EASY STEPS TO YOUR ALCOVE CABINET

For a custom cabinet just build a butt-jointed box with fixed shelves and add doors.

Gather your supplies

• 184 x 19mm DAR pine

• 64 x 19mm DAR pine

• Concealed cabinet door hinges

• Cabinet doors

• Fibre cement sheeting

• Mosaic tile sheets

• 12 x 25mm brass angle

• Magnetic door catches

You’ll also need Tape measure; slide compound saw or circular saw with a sharp timber-cutting blade; combination square; exterior PVA glue; pin nailer; drill; stainless steel screws; wood putty; sandpaper; paint rollers and trays; water-based primer; acrylic bathroom paint; spirit level; Forstner bit; silicone; grout; grout float; sponge; lint-free cloth; hacksaw and mitre box

Here’s how

STEP 1 Measure alcove to determine width of cabinet with 20mm clearance either side. The height will need to be approximately 4mm higher than the finished doors to allow for clearance.

STEP 2 Measure 184mm timber to cut 2 sides to length with saw. Cut a top, base and 2 shelves to the same length. Cut 2 braces from 64mm timber to same length as shelves.

STEP 3 Position top, base and braces between sides; check for square. Position shelves, evenly spaced. Use combination square to mark shelf locations on sides.

STEP 4 Apply PVA glue to one edge of components and nail the first side. Repeat for other side. Reinforce joints with screws; let glue set. Fill screw holes with putty and sand smooth.

STEP 5 Apply primer and 2 coats of paint to cabinet using a roller, leaving to dry after each coat.

STEP 6 Measure, mark and pre-drill braces where they will be attached to the wall. Attach hinge mounting plates to cabinet sides.

STEP 7 Prop cabinet in position and check for level. Screw through braces into wall to hang cabinet.

STEP 8 Prime and paint doors, leave to dry. Drill holes for hinge cups with Forstner bit and attach to doors.

STEP 9 Cut and waterproof a piece of fibre cement sheet (see page 128 for instructions on waterproofing) to size of cabinet top. Attach mosaic sheet with silicone. Apply grout with float, working it in. Use a sponge and clean water to wash off excess. Use cloth to remove grout haze on tiles.

STEP 10 Use hacksaw and mitre box to cut brass angle with 45° ends to fit around tiled sheet. Attach with silicone. Attach door catches and hang doors.

STEP 2

STEP 5

STEP 3

Make the most of your storage alcove with floating shelves above your custom cabinet. The glass and brass team with the overall bathroom theme.

STEP 7

STEP 10

STEP 8