Superbly detailed, this fully updated step-by-step guide walks readers through all the stages of planning, design, construction and installation of kitchen cabinets. It makes it all possible, even with only a few basic tools. And its practical approach anticipates readers' questions and concerns every step of the way. Danny Proulx covers:
Planning, cutting and assembly details for upper and lower cabinets
A range of cabinetry-from simple cabinets and custom appliance garages, to over-the- sink cupboards, lazy-Susan shelving and stemware storage
Practical information on kitchen design, material selection and tool shortcuts
Unique information on customizing cabinets, building strong cabinets quickly, combining traditional methods with European cabinetry techniques and hardware
Plus, a full-color gallery of kitchen designs
Danny Proulx opened his own custom kitchen-remodeling shop, Rideau Cabinets, in 1989. He is the author of Display Cases You Can Build, Build Your Own Home Office Furniture, Building More Classic Garden Furniture, Fast & Easy Technique for Building Modern Cabinetry and Smart Shelving & Storage Solutions. He lives in Ottawa, Canada.
Date Published 7/1/2003
Ratings
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Contains enough info to build cabinets, but not complete The author clearly knows how to build cabinets, but describes only his "system" and never deviates far from it. He has one piece of information he feels is very important (and I agree), use a 5/8" melamine backer board. However, he harps on this idea in several chapters. Once would have been enough. He also prefers to purchase cabinet doors rather than make them. This makes perfect sense for a production shop, but as a hobbyist woodworker I was looking for information on how to build the beautiful cabinets pictured on the front of the book.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: This book made building my cabinets a snap! Great book I looked through most of the other kitchen cabinetmaking books and still had a lot of questions. This one answered them all and really cleared up the confusion. I found the building system, cut lists, and building procedures easy to follow. It is the book to have when building your kitchen!
Rated By: Danny Proulx
From: Russell, Ontario Canada
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Comments: Comments sent to the author Here are a few samples of dozens of reviews received by the author.
"Dear Mr. Proulx, Thank you for a very nice book: Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinets. I had to put a hold in at the Orem Library just to be able to borrow the book, it is so popular. S. Jeff Cold"
"Hello I found your book very easy to understand, and I feel quite confident on attempting to make my own Kitchen and Bath cabinets. I want to thank you for having your online services and email available. I feel that is the extra step that many authors do not attempt. Thanks." Frank Walker
"I recently bought your book on kitchen cabinets. Great book!" C Berry
"Hi Danny, What a great book you've written on kitchen cabinet building. My wife and I are remodeling our kitchen using your cabinet designs. Thank you very much!" Pete Voss
"I received the book one week ago, and find it to be well written, no long useless dissertations, staight to the point and very practical. Thanks
again." Craig Scott
"Mr. Proulx, I just received your book in the mail yesterday afternoon and completed reading it this morning. I found it very informative. Your techniques were explained in a way that not only made me feel confident I could do the work, but also in a way that I will be able to remember the "hows and whys." Thank you!" Kevin Conway.
Rated By: James R. Slaugh Jr
From: Wash. DC
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Comments: Excellent book! This book is a must for anyone who is getting into cabinet making. And I expect that even experienced cabinet makers can benefit from it. Danny Proulx presents a system of designing and building kitchen cabinets that anyone with some experience with woodworking can follow. The book itself is very well written and organized.
Rated By: Bernard Hunt
From: USA
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Comments: Great How to Guide This book is a great how to guide to get started building kitchen cabinets. With this book and a saw you can quickly be on your way to building your own cabinets. It's not a do all end all tomb of cabinet knowledge, but it will give you all you need to build cabinets that compete with any of the prefab cabinets on the market today. A great way to using your woodworking skills and create something you will be proud of. Danny has done a great job of taking a complicated task with a lot of variables and chunked it down to simple, easy to follow steps.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Sorry, but I did not like it Sorry, but I did not like it. To the point that I sent the book back (my first time). The cabinets showed on the book are European style made mostly from plywood. If you are looking for a simple a very cheap cabinets, it may be the book for you.
