How to build a cupboard in an alcove

Alcoves are an area in most buildings, such as houses or commercial properties that are commonly underused and add to lost space in a property. By constructing an alcove cupboard a building owner can create an attractive amount of storage that can be useful for displaying items or housing electronics, Adopting a Greyhound reports. It is important to ensure the design of the alcove cupboard matches the overall design of the room it will be placed in.

One of the most important aspects of any home improvement project is to ensure a detailed plan is in place before embarking on building the proposed alcove cupboard, UKTV advises. The person building the cabinet should determine how it will be used and draw a detailed plan including the number of shelves and doors to be used. Measuring the alcove to determine what purpose it can successfully be used for can help rule out certain uses; for example, a small alcove space may be too small to be used for housing a large television.

Depending on the room the alcove cupboard is to be placed in the use may require a design featuring a dressing table for a bedroom or cupboard doors if placed in a kitchen alcove. In many cases the cupboard will be placed at floor height to make the construction phase easier; incorporating a skirting board into the design can make the cupboard fit seamlessly into the rest a room, according to UKTV. All designs should include a way of securing the cupboard to the walls of the alcove for safety.

After measuring the alcove and making plans for creating an alcove cupboard all the necessary materials and tools should be assembled in the work area; the first step in constructing the cupboard is to assemble the frame of the cupboard, Rated People reports. The lumber used in construction should be cut to size and placed together using dowels glued into place at the 45 degree cuts for the corners of the cupboard. Attaching the frame to the wall with screws can keep it safely in place before larger sheets of wood for surfaces and shelves are secured in place to continue the construction.

Placing doors on the cupboard is one of the final steps in the construction of an alcove cupboard. Ensuring a one millimetre gap is left between doors in the centre of the cupboard makes sure doors do not stick and can move freely, according to UKTV. Handles should be attached to doors at a height and in a position that is aesthetically pleasing and functional; all surfaces should be painted to prevent spoiling and to fit in with the colour scheme of the rest of the room. When constructing an alcove cupboard all surfaces should be covered with sheets for protection and safety goggles and gloves worn when cutting wood.