Discover the Advantages of Bifold Corner Cabinets
Bifold corner cabinets are an exceptional way to maximize storage space while maintaining a sleek and organized appearance in your kitchen or workspace. Whether you’re undertaking a DIY kitchen remodel, designing custom built-ins, creating a vanity, or assembling a built-in desk, these cabinets offer a practical and aesthetic solution. Their unique design allows them to fill the entire corner seamlessly, providing easy access to stored items. For added convenience, consider installing a pie-shaped lazy Susan inside the cabinet to facilitate effortless retrieval of items stored deep within. Alternatively, adding adjustable or stationary shelves inside your corner base cabinet enhances storage capacity, especially for larger kitchen essentials like small appliances or serving dishes.
If a bifold cabinet isn’t quite what you’re looking for, explore other types of DIY corner cabinets to find the perfect style tailored to your project needs. Make sure to review our comprehensive guides on building base cabinets, which cover essential topics such as toe kick dimensions, cabinet heights, and depths. Additionally, understanding the differences between cabinet styles in our article “How to Build DIY Cabinets” will help you select the best design for your space.
Advantages of Choosing a Bifold Corner Cabinet
Opting for a bi-fold corner cabinet offers numerous benefits, making it an ideal choice for efficient storage solutions. These cabinets are straightforward to construct, with only the back corners requiring angled cuts—an aspect that helps accommodate minor imperfections in your angles, as they are discreetly hidden. The design maximizes interior storage space, utilizing nearly the entire corner area, with only a slight angle at the back to ensure a snug fit into your wall corner. Keep in mind that the front opening of the cabinet is smaller than the interior space, so plan your storage items accordingly.
Enhance accessibility further by installing a lazy Susan turntable inside the cabinet. This feature dramatically simplifies reaching items stored at the back, especially useful for pantry goods or small kitchen gadgets. When choosing a turntable, be mindful of weight limits to prevent damage and ensure smooth operation. I personally prefer using turntables for lightweight pantry items, as it keeps my countertops clutter-free. In my previous kitchen, I utilized a DIY bifold corner base cabinet to store small appliances, keeping frequently used items at the front for quick access, while larger, less-used appliances were stored at the back, neatly organized and easy to retrieve.
Designing a Custom Corner Cabinet to Fit Your Space
The most appealing aspect of building your own corner base cabinet is the freedom to customize it to your specific needs. Typical corner base cabinets measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches, providing an opening around 12 to 15 inches across. However, you can opt for larger or differently shaped cabinets, such as a 36×48 inch configuration, to better suit your storage requirements. Consider your specific storage needs carefully and design a cabinet that accommodates your largest or most frequently accessed items. Customization ensures your cabinet not only fits perfectly into your space but also optimizes functionality.
Creating Detailed Plans for Your Bifold Corner Base Cabinet
Once you’ve determined the size and configuration of your cabinet, it’s time to develop detailed plans. I will guide you through creating custom plans to ensure your project is successful. Every bi-fold corner base cabinet consists of several key components:
- 2 side panels
- 2 back panels
- 1 bottom panel
- 1 back corner panel
- 2 support braces
- Optional: toe kick
- Optional: face frame with 2 stiles and 4 rails
How to Calculate Your Cabinet Cut List
To determine the dimensions of each part, use the following guidelines and charts, with measurements in inches. The cabinet width refers to the total width from the wall to the outer edge, while the depth corresponds to the standard depth of your base cabinets, typically 24 inches. For example, a 36×36 inch corner cabinet will have a width of 36 inches on both sides and a depth of 24 inches. If you prefer a non-square design, adjust the width measurements accordingly.
The back corner diagonal length (BDL) is a crucial measurement, representing the distance from the corner along each side, cut at a 45-degree angle. This ensures a tight fit into your wall corner despite minor imperfections or drywall irregularities. For larger or smaller diagonals, modify the cut accordingly to prevent gaps or overlaps. When creating the back corner piece, use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate its width if necessary, or simply measure and cut to fit after constructing the frame.
Face Frame Corner Cabinet Cut List
Important considerations for face frame cabinets include:
- The face frame overlaps the cabinet sides by approximately 1/4 inch for easier installation. If the side of your cabinet will be visible, add a matching side panel made from 1/4-inch plywood or adjust measurements to account for this overlap.
- If adding a plywood backing to your cabinet, remember to cut the sides slightly wider (by 1/4 inch) to accommodate the additional backing material, unless it is inset within a groove.
