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Woodworking Guides

Short, practical answers for building furniture from sheet goods: the standard sizes, how to build each part, the hardware, the materials and the cut list.

Standard sizes and dimensions

Bathroom Vanity DimensionsStandard bathroom vanity dimensions: widths from 18 to 72 in, 21 in deep (18 in for small baths), 32–36 in high. Single, double and ADA vanity sizes with clearances.Bathroom Vanity HeightStandard bathroom vanity height is 30–32 in; comfort height is 34–36 in. See vanity depths and widths, heights for vessel sinks and ADA, and sink clearances.Bed Frame DimensionsBed frame dimensions for every size: twin, full, queen, king and California king in inches, feet and cm, plus platform bed heights and room clearances.Bench HeightStandard bench seat height is 17–19 in (43–48 cm). See heights and depths for entryway, mudroom, dining, window and garden benches, and the room each seat needs.Birdhouse DimensionsBirdhouse dimensions chart by species: floor size, inside height, entrance hole size and height for bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, swallows and more.Bunk Bed DimensionsStandard bunk bed dimensions for twin, full and queen bunks: footprint, height, space between bunks, guardrails and the ceiling height you need, in inches and cm.Chicken Nesting Box SizeWhat size should a chicken nesting box be? Dimensions for bantams, standard and large hens, how high to hang the boxes, how many you need and what to put in.Closet Rod HeightStandard closet rod height is 66 in (168 cm) for one rod; 80–84 in and 40–42 in for double hang. See heights for long clothes, children, shelves and rod supports.Coffee Table HeightStandard coffee table height is 16–18 in (40–46 cm), level with or a little below the sofa seat. See coffee table lengths, widths and the distance from the sofa.Console Table Height and DimensionsStandard console table height is 30–32 in (76–81 cm). See depths and lengths for sofa and entryway console tables, mirror height and the space a hallway needs.Cornhole Board DimensionsOfficial cornhole board dimensions: 24 × 48 in, a 6 in hole 9 in from the top, 12 in high at the back. Plus court distances, bag size and how to build the boards.Counter Height vs Bar HeightCounter height is 36 in (91 cm) and bar height 42 in (107 cm). See the stool height for each, the overhang for knees and which to choose for a kitchen island.Crib DimensionsStandard crib dimensions: a full-size crib mattress is at least 27 1/4 × 51 5/8 in, the crib about 30 × 54 in outside. Mini crib sizes and slat spacing.Dining Table DimensionsDining room table dimensions for 4, 6, 8 and 10 people: rectangular, square and round sizes, 24 in per person, 30 in height and the room space you need around it.Dining Table Height and DimensionsStandard dining table height is 28–30 in (71–76 cm). See counter and bar heights, table sizes for 4, 6 and 8 people, the space per seat and around the table.Dog House SizeWhat size dog house does your dog need? Measure-your-dog rules, a size chart from small to giant breeds, door sizes and why a house too big is cold.Dollhouse Scale GuideDollhouse scales explained: 1:12, 1:24, 1:48 and 1:6 (fashion dolls), with doll heights, room and ceiling sizes for each, and how to convert real sizes.Dresser DimensionsStandard dresser dimensions: heights, widths and depths of single, double, triple and tall dressers in inches and cm, with drawer sizes and the space they need.End Table HeightStandard end table height is 22–26 in (56–66 cm), within 2 in of the sofa arm. See end table widths and depths, lamp height and the space next to the sofa.Headboard DimensionsHeadboard sizes for every bed: width and height for twin, full, queen, king and California king, in inches and cm, and how high to hang a headboard.Kitchen Island DimensionsStandard kitchen island dimensions: height, depth and length, the minimum size, space per seat and overhang, and the clearance you need all around the island.Loft Bed DimensionsLoft bed dimensions for twin, twin XL and full mattresses: frame sizes, the height of low, mid and high lofts, the ceiling height you need and safe guardrails.Murphy Bed DimensionsMurphy bed dimensions for queen, full and twin wall beds: cabinet width, height and depth closed, how far it reaches open and the ceiling height needed.Nightstand HeightStandard nightstand height is 24–28 in (61–71 cm), within 2 in of the top of your mattress. See nightstand widths and depths and the right height for your bed.Pantry DimensionsPantry dimensions: walk-in pantries from 5 × 5 ft, shelves 12–16 in deep with a 36 in aisle, corner and butler's pantry sizes, and pantry cabinets 84–96 in tall.Standard Bed HeightStandard bed height is about 20–25 in (51–64 cm) to the top of the mattress, near knee height. See frame and mattress heights and heights for the elderly.Standard Bookshelf DimensionsStandard bookshelf depth is 10–12 in (25–30 cm). See standard heights and widths, the shelf spacing for each book size and the longest span before a shelf sags.Standard Cabinet HeightStandard cabinet height: base cabinets are 34 1/2 in (36 in with the counter), wall cabinets 30, 36 or 42 in, tall cabinets 84–96 in, with heights from the floor.Standard Closet DepthStandard closet depth is 24 in (61 cm), the space a hanger needs. See minimum depths, walk-in and coat closets, rod heights and wardrobe sizes in inches and mm.Standard Countertop HeightStandard kitchen countertop height is 36 in (91 cm). See bathroom, bar and island heights, countertop depth and overhang, and how base cabinets add up to it.Standard Desk Height and DimensionsStandard desk height is 29–30 in (74–76 cm). See standard desk depth and width, the right sitting and standing height for your body, and legroom under the top.Standard Drawer DimensionsStandard drawer dimensions for dressers, kitchen cabinets and file cabinets: widths, depths and heights for clothes, cutlery, pots and files.Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes and DimensionsStandard kitchen cabinet sizes in inches and mm: base, wall, tall, sink and corner cabinets in one chart, plus base cabinet depth, toe kick and worktop height.TV Stand Size GuideWhat size TV stand do you need? Width and height for 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 in TVs, the standard TV stand height and depth, and how to place the screen.Upper Cabinet HeightStandard upper cabinets are 30, 36 or 42 in tall and hang 18 in above the counter, 54 in from the floor. See sizes for each ceiling, over the stove and in metric.Walk-In Closet DimensionsWalk-in closet dimensions: at least 4 × 5 ft for one side of hanging, 7 ft wide for both sides, 24 in deep hanging space and a 36 in aisle. Layouts with sizes.Workbench HeightThe perfect workbench height is about the height of your wrist when you stand: 34–38 in (86–97 cm) for most people. See a chart by your height and type of work.

