earned another subscriber today!!!

[@lucaslegz]

I love, love, love this first video. So excited to watch it over and over until I can do this to my 17ft wall.

[@DC-js3ro]

That's my plan too!

[@castlesandcandy]

Have watched easily 20+ videos and this is the best one. Concise and clear and not speaking in terms that only a professional understands. Thank you so much, looking forward to more of your videos 💗

[@snoww2009]

I like that you show a fully finish product in the beginning of the video. It is beautiful and instantly get me interested.

[@fishingpinky3165]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me hire you! I have searched the internet for the last year and could not find any video like yours. You are an excellent youtuber. Thank you for the great tutorial. Although I will never be able to do this by myself...I will admire and dream of yours.

[@BrocAndAimee]

Paul you’ve done a great job! We love what you did. My wife and I took this inspiration and did our own version for our home :)

[@tammyglass2446]

Thank you so much for this video! We are in the middle of planning for our built-in project and I was going to skip the platform until I saw this video. Using the platform allows me to leave the baseboard trim in place!

[@zayiclive]

I can see it from your background and the diy built-ins look amazing! Hopefully when we buy our first house, I will reference your video and build this exact design! It’s INCREDIBLE!!!!

[@NCRobino]

Thanks for the great videos for this. I literally built a nearly identical one thanks to you and I love it! This was something I believed to be more complicated than I could do, but you gave me the confidence and it came out great! Thx

[@johnlittle8714]

As a cabinet red seal cabinet maker/ installer.... amazing work! I apprciate you saying your a diyer and not portraying yourself as a professional. You deserve alot more subs!

[@csruehle0507]

WOW I’m so glad I found you!! Thank you for sharing your how-to!!! 🔥🥰🙌👍

[@seabrew9060]

On my Second bookcase/ ent center build I have used this tutorial for. Great job, thank you for all the guidance

[@dilpreets7]

thats not a DIY'er job. you are a professional with the knowledge you hold

[@gavinwalsh5238]

Oh my God thank you!! so many DIY videos start with some dude screaming into the camera. So rare to find someone who is clear conscience and knowledgeable.

[@rhyllested]

Great video! This is precisely what I was looking for.

[@superc]

first saw your college channel years ago. wow you are so talented like a modern renaissance man. hope you reach that 100k subscription milestone

[@snoww2009]

3:54, using space is a great idea 👍

[@Rzabber1187]

This guy is incredible and the video quality is unreal. Keep it up - you are going to get up there in subs very fast.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks Rich!!

[@jayhealey928]

Nice job. One important comment about your use of the table saw at the 6 minute mark. It is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to make a crosscut against the rip fence. It can bind causing kickback.

[@delfindle]

4:22 - noticed that too... miter gauge with a sacrificial fence will prevent wood missiles, soiled pants, and you get to keep all 10 fingers too.

[@raymondmcgee4491]

Looks nice, looking forward to the next part. I'm definitely getting ideas for future build-ins for our home office. I'd recommend making another hatch/ door for that plug that was covered up ( probably against the electrical code in your area to make junction/ device boxes inaccessible).

[@debil718]

Paul, I just found you and these videos are invaluable. Thank you for helping us aspiring diyers achieve our dreams. I’m building this for my husband as a gift but I’m stuck on the countertop instructions. I feel stupid, trying to figure out how that got put together. If you or anyone here can help provide a step by step explanation. My wall is about the same size as yours. Countertop would be 19x151

[@TranTheClever]

Now that's how to make a DIY video! Precise and to the point with fantastic and clever ideas on how to make the shelves. My wife has been wanting me to make floating shelves for her for a long time and now I know how to. Thanks so much for posting this video. 1:32

[@RichardBramlett]

I saw the first video and thought, NEAT. I then watched this one and thought, SUBSCRIBED. Seriously though, very well explained and it took the fear I had of tackling a similar project for my house (no experience with woodwork). I'm now searching for the right design for my space!

[@jayfurnas-campbell4391]

Paul, just saw this and Love the idea. Only thing I would suggest different is to use a 4ft on each of the cabinets. You will get a good idea if any are out of plumb and what side/end. Awesome job!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks!

[@lsmith4904]

Wow! The video was perfect timing, I’m about to do diy built in like yours. I’m anxiously waiting for part 2!!! I don’t want to start my project until I see how yours is done. Hurry pleeeeeease!! :) :) thank you for sharing.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yes I will post part II within a week or so, I need to find time to edit the video!

