Summary of Kitchen Cabinets: Cheaper to Build or Buy? | I Like To Make Stuff

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

The I Like to Make Stuff YouTube channel explores the different options for building or buying kitchen cabinets. The creator argues that building your own cabinets can save you money and discusses the cost comparison between building and buying while acknowledging that building cabinets can take a significant amount of time. The video provides insights into the process of building kitchen cabinets, including the types of cabinets, drawer building, cabinet material, and building costs. The creator also highlights the projects' challenges, achievements, and satisfaction in building your own cabinets. Ultimately, the video suggests that building your own cabinets can be a great project as long as you enjoy it, have the skills and the time to devote to it.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Bob from "I Like to Make Stuff" explores the different options for building or buying kitchen cabinets. He points out that a custom kitchen designer will provide you with the most expensive option, while box stores or online tools can offer more affordable semi-customizable cabinets. Bob argues that building your own cabinets can save you a lot of money, but he leaves the choice of tools up to the viewer. He then demonstrates an example of a simple cabinet box, using maple plywood and homemade edge banding.
• 00:05:00 In this section, Bob shows the process of cutting dados that will accept the bottom panel of the cabinet. The dado needs to be ¾ inch thick and ½ inch deep since the material is ¾ inch thick. The distance between the dado and the bottom of the panel must be 4 inches, creating an area for the toe kick. If you want to add a fixed shelf, you can cut more dados for it. Bob chose the prettier side of the material to cut the dados into since he will finish it, and put the ugly side on the outside. You can also make a two by four frame on the floor to get the toe kick area if you don't want to do the cut out for it.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the video, the focus is on building the basic carcass of the cabinets and deciding on the type of cabinets to be built. The two main types are framed and frameless, and the presenter chooses the frameless option. He covers the plywood with edge banding and fills the little pinholes with wood filler. The inside of the cabinets is sprayed with a polyurethane coat for protection, and the presenter uses a labeling system to keep track of all the measurements. The video also shows how to build drawers and mentions the necessity of custom building certain cabinets, such as the one for the sink. The lower cabinets are finished, and the final step is to build the upper cabinets and install them in place.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the video, the creator discusses the process of building drawers and adding special toe kick drawers to their kitchen cabinets. They also explain how they plan to make drawer fronts and doors in a shaker style using router bits and different materials. The video goes on to provide insights into the process of building their own cabinets and how it may or may not be worth the effort for others. Three main factors to consider include whether or not someone is interested in building cabinets, their level of experience and comfort with DIY projects, and the amount of time and effort they are willing to devote to the project. Despite the difficulties and challenges, the creator acknowledges the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with building their own cabinets.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the YouTuber talks about the cost comparison between building and buying kitchen cabinets. He shares that he was quoted over $14,000 for the cabinets from a retail store but was able to build them himself for around $4,200, resulting in a $10,000 savings. However, he emphasizes that time is valuable and building cabinets can take a significant amount of time, so it comes down to personal priorities. If the satisfaction and experience of building the cabinets outweighs the cost savings, then it's a fantastic project. Still, if the building process is something that will be forced, it's not worth it financially.