Frameless Corner Cabinet Cut List
For frameless cabinets, keep in mind that plywood thickness varies slightly from standard measurements, so measure your material precisely. Tightly pressing two sheets of your plywood together and measuring their combined thickness will give you the most accurate dimensions. Similar to face frame cabinets, if you add a backing, adjust side measurements accordingly to ensure proper fit and appearance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Bi-Fold Corner Base Cabinet
Tools & Materials Needed
This section focuses on the essential tools and supplies required to assemble your cabinet box. For a detailed list of tools for building cabinet doors and other components, refer to our dedicated guides.
Tools Required:
- Miter saw (preferably a sliding model for versatility)
- Table saw or circular saw with guide track
- Jigsaw or bandsaw for curved cuts
- Pocket hole jig (such as Kreg models 720, 520, or 320 for beginners)
- Power drill
- Impact driver (recommended for faster fastening)
- Brad nailer for secure, flush fastening
- Right-angle clamps and standard face clamps
- Squares for precise measurements and right angles
- Optional: Shelf pin jig for adjustable shelving
Supplies Needed:
- 3/4-inch plywood for main panels
- 1/4-inch plywood for backing and optional panels
- Additional 1x boards if creating a face frame
- Plywood edge banding for a seamless finish on frameless designs
- 2×4 lumber for toe kick supports or base framing
- Wood glue (preferably melamine glue for pre-finished panels)
- 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws for sturdy joints
- 5/8-inch brad nails for fastening components
Instructions for Construction
Follow these detailed steps to build your cabinet:
Step 1: Cutting the Pieces
Begin by cutting all panels according to your custom measurements and the provided cut list. Cut the back edges of the back panels at 45 degrees to fit snugly into the corner, and notch the bottom panel at 90 degrees if using a toe kick. For added accuracy, measure and cut the back diagonal from the corner point, ensuring a tight fit. For toe kick versions, notch out the front of side panels accordingly.
Step 2: Drilling Pocket Holes
Set your pocket hole jig to match the thickness of 3/4-inch plywood. Drill pocket holes on the perimeter of the bottom panel, the non-angled sides of the back panels, the front of side panels, and both ends of support braces. If building face frame cabinets, add pocket holes to the front edges of side panels and both sides of the rails to facilitate assembly.
Step 3: Assembling the Box
Apply wood glue to joints, then assemble the panels by securing them with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws. Attach the back panels to the bottom, ensuring the sides are flush at the front and that angled cuts align properly. If installing a toe kick, position the bottom panel accordingly. Secure the side panels to the bottom and back, then attach support braces at the top to reinforce the frame. Finish by fastening the back corner panel with brad nails, cutting at 45 degrees on both sides for a snug fit.
Step 4: Constructing the Face Frame
For face frame designs, assemble the stile and rail components at 90 degrees, ensuring the rails are flush with the stiles. Clamp the pieces together and secure with wood glue and pocket screws. Use clamps to keep the frame flat and square during assembly. Hide pocket holes on the backside for a clean appearance.
Step 5: Finishing the Cabinet
For face frame cabinets, attach the face frame to the cabinet box by applying wood glue along the edges, positioning it so it overhangs by 1/4 inch. Secure with pocket screws through the sides. For frameless designs, apply iron-on edge banding to conceal raw edges, then sand and finish. To add shelves, drill adjustable shelf pin holes in the side and back panels, spacing them evenly for stability.
Once assembled, your DIY bifold corner base cabinet is ready for installation. This project not only enhances your storage but also strengthens your woodworking skills.
Download the Complete PDF Plans for Your Project
Our premium cabinet plans include:
- Detailed instructions with 3D diagrams
- Cut list calculator and layout tips
- Recommended tools and materials list
- Step-by-step assembly guide
- Expert tips and techniques for perfect results
- Bonus: Basic SketchUp 3D model and cabinet cut list calculator
Adding Doors to Your Bifold Corner Cabinet
When attaching doors, I recommend constructing two doors to cover the opening and hinging them together at the center. This design allows the doors to fold flat when open, providing unobstructed access to the interior. Use either a concealed bi-fold hinge or a traditional piano hinge, depending on your aesthetic preference. Ensure the hinges you select can open to at least 170 degrees to facilitate easy access, especially if you plan to add a lazy Susan inside.
For an integrated look, you might opt to attach the doors directly to a lazy Susan turntable. This method offers a sleek, inset appearance and simplifies access. To learn more about different hinge types, and the difference between inset and overlay doors, visit our detailed guide on cabinet door sizes and hinges. Once assembled, your custom bifold corner cabinet is complete, ready to elevate your space with both style and practicality. Happy woodworking!