How to Build a DIY Sideboard / Buffet Cabinet

In this post, I’ll show you how to build this farmhouse-style DIY sideboard / buffet cabinet. This is a great woodworking project for a relative beginner, since you won’t need a ton of tools.

A table saw, miter saw, pocket hole jig, and drill are the only tools you’ll need to complete this piece. You could even break down these pieces with a circular saw if you don’t have a table saw or miter saw. Let’s get started!

All in, you're looking at roughly $200 in materials for the project. Compared to what you'd spend at the store, this is at least a 50% savings, generally speaking.

Below is a list of the hardware you'll need for this project:

• ~ 20 2-1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws (Coarse) : http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• ~ 100 1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws (Coarse): http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• ~ 50 3/4″ 18 ga Brad Nails
• ~ 20 1-1/4″ Wood Screws
• ~ 4 2″ Wood Screws
• ~ 4 3″ Wood Screws
• 2 pairs 14″ Drawer Slides: http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• 4 Knobs/door pulls: http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• 2 pairs Hinges : http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• 2 Magnetic Door Catches: http://amzn.to/2eWGGiu
• Finishing Materials (stain, clear coat, links provided in the Finishing step below)

Here's a list of the wood needed:

• 1 x ¾” 4x8 sheet of plywood
• 1 x ¼” 4x8 sheet of plywood
• 1 x 2x4x8
• 4 x 2x2x8 (or use 2x4s and rip)
• 2 x 1x8x6
• 1 x 1x4x6
• 3 x 1x6x8
• 2 x 1x2x6

Here's a list of the tools I used to build my DIY Sideboard / Buffet Cabinet:

• Dewalt 20V Max Impact Driver : http://amzn.to/1QxJD7w
• Bosch ROS65VC-6 Random Orbit Sander : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• SawStop PCS 1.75-HP Professional Cabinet Saw : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• DEWALT FLEXVOLT 12″ Compound Sliding Miter Saw : http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press: http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR
• Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System: http://amzn.to/2aWHSDR

Glue the top together using two pieces of 1x8 and one piece of 1x4 at 49 ½". I assembled the top using biscuit slots to help with alignment, but these are NOT required. Glue is plenty strong here.

Attach the legs to the side rails using pocket screws, then attach the ¾" plywood panel behind the side rails. These two structures make up the side panels of the cabinet.

The back is made up of 2x4s, the front is made up of 2x2s and 1x2s. For exact measurements, check here.

The bottom is made from ¾" plywood and is attached using pocket screws. The size is 45" by 13 ½".

The center panel is made up of two pieces of ¾" plywood, glued together. This 1 ½" piece fills in the space in the center of the cabinet and allows the use of standard drawer slides. The center panel is 30 ¾" by 15".

The doors are assembled using 1x3s for the rails and style and ¼" plywood for the back panel. I cut grooves in the ¼" plywood to give the door a paneled look. Assemble the rails and styles using pocket screws and attach the ¼" panel from behind using ¾" brad nails and glue.

You should cut your pieces to size based on the opening you have in your cabinet, as small errors can add up to your dimensions being slightly off.

I used the following products for my finishing:

• General Finishes Water Based Stain, Espresso: http://amzn.to/2f4WROd
• General Finishes Enduro Sanding Sealer: http://amzn.to/2fW2woq
• General Finishes High Performance Top Coat, Satin: http://amzn.to/2gi1XZU

I used an HVLP system to apply the finish, but you could definitely apply these products using a foam brush without issue.

I wanted the shelves to be adjustable, so I made a simple shelf pin jig and drilled holes for shelf pins. Watch the video at the beginning of this Instructable for some more details on the jig.

I used bottom mount drawer slides, which are relatively simple to install and cheap. I used a scrap piece of plywood to hold the drawer slide onto the wall of the cabinet while I screwed it into place.

Mark the center of your drawer front, drill your hole, and mount the knob. Simple! Same process for the doors.

I used this H-style hinges and I think they went nicely with the rest of the design.

I drilled holes through the top frame pieces, making sure to make them bigger than the screws I was using to allow for wood movement, and attached the top using screws from underneath.

The back panel is made of ¼" plywood and sized at 46" by 28 ¼". Attach using 1 ¼" screws.

The sideboard/buffet cabinet is done at this point, and you should be proud! This was a fairly involved build and the final piece should last you many years to come.

If you'd like some more detailed dimensions on this project, check my original article here. If you enjoyed this project, go ahead and get subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don't miss future builds! Thanks, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.