[@caseygoodall3407]

@@PaulTranDIY Did you ever make the second video? I cant find it.

[@PaulTranDIY]

@@caseygoodall3407 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIOvXmOhm9OjsNk

[@millennialbellaTV]

Wow! I have learned a lot from you that not many would have even covered! I am currently looking at installing a built-in dresser for my bedroom and your tutorial has been extremely helpful and I love how you try to make everything accessible so easily. Thank you and glad to have found your channel. Subscribed! 🎉Oh, and I ate my veggies!

[@stephenjensen9351]

Being someone that used to work as a cabinet installer, I'd suggest a longer level. Being slightly unlevel might not matter in this application, but something to think about. Good looking project!

[@BloomByCC]

You are an elevated DIY guy

[@ti38338]

Nicely done! I'm planning a project for my home, and I'll definitely be using some of your ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@miakaite5281]

This is EXACTLY what I needed! Thank you for making this video!

[@happilyforever.aashuhappil2972]

One sentence we'll learn together is makes me your subscriber love from India ♥️

[@VanessaPalomino]

This might be a silly question, but since you bought the cabinets painted white already, did you match the paint color to them for the rest of the shelving or did you spray over the existing white color on the cabinet doors with the paint you used overall so it can all match?

[@jiujitsustl]

I have the same question!

[@Maghanashi]

No answer after 3 months... That's concerning.

[@user-mv5yn6jh6y]

It would be hard to paint match a new piece with old. If anything you can lightly sand the previous paint off and spray. i wouldn't recommend spraying over pre existing paint. If you have additional question let me know, im a carpenter and believe it or not i went to school for it...

[@mattb2389]

Your question is 6 months old so likely this answer is late but anyway. I did a very similar build to this after seeing his video. You can find unpainted cabinets as well. This is what I did. Then I was able to paint all the wood exactly the same color.

[@steveconner6126]

Looks like you put a lot of thought into this. Smartly done.

[@patd9859]

Great job. Starting my own this week.

[@JulesUS8386]

Put these same cabinets in with shelves on top. Tomorrow going to bring the outlet forward into the bookcase. Next holes in for TV cord to pass down to outlet.

[@kaylag5988]

Can you give us an approximate cost of this project? I’ve seen a couple of comments asking this as well, I’d love to try this! I have two sections of 9’ wall space that I need to cover.

[@zahyahantz2754]

How long (days or hours) would you say it took to complete this project in its entirety? Also, of that time, how much was spent on painting (since I think I'll hire a professional to handle that piece). Thank you for sharing this! It's fantastic.

[@klebberbezerra1610]

thanx for posting. amazing video and the result impressive to say the least. you are amazing. congrats

[@TheComputerCowboy]

nice work, my man. the finished product looks amazing!

[@patricialivingston4704]

Thanks for giving great information. I now can do this in my den.

[@idkman886]

Not throwing shade but u checking the level is the funniest thing I've seen someone do 🤣

[@mrsterrell1994]

This is beautiful Paul love it !

[@colinblake24]

I love the impact driver too.

[@imoimos]

Thank you! Awesome video!! Subscribed!

[@Iterare]

Hi Paul, great job! I can’t wait to do this build myself. I was wondering if you could please post the measurements for all your wood cuts? I.e. what size / how many sheets of 3/4” and 1/2” plywood to buy, and the measurements to cut for the base, counter, and shelves? I looked on your blog but didn’t see one. Just want to make sure I do it right. Measure twice cut once, right? Thanks!

[@steveking4878]

Nice job! Can't wait to see the second part.

[@bsheridan4898]

Like others have said, your content and craftsmanship is among the best I've seen on KZbin. Keep up the hard work! May I suggest to get more exposure, post your vids on Reddit or Pinterest and/or hook up with I Like To Make Things or the other larger KZbin channels? They will definitely recognize what you've made and could accelerate your exposure. Just a thought!

[@brianwofford9351]

At around 4 minutes you looked for studs in the wall. Typically they are all on 16” centers so it would be quicker just to use the red numbers on your tape measure

[@TranTheClever]

Wow, so this is how they do it. Genius, man. They came out looking awesome! Great job. 5:44

[@Jhonsinh]

Great tutorial!

[@the1andonlycw]

Great video! I think your slogan should be, "Tran's the man!"