How to build it

Cabinet Parts Names ExplainedNames of kitchen cabinet parts explained with sizes: sides (gables), bottom, stretchers, toe kick, back, shelves, doors and drawer parts. With a free cut list.Dado and Rabbet JointsWhat dado and rabbet joints are, how they differ, how deep to cut them in plywood, and how to cut them with a table saw, a router or a circular saw.French CleatTwo strips bevelled at 45° that lock a cabinet, shelf or headboard to the wall: what a French cleat is, how to make one from plywood and how to space a tool wall.How to Build a Bed FrameHow to build a wooden bed frame for any mattress: platform or slats, the right inside size, a centre support with legs, slat spacing and fixing on a headboard.How to Build a BenchHow to build a bench from wood or plywood: seat height and depth, a simple box bench, and a storage bench with cubbies or a lift-up lid.How to Build a BookshelfHow to build a bookshelf from one sheet of plywood or MDF: pick the size, cut the parts, drill for shelf pins, join the case, fit the back and stop shelves sagging.How to Build a CabinetHow to build a cabinet from plywood, MDF or melamine, step by step: size it, make the cut list, cut and edge band, drill, assemble the box and fit the doors.How to Build a DeskHow to build a desk out of wood or plywood: the right height and size, a top on two cabinets or panel legs, a modesty panel against wobble, and cable holes.How to Build a Dog HouseHow to build a dog house from exterior plywood: size it for your dog, raise the floor, frame the door, add a lift-off roof, insulate it and weatherproof it.How to Build a DresserHow to build a dresser the easy way from plywood or melamine: build the case like a cabinet, make drawer boxes for side-mount slides and fit the fronts.How to Build a Kitchen IslandHow to build a kitchen island with cabinets: plan the size and aisles, fix cleats to the floor, join base cabinets, add panels, an overhang and the top.How to Build a Murphy BedHow to build a Murphy bed: choose a hardware kit, build the plywood cabinet and bed frame to its drawings, anchor it to the studs and balance the bed.How to Build a WorkbenchHow to build a workbench for the garage or shop: the right height and size, a 2x4 frame or a plywood cabinet base, a double top, and no racking.How to Build Closet ShelvesHow to build closet shelves: wall cleats into studs, the right shelf depth and height, supports for long shelves, and a closet organizer with a shelf tower.How to Build Cornhole BoardsHow to build a regulation cornhole board: a 24 × 48 in plywood top, a 3 in frame, a 6 in hole 9 in from the top, and folding legs for a 12 in back.How to Build DrawersHow to build drawers for cabinets and dressers: work out the box size for side-mount or undermount slides, choose the joints, fit the bottom and hang the front.How to Build Floating ShelvesHow to build floating shelves that hold weight: a hollow box over a hidden cleat, step by step, plus how to install floating shelves into studs, masonry or drywall.How to Build a ShelfHow to build a shelf on a wall, in the garage or in a corner: cleats and brackets into studs, garage shelving, corner shelves and safe spans.How to Install Kitchen CabinetsHow to install kitchen cabinets step by step: find the floor’s high point, mark level lines and studs, hang the upper cabinets first, then level the bases.How to Make Cabinet DoorsHow to make cabinet doors: size them from the opening, build simple slab doors or five-piece shaker doors with stiles, rails and a panel, and hang them on hinges.How to Use a Pocket Hole JigHow to use a pocket hole jig step by step: set it for the board, drill, clamp and drive the screw. With a pocket hole screw size chart and tips for MDF.How to Use a RouterHow to use a wood router: choosing bits, setting the depth, which way to feed, routing edges, dadoes and grooves with a guide, and using a router table safely.Types of Wood JointsThe main types of wood joints explained: butt, rabbet, dado, dowel, biscuit, pocket hole, mortise and tenon, dovetail, and which to use in plywood and MDF.