Rated By: Danny Proulx
From: Russell, Ontario Canada
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Comments: Re Review by a Reader from NJ This "review" was brought to my attention by several readers. They questioned this unknown reviewer, as I do, with his or her reference to "plywood cabinets". I do not use plywood to build my cabinets and we are wondering what book this describes. This is the first review after sales of nearly 30,000 copies that is negative. Again, I am at a loss to understand what type of cabinet this reviewer is speaking about as it doesn't describe this hybrid style in the book. If anyone has any questions or comments, please contact me at danny@cabinetmaking.com Regards, Danny Proulx
Rated By: George Huron
From: San Antonio, Texas
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Comments: Excellent instruction using modern materials and methods Modern materials and methods means particle board and particle board screws with solid wood face frames and solid frame and panel doors that overlap the cabinet opening, and modern hidden hinges and modern european plastic feet and modern drawer slide hardware. If you want to optimize the look of your kitchen with minimum cost, this is the book for you. Step by step, very good writing, solid construction teaching. If you're into more traditional frame and panel construction using solid wood and/or high grade veneered plywood, rabbet joinery, mortise and tenon joinery or dovetail joinery, butt or knife hinges with flush fit doors, then this book is NOT for you. This book will teach you how to build cost effective cabinets using modern techniques and modern materials and it will teach you very effectively.
Rated By: Kriss Kennedy
From: Waterford, Pa
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Comments: Good book for first time cabinet builder I went through a bunch of books before I found Danny Prolux's books. They show detailed drawings of all cabinets including demensions. I have build 9 so far and everyone came out right and fits right. I had to make slight changes in dimensions because of different wood thickness, but outherwise page for page I followed his writings to the letter. For the home owner who wants to build his or her own kitchen cabinets, this book is a very good guide to do it with. And a big plus you can contact the author with questions by e-mail and he seems happy to help.
Rated By: "gluehappy"
From: Lutz, FL
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Comments: Simple and Effective The author shows how to build your own kitchen cabinets with what he calls his "system". Which is basically building the cabinets using standard industry dimensions in a modular fashion using melanamine coated particle board for the cabinet carcass and installing pre-made cabinet doors (or you can make your own).
The system is very effective since the materials can be obtained at very reasonable cost and the cabinets themselves are built very strong. The approach is simple and straight-forward with good explanations and excellent results.
Reading this book showed me that it really is that simple.
Rated By: Leigh Melton
From: Dawsonville, GA
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Comments: Don't sell your kids to the gypsies to pay for that remodel! Before you pay anybody to come in and build a new kitchen for you, think about doing it yourself - at least _think_ about it and before you think about it, get this book! You may decide that this isn't for you, but you'll make an INFORMED decision. Maybe you'll decide (as we have done) to do make the cabinet bases and purchase the drawers and doors (and save a lot of money) or even go whole hog and build everything yourself (and save a lot MORE money) but no matter what you decide, read this book first. It's not aimed at professional woodworkers but for those who at least know which end is up on a hammer. Written in an easy-to-read style, lots of clear photographs, good diagrams and some examples of successful remodeling ideas make this an invaluable book to anyone who wants some individuality to their kitchen remodel. It may be easier to buy something off the floor at the local superstore, but this book will show you creative ways to get what you *want* instead of just what you can afford.
Rated By: James B. Jerrems
From: Crestone, CO
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Comments: Not Enough to Build Cabinets Was very disappointed with the book. I returned it. If you build the cabinets EXACTLY the way the author advocates, the book might be helpful. Book could be good as an over view or a "Do I want to build my own cabinets ??" I also disagree with some of the methods of construction. Author suggested buying a good table saw. A "good" table saw capable of ripping 4x8 sheets of melamine would cost A LOT. There are jigs and many other tools available for cabinet construction that are a lot less expensive ( you could afford to buy if you only wanted to do one kitchen ) and more helpful. Hope this helps !!