[@debbydhill]

Looks professional! Looking forward to part 2. BTW, I just ate my veggies... :)

[@PaulTranDIY]

Haha yes!

[@janetshaffer423]

Super helpful video! And a big thank you for keeping your explanations succinct! If I want a life story, I will watch a v.log!

[@janetshaffer423]

Roflmao "Eat your vegetables!"

[@rcmrgn]

I'm intrigued to know how did an impact driver "changed your life"? What's so great about it?

[@caddieprom8608]

SO WEIRD THO IT WAS REALLY HARD FOR ME TO FIND YOUR CHANNEL I KEPT SEARCHING CLOSET DIY AND YOURS WOUDLNT POP UP IT POPPED UP FOR ME UNDER SEARCHING HOW TO BUILD A WALK IN CLOSET SO IDK IF THAT HELPS ANY BUT JUST WANTED TO THROW THAAT OUT THERE CUZ YOUR VIDEOS ARE EFFIN AMAZINGGGGG SO DONT EVER GIVE UP PLZ I LOVEEEEEE THESE EPISODES !!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks Caddie! Appreciate the love

[@susanvallance9111]

I love the shelves and cabinets you installed and I have great need NEED For cabinets to be built in my condo ….. in 4 rooms and two walk-in closet’s!!!! I want you to build them for me !! Please!!🙏🏽🙏🏽I’m too old and I’m blind

[@TranTheClever]

your lil pup is soooooo me 😂 5:41

[@chrisasearles]

Nice build! That table saw cut at 4:22 was really sketchy though. Looks like your riving knife just barely saved you from a nasty kickback. Make yourself a sled for those types of cuts, will be one of the best things you could do for yourself safety-wise!

[@PaulTranDIY]

thanks!! I am always trying to improve

[@chrisasearles]

no problem, i'm no expert myself but if you're putting it out there for DIYers, safety should be at the top of the list! check out William Ng's video on building a crosscut sled, highly recommended!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yeah I need to invest some time into building some jigs!

[@mikew815]

Very helpful. Great job. Subscribed.

[@h06anbjo]

Where you spaced the bases apart, I would have put the two middle ones together and then put some sort of shelves between 1&2 and 3&4... You could put CDs or LPs or something there...

[@mrchase1]

Great work

[@nizzypatel]

This is awesome man. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertaveritt729]

If you level , plumb, and square your base then your cabinets should sit plumb and level. Square your cabinets and the shelves should slide in plumb and level as well. It's easier to shim and cut the base than each individual cabinet.

[@mystuff9061]

Hey Paul, thanks for this video. I have been saving it for 6 months waiting for the right moment. I do have a question, I didn't fully understood how you build the countertop. Did you use two plywood together? Like a sandwich?

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yeah I used 2 pieces of plywood and I just used dowels and pocket screws to hold them together. But honestly you can probably just set 2 pieces of plywood on top and fill it in with caulking or wood filler before painting.

[@kympowell8567]

Question, but first thank you for your videos! Super helpful as I plan to build my own built-ins. I was wondering if you ran into any issues with the carpet later since you cut it. I also have carpet but wasn’t sure if it would beed to be restretched after cutting. Thanks!

[@mcervas]

This is amazing. Great work!

[@jakecahan9215]

Hey Paul, I'm trying to do this for myself. Just wondering why you made the platform deeper than the cabinets?

[@jean-philippeblouin5388]

Looking sharp

[@shaunZ96]

1. why did you have to use scrap wood around the walls on the studs to hold up the tabletop when you can place it directly on the cupboards? 2. why did you leave a lot of space behind the back?

[@thedirector594]

Beautiful!! Thank you!!

[@yepyep4840]

This is inspiring. I want to make something like this..however, how did you do the long counter top piece?

[@junquette3000]

You are so clear! You make a chicken like me feel like I can do this. Well done! Oh, and I just subscribed.

[@CarlosRodriguez-vg2ob]

I love this video and now I’m getting to do this very same project.. in the list of things used I did not see the types of wood used.. did you mentioned that in your video. I really need to know what type of wood to buy. Not really worried about the sizes

[@PaulTranDIY]

If your painting you can use pretty much anything, but I used Birch Plywood

[@CarlosRodriguez-vg2ob]

Paul Tran DIY ok but what thickness

[@PaulTranDIY]

3/4 " Birch for shelves and 1/2" birch for just the backing but you can probably get away with 1/4" for the back of the shelves too.

