DIY Console Cabinet

Two years ago, I started my search for a console table that would fit the small empty wall space right next to our fireplace. The space had been empty for some time and it seemed like it would remain that way. Every table I saw was either too long for the space, not the right color, or not the right price! I placed my search on hold and moved on to another project. Until I came across the idea of a DIY console cabinet from one of my favorite home decor influencers. Consider me influenced!

Here’s how Papa and I created our version of the DIY Console Cabinet for under $500!

(And how you can too!)

DIY CONSOLE CABINET

After measuring our space and creating a supply list, we made our way to Home Depot.

Here’s what we purchased:

Total Project Cost = $491.91

 
 
 

Pre-stain Wood Conditioner - $14.98

Oil-Based Gloss - $13.97

Wood Stain - Natural - $6.98

Behr Marquee Paint in Carbon - $20.98 (Quart)

 

HOW WE CREATED THE CONSOLE CABINET

Once we purchased our materials, here’s what we did…

 

I removed the cabinet doors and used Behr Marquee paint in Carbon to paint the outside of the cabinets and the cabinet doors. Despite applying two coats, I only needed 1 quart of paint. I did not paint the inside of the cabinets (I was being lazy). I do plan to paint the inside a different color, but that’s another project for another day!

 

Once everything was dry, I reattached the cabinet doors. Papa used the 3, 1 in. x 12 in. x 4 ft Pine Boards to create a base for the cabinets to sit on. He cut 6, 6x6 inch, pieces of wood and connected them to the bottom of the cabinets. These pieces were used to nail the base to the cabinets.

 

Once the cabinets were secured to the base, Papa measured the length of the cabinets. He took the Measurements and cut the 2 in. x 12 in. x 12 ft Lumber to be used as the top of the cabinets.

Once the wood was cut, I applied the wood conditioner. Wood conditioner is used To help even out the color when working with bare woods. It gives the wood a temporary sealant that allows the stain to absorb into the wood evenly.

Once the conditioner was dry, I applied the stain. I applied 3 coats, waiting two hours between each application. I left the wood to dry overnight before applying two coats of the gloss. Once the wood was completely dry, it was secured to the top of the cabinets using 4inch nails.

Just so you know…

In case you’re not familiar with how wood is measured (like me), while lumber is sold as a certain size, the measurements can be misleading. the reason wood varies from the advertised size is due to the shrinking that occurs during the drying process.

So the 12x12 lumber that’s used for the tabletop will not be an exact fit. Since we planned to place the cabinets against the wall you can’t see the raw edge that’s not covered by the tabletop.

after the top was secure, we added the cabinet pulls and did a little touch-up painting. After that, the only thing left to do was decorate!

This console table worked perfectly for the space and provided a more custom look. The total cost of this project was $491.91. If you do plan to take on this DIY, don’t head straight to Home Depot. Take a detour to your local Goodwill or habitat for humanity resale shop and see if there are cabinets & cabinet pulls that fit your space there.

this could cut your material cost in half!

 
 
Jessica Thomas