Rated By: "conra"
From: River Ridge, LA
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Comments: Great Book and Detailed Construction Pictures I am going to install new kitchen cabinets in the coming month. I ordered this excellent how-to book to begin my research. It contains detailed pictures of the construction process and a system that can easily be applied by the do-it-yourself homeowner. Mr. Proulx shows an easy construction and installation system based upon the modern European technology applicable to cabinetry. With modern European hinges, cabinet legs, and construction materials, cabinetry is within the grasp of the homeowner. This book is not for a seasoned cabinet craftsman of the old school, but, rather, a nuts and bolts how-to book for the homeowner and woodworker with average skills and a shop with the necessary tools such as a table saw, drill, jigs, etc. The harder cabinet door and drawer construction can be avoided, if needed, by outsourcing the same. Definitely worth the money--Thanks Mr. Proulx.
Rated By: Jim Hart
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Should of read the reviews This book should be called "Build European Style particle board cabinets" or "Build My style kitchen cabinets.." I'm sure this is a great book if that's what you want to do. If not, it's pretty much useless. Doesn't make it a bad book, it just doesn't have any range for a broadly titled book.
Rated By: Philip J. Taylor
From: midwest
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Comments: One Cabinet Type, Explained well Proulx does a great job of explaining a hybrid cabinet style--how it works and how to build it ... with an attention to the brass tacks. This book is a general guide for all kinds of cabinet making. Particularly it describes a half euro/half US cabinet style. Simple boxes with euro hinges, doors of many varieties, drawer construction, tooling, assembly and installation are all covered. It serves as an all-in-one guide to making cabinets _as_ as professional with close attention to adjustability, versatility, and modularity. Highly recommended if you are interested in how to build your own kitchen cabinets.
Proulx teaches a conventionalized form of cabinet design, but it's simple and it works, which is very hard to argue with.
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: book review The book does an OK job especially if it is the first one on that topic that you are reading. It is clearly written and the pictures are nice. However, there is too much duplication of the same theme, as well as details of construction and methods of assembly, which are described many times in the book un-necessarily. I have found reasonable amount of free information on the web as well as by looking at pre-built cabinets in retail stores. It provides very scant information about making doors.
I would not use a 5/8" melamine PCB (as recommended in the book)to make the sides and bottom of drawers, which increases the weight, decreases its effectual height and storage capacity. I was somewhat disappointed by the "rigidity" of the "system" described which restricts you to use the "cut list" only with little insight to customize it to your needs.
Rated By: liem t nguyen
From: San Jose, ca
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Comments: a helpful book for a "do it yourself" project This is my first book and I will use it as a referrence book to rebuild my kitchen cabinets. The book is very well explained and covers a lot of details. This is what you need to rebuild, remodel your kitchen. Danny is also very good in answerring any questions you would have. Great customer services.
Rated By: liem t nguyen
From: San Jose, ca
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Comments: Great book for a DIY project This is my very first book about the kitchen cabinet and I like it a lot. The book covers a lot of details and displays a lot of pictures. It's simple and easy to follow, that's what you really need. Danny is also very good in replying your emails if you have any questions. Great book and great customer services.
Keep up with the good work Danny!!!
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
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Comments: D or less The book makes me think of garage grade cabinets. These are the low end of the scale but the color pictures look good. I would never buy these types of cabinets or make them for my home.
Rated By: "miers"
From: Austin, TX
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Comments: Buy this book! If I could give more stars, I would. I've never built anything out of wood before, and I just finished building all my kitchen and bathroom cabinets. I did not use melamine (the author is a fan of this material), as it would not be good for resale value in my particular area. I used polyurethaned birch plywood for the kitchen cabinets, and painted MDF for the bathroom cabinets. Using the author's instructions, they turned out very well, with very little hassle. The author has a no-nonsense approach to building cabinets (e.g., using screws in a butt joint, rather than time-consuming dados/rabbets). This saved me a lot of time and hassle. Since I was a beginner when I started this project, it was especially appealing. Certain other books were overwhelming to me because of the amount of space dedicated just to joinery. I've nothing against these other methods, but it was refreshing to see that they weren't actually necessary. Given the limited amount of time I had to build quality cabinets, it was the obvious choice for me.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to build his/her own cabinets, regardless of experience level.