[@darlenemcclenny3909]

This project has given me an idea for a room in our house. I just have a couple comments . . . not corrections. If you level the base first, your cabinets will be level. You didn't mention it in the video, but did you secure the edge of the carpet that you cut with tack strips? Carpet is stretched when it's installed so there's the potential for it to pull away from the base. Looking forward to seeing the rest and future projects!

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yes good points!! Thanks

[@michaeltatham2741]

You didn’t need the liquid nails for the cabinet spacers. Using trim screws, screw through the face frames. Much stronger and no need for a support in behind.

[@PaulTranDIY]

thanks!

[@joshhyink]

Great tutorial, truly appreciated!

[@ricoromano-inspiradalife365]

What do you think the overall cost was for this, roughly? Thanks and nice vid!

[@troygibson7410]

Paul, You never said how you finish the carpet. Did you glue the edge down? Re-do the tack strip? Please advise.

[@lizc2917]

I had the same question!

[@ncshomevids]

This is fabulous

[@josechavez5950]

Looks Great!! Paul and company...

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks Jose!! Appreciate it.

[@josechavez5950]

Did you put out the 2nd vid yet?

[@PaulTranDIY]

No not yet, still have to edit the video.

[@josechavez5950]

Paul Tran DIY Cool, I'll be looking out for it... I Got the Bell On... Keep up the good work man!

[@vivekanandthegreat4246]

Amazing . I’m attempting this . I’m trying to put in a motorized tv lift hidden in the cabinet . Could you please tell me the distance between the counter top and the first shelf ?

[@roninmotors7466]

I think im going to use this as a starting point to make a 10 ft built in wall desk unit. Just modify it a bit to suit my needs. Im thinking only using the cabinets on the ends so I have a place to sit, make 2 smaller platforms for each side and leave a gap in the middle 2 shelves above where a monitor can go. Any advice? These wall units are kinda pricey and yours is great and affordable.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Yeah that should work. As others have suggested if you don't have restrictions on depth from the wall, you can buy the Base Cabinets instead which are deeper (not sure exact measurements), then you would not have to build the platforms. The wall cabinets I bought to use for the bottom are only 12" depth (because I wanted to save some space). Also you may want to consider reinforcing the middle part where you will have nothing underneath and placing weight on top. I would recommend getting scratch paper out and measure everything and draw it out and just imagine it for a few days before starting. Hope this makes sense, its 230AM for me haha.

[@roninmotors7466]

Thanks again for the great videos! loved them

[@Arcneets]

Hi. I have something similar in mind. Just curious as to how your project is going ? Any pointers to get me started on my own project ? Thanks

[@nihalviradiya]

Hey can you share detail on from where you bought counter top ?

[@VCBetty2010]

Why leave so espace behind the cabinets?

[@nikkitajervey6406]

love this tutorial! do you remember how much this cost to make/build?

[@csp8003]

Awesome!! Love this video. I subscribed.

[@gsh319]

Absolutely great job Paul. I'm subbed up! Gonna look through your other work. While you may not be a carpenter, you couldn't tell by your job here. Looks great, real nice. Thank You.

[@PaulTranDIY]

Thanks Scott! I'm trying to get better :)

[@neilgreene]

Looks AMAZING

[@klodianspahillari9434]

Hi Paul, this is a really nice book shelf, I like the way you'r building it. I'm looking to build one my self, would you please share the dimensions of the base, and the pre-made cabinets for me please. What kind of plywood are you using? Thanks.

[@MrGeno3535]

any chance youd have a paper tutorial of this? with all the supplies and steps etc?

[@mikesgarage5066]

Do you wish you would have used a diffuser on the LED lighting?

[@niddrieroberts1555]

Love this! Using this as a reference to rebuild mine thank you! Was just wondering how you matched the cabinet and paint color?

[@lancenguyen9175]

Nice bro.

[@tlaughlin88]

Is there a video on how you wired the lights to the outlet?

[@kensaunders5794]

Nice work. I’m building something similar and was wondering about your outlets. I understand it’s against code to bury outlets like this. Is your access panel sufficient to pass code, or should it be relocated? Any electricians out there?

[@mattl7126]

Any reason you went with the 30” and spacers and not 36” to fit flush in the space?

[@PatriciaHampton-j6i]

Are the cabinets wall cabinets? I can’t find the ones you are using