How to build a square alcove cupboard

Maximise your storage space by making use of your square alcoves and turning them into cupboards.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Saw
  • Mitre box
  • Lengths of timber
  • Tape measure
  • Dowels
  • Glue
  • Thin pieces of wood
  • Hammer
  • Hinges
  • Power drill
  • Spirit level
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Primer or clear vanish
  • Paintbrush

The steps to follow

  1. Draw a plan of the cupboard based on the shape of the alcove.
  2. Measure the area out from the plan. Take into consideration the height, depth and the number of shelves you plan to include.
  3. Cover your work area with a dust sheet.
  4. Put on your safety gear (goggles and gloves).
  5. Cut four lengths of timber according to the size and depth of the alcove. Use a mitre box to make a 45 degree angle cut at each end which will eventually create corners.
  6. On each side piece of wood (which will form the sides of the cupboard), mark each spot where you plan to fit a dowel pin using 15 cm (6 in) intervals. Make sure that once you've marked out one side, the corresponding side matches.
  7. With a power drill, drill holes for the dowels.  Glue each dowel into place.
  8. Make a frame out of the wood that you've just cut, putting together each 45 degree angle at the corners. Assemble the frame by skew-nailing on all four corners.
  9. Use a spirit level to check that the frame is level once fitted into the alcove. Shim the frame with thin pieces of wood to level it. Your frame should eventually fit neatly into the alcove. If you have an arched alcove, refer to "How to build an arched alcove cupboard"
  10. Drill holes into the sides of the frame and into the wall. Secure the frame to the alcove with screws.
  11. Measure the distance between each shelf you plan to install. Mark the distance on either sides of the wall.
  12. Place battens on the marked position and secure it with nails. Next slide each shelf in place and secure it with nails.
  13. Apply a coat of primer to the frame and shelves and let it dry.
  14. With a paintbrush, apply two coats of paint. Let the paint dry in between coats.
  15. When the paint has fully dried, fit the cupboard doors onto the alcove cupboard.
  16. Position hinges on each side of the frame. Make sure they are at the same point as on the door.
  17. Drill holes into the sides of the door and the sides of the frame.
  18. Secure the hinge leaves with screws.
  19. Apply a coat of primer on the doors and finish off by applying two coats of paint. Let the paint dry between coats.

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