Also, I emailed the author to make sure the cabinets/cabinet legs would support my concrete countertops, and received a reply within 24 hours. A lot of authors will forget about the little people once they are published, but not this guy! (BTW, there was no support problems.)
Rated By: Mark Walsh
From: Unavailable
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Comments: sorry I ordered From the reviews and writeup I thought I had found something interesting. Was I disappointed. Amateurish; Not well presented; Not well explained. Use of door stops, cheap materials and plugging visible screw holes is not my idea of quality. Wish I could get a refund. Mark Walsh
Rated By: Atheen Hills
From: Mpls, MN
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Comments: Helpful starting point for design I am a beginning cabinet making student taking Kitchen Design this semester. Because there is no text for the class and I have little experience with the subject, I decided to use Mr. Proulx's book Build Your Own Kitchen Cabinets as my starting point.
One of the first things I learned was the value of a good table saw. Having tried to make cases for a project at home with a basic carpenter's table saw and having used better equipment in class, I can attest to the value of his advice with respect to the matter. With respect to design I also found his information helpful in steering me clear of some of the ideas that I had originally thought would work well in my kitchen. Some of the photos of completed work in place made me realize how crowded my own plans would look in my more limited space. I had also planned on altering the measurements from standard ones, to achieve a more spacious feel for the area, but decided that I should consider those who might work in the kitchen after me and the effect on the value of my house.
One of the more useful design ideas was the author's suggestion of purchased, individually adjustable feet for lower cabinets. Having made cases with toe kicks cut from the fabric of which the case was composed, I know the increased measurement, cutting and materials-not to mention frustration-it required. The adjustable feet are ideal, and I plan on using them in my kitchen project and will probably use them for a bathroom cabinet as well.
Although I'm not sure I really care for the idea of using Melamine for my own projects, I can certainly see the worth of using it. The material is less costly and someone on a tight budget with lots of cabinets to replace could certainly get more done for less using it. The interiors of completed cabinets and drawers also had a very clean look to them that I liked.
Rated By: Ed Jaworski
From: Riverside, CA
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Comments: It worked great for me! This is a great book. I just finished building 27 face frame cabinets using 3/4" melamine and oak face frames. This book truly made the whole process simple. After receiving estimates from cabinet makers and going to major hardware stores, I decided to get this book and go for it. The lowest quote for cabinets only by a contractor was $18,000 and major hardware store $10,000 (I install). It will cost about $5,000 total for cabinets, hardware & doors doing it myself. I was a little skeptical at first but have no regrets now and would do it all over again. In fact, some of my wife's friends are already telling me what they want, and I'm not even complete with my kitchen. With the money I saved by doing it myself, I bought a new table saw, joiner and rewired my garage. I am a novice woodworker at best, with construction background. This book guides you clearly from beginning to end. I read and studied the book for a few weeks before starting (I had to wire my garage) and assembling the cabinets was easier than I thought. Cut lists are provided for several cabinet sizes (widths) along with easy to read and understand instructions and sketches that make the whole process very simple. From the information I learned from this book I was able to design and build a very big pantry that my wife loves. When I had a question or if something was't clear to me, I would email Danny and he always responded within 1 day. As with any project, it helps to have a plan and this book provides planning methods with enough flexability to make changes easily. Another advantage is you have time to make changes and incorporate them without cost. If you did this with a contractor the bill would start to grow. I would recommend having a good tablesaw (I bought a Delta Unisaw), 2 drill guns, a joiner, a planer would be nice but I did without, sander, etc. I did build a workbench 7' x 2', the same height as my table saw, on wheels for about $50. You can use this for a place for wood to land after pushing thru the saw as well as assembling cabinets. I did look at other books before getting this one and they didn't seem as 'user friendly'. The sketches and diagrams are very helpful also. Overall, the book was great for me, I'd recommend it to anyone who know how to swing a hammer. It was definitely money well spent. Buy it. Ed Jaworski edski@eagleiron.net
Rated By: Oliver Ashworth "Olie"
From: Mariposa, CA
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Comments: Suppliers List The suppliers list on page 126 is weak. Proulx's system requires leveling legs. He show photos of the legs he uses, but does not provide a source for legs shown. It would be very helpful to have that information.