Hinges, slides and hardware

Cabinet Hinge TypesThe main cabinet hinge types explained: concealed European hinges in full overlay, half overlay and inset, plus face frame, butt, piano, pivot and lift-up hinges.Cam Locks and Confirmat ScrewsKnock-down furniture fittings explained: cam locks and dowels for flat-pack furniture, confirmat screws for MDF and melamine, their sizes, drill bits and spacing.Concealed Cabinet HingesConcealed (European) cabinet hinges explained: full, half and inset overlay, 35 mm cups, opening angles and soft close, and how to drill and fit them with a jig.Drawer Slide TypesDrawer slide types compared: side-mount ball-bearing, undermount, center-mount, roller and wooden runners, with sizes, clearances and load ratings for each.How to Adjust Cabinet HingesHow to adjust concealed cabinet door hinges with a screwdriver: the side, height and depth screws, and fixes for doors that rub, sag, stick out or will not close.How to Drill Shelf Pin HolesHow to drill shelf pin holes that line up: 5 mm or 1/4 in shelf pins, rows 37 mm from the edges on the 32 mm system, a shelf pin jig, the right depth and spacing.How to Install Drawer SlidesHow to install drawer slides step by step: side-mount ball-bearing slides, undermount slides with their clips, full-extension and bottom-mount slides, face frames.

Materials and edge banding

How to Calculate Board FeetWhat a board foot is and how to calculate board feet: the formula, worked examples, rough and nominal lumber, and how to convert to square feet and cubic metres.How to Finish Plywood EdgesHow to finish plywood edges: iron-on edge banding, solid wood edging, filler for paint, rounding over the layers, and sealing edges for outdoor use.How to Paint MDFHow to paint MDF for a smooth finish: seal the thirsty edges, use the right primer (not water-based on raw MDF), sand between coats and paint cabinets and furniture.How to Stain PlywoodHow to stain plywood evenly: sand to 180, use a conditioner or gel stain, test on an offcut and seal the edges. The best stains for birch and pine plywood.MDF vs Particle BoardMDF vs particle board compared: density, strength, screw holding, moisture, painting and price. Which one to choose for cabinets, wardrobes and shelves.Plywood vs MDF vs Particle BoardPlywood, MDF or chipboard? Compare strength, sag, weight, finish, moisture and cost of the three sheet materials, and see which to use for each furniture part.MDF vs PlywoodMDF vs plywood for cabinets, shelves and doors: strength, sag, screw holding, paint finish, moisture, weight and cost compared, with the right use for each.OSB vs PlywoodOSB vs plywood compared: strength, stiffness, moisture, weight and cost, and which is better for subfloors, roof and wall sheathing, shelving and furniture.Particle Board vs PlywoodParticle board vs plywood for cabinets and furniture: strength, screw holding, water, weight, cost and finish, and when melamine particle board is the right choice.Best Plywood for CabinetsThe best plywood for cabinets: birch, maple or prefinished hardwood plywood in 3/4 in for the boxes, 1/2 in for drawers and 1/4 in backs. Cores and grades compared.What Is Edge Banding?Edge banding is a thin strip glued over the raw edge of plywood, MDF or melamine. Learn the types (PVC, ABS, veneer), sizes and how to apply iron-on banding.

Measuring, cut lists and cutting

How Many Sheets of Plywood Do I Need?Work out how many sheets of plywood or MDF a project needs: square feet in a 4x8 sheet, the area method, why real layouts need more, and sheets per bundle.How to Cut Plywood With a Circular SawCut plywood straight and without splinters using a circular saw: blade choice, support, a straightedge guide, good face down, and planning your cuts first.What Is a Cut List and How to Make OneA cut list is the list of every part to cut, with sizes, quantities, material, grain and edges. Learn how to make a cut list for furniture and turn it into a layout.How to Read a Tape MeasureHow to read a tape measure in inches and fractions, step by step: the inch, half, quarter, eighth and sixteenth marks, feet and stud marks, and metric cm and mm.Types of SawsThe main types of saws for wood: power saws (circular, table, miter, track, jigsaw, band) and hand saws, what each one cuts best, and which saws to buy first.What Is Kerf?Kerf is the width of material a saw blade removes. Learn typical kerf sizes for circular, table and panel saws, and how kerf changes your cut list and parts.