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Woodworking DIY Storage & Closet

Cabinet above closet door build

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Hello All,

Our contractor moved a closet for us and didn’t finish the job. I want to add a cabinet type door to the top and I’m looking for advice on how to build it. I’ve built furniture before and I’m pretty handy but this is new to me. Any tips or plans to go about building a low profile door to cover this eyesore?

Thank you!

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Comments (4)

talley_sue_nyc
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
maybe show us a picture of the door below, so we can see all the woodworking details?

And the surrounding wall, so we can see what else is going on?

My vote is to start with a 1/2" or 3/4" slab of plywood or MDF, and the apply molding to it to mimic the door below. That looks like somewhat standard molding there.

You said you want a cabinet-type door, but what if you made it a simple slab (plywood with iron-on edge-banding), and just painted it to match the wall, almost as if it were simply part of the wall? That might be unobtrusive.
Kate Kelly thanked talley_sue_nyc
Kate Kelly
Original Author
4 years ago
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talley_sue_nyc
4 years ago
I think a cabinetry-style door would distract from that lovely woodwork.

I would cut a piece of plywood to go all the way to the ceiling so that it almost looks as though it's part of the wall. Cut it tall enough to brush the ceiling and the top of the woodwork, and wide enough to overlap on the sides wide enough to attach a hinge to the back on the wall side, and the same distance on the other side.

Iron on some edgebanding, and then install a pair (or three) hinges on the right side, and a push latch or touch latch on the other side, so there are no visible hinges or pulls.

Paint it all to match the wall.

I think that'll be much simpler as well. Trying to match the molding (in shape and stain) could be tough, and I personally would find it easier to install a hinge on the back of the door than on the edge. And you wouldn't have to worry about matching the depth that much either.
Kate Kelly
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you so much! I totally agree that painting will help blend it into the wall and not distract from the woodwork.

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