Rated By: edfan "edfan"
From: Southern California
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Comments: For utilitarian cabinets, not fine woodworking I was disappointed in this book at first. I have never before bought a book where not one pictured project was attractive to me personally. You will not see any kitchens like this in magazines. It's all one big paean to particle board.
It was a long while before I realized this book was aimed at the "Wal-Mart/Home Depot box" market and probably succeeds well enough on those terms. Using the cheapest materials to make prosaic design - this suits the type of "Flip This House" mood that has overtaken modern remodeling. At least Proulx suggests some techniques so the resulting cabinets will go for several years instead of sagging in six months the way super cheap prefab cabinets do.
People are so shocked at the idea of paying $30,000 for a kitchen remodel done by genuine cabinetmakers, they're willing to try to make their own. This type of person usually has few tools or skills to bring to the task. They need a book that holds their hands for each step. If they follow the designs in this book, they'll end up with cabinets which could be mistaken for Lowe's you-hang-prefab-from-a-big-box instead of Home Depot's U-build-it-from-pieces-in-a-flat-box.
The four stars are because there's not enough conceptualization of the designs (so people can individualize at least some of it with confidence) and advice to "buy the doors" is not a good thing in a do-it-yourself book. If design is everything or you're building for a buyer who pores longingly over Elle Decor, find another book. This is proletariat stuff, sturdy and dull.
Rated By: Frank Shic
From: vallejo, CA
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Comments: Yes, the example cabinets are UGLY... but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!
The late Danny Proulx was an EXTENSIVE contributor to cabinetry schools and magazines for many years before succumbing to a heart attack at a woodworking convention, but his passion lives on in this wonderfully simple and comprehensive book.
If you want to learn how to build high end custom cabinetry with all the nice details then look at udo schmidt's or jim tolpin's books. If you want to learn the basics to building a solid face frame cabinet with raised panel doors or frameless cabinets, this is an amazing introduction into the world of cabinetry as the author not only describes the steps but also gives you ACTUAL DIMENSIONS for both 5/8" and 3/4" materials for cabinets that are in the standard 3" widths. Not many people realize the merits of proulx's hybrid face frame/frameless cabinet which enable you to save yourself a lot of grief and pain in attaching european hinges and drawer slides to the cabinet sides directly without having to shim out to accomodate the inner lip of the face frame. This is the first book that I've encountered that describes this process. Finally, his section on frameless (or FULL ACCESS) cabinetry is invaluable for folks who don't want to buy a jointer and a planer (both are required) for machining solid wood for face frames. This is also one of the first books to explore this area of cabinetry. Lest you think that european frameless is junk, I recommend poggenpohl or omega cabinets as references.
Yes, the pictures of the cabinets are rather hideous because they utilize low grade plywood slab doors, but you can easily build cabinets that rival those that you see at home depot with SUPERIOR case construction methods but using raised panel doors. I would recommend using pocket screws to attach the face frame to the carcase instead of nails as well as using either confirmat screws, biscuits or assembly screws (NOT drywall screws) for assembling the carcases.
Realize that if you are serious about building your own kitchen cabinets and you want them to turn out good, you are going to need to INVEST some money in good tools including a table saw. You can forgo the slider by building a cheap miter sled but if you're going to be doing this in the future, I would strongly recommend the sliding table attachment by delta or jessem or dewalt or purchasing a guided circular saw rail like eurekazone or festool. Lastly, I would strongly recommend using prefinished material either plywood or melamine as the finishing process for my eleven kitchen cabinets easily consumed just as much time as building them.
Superbly detailed, this fully updated step-by-step guide walks readers through all the stages of planning, design, construction and installation of 
