Build a closet island

TOOLS

• Table saw or circular saw with cutting guide
• Electric or cordless drill
• Depth stop for 1/8" and 3/8" drill bits
• Finish nailer (optional)
• Tape Measure
• Square
• Pencil
• Sander

MATERIALS

Small A module

• 1 MDF sheet, 3/4" x 48" x 96"
• 1 quarter round, 7/16" x 7/16" x 96"
• No. 6 flat head wood screws
• 5/8" flat head wood screws
• 1 squared wood piece ¾" x ¾" x 72"
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
• 150-grain sandpaper
• 2 full extension slides, 12"
• 1 package of 5 mm shelf brackets
• 1 handle 

Small B module

• 1 MDF sheet, 48" x 48" and ¾" thick
• No. 6 flat head wood screws
• 5/8" flat head wood screws
• 2 squared wood pieces ¾" x ¾" x 72"
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
• 150-grain sandpaper

Large module

• 1 MDF sheet, ¾" x 48" x 96"
• 1 MDF sheet, ¾" x 48" x 48"
• 2 quarter rounds, 7/16" x 7/16" x 96"
• No. 6 flat head wood screws
• 5/8" flat head wood screws
• 1 squared wood piece ¾" x ¾" x 72"
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
• 150-grain sandpaper
• 6 full extension slides, 12"
• 1 package of 5 mm shelf brackets
• 2 handles

Assembly for a 3 modules- cabinet

• 1 MDF sheet, ¾" x 48" x 48"
• 2 jointed pine O’gee, 11/16"
• x 4 1/2" x 96"
• No. 6 flat head wood screws
• 5/8" flat head wood screws
• 1 squared wood piece, 1" x 1" x 96"
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
• 150-grain sandpaper

Assembly for a 6 modules- cabinet

• 1 MDF sheet, ¾" x 48" x 96"
• 2 jointed pine O’gee, 11/16"
• x 4 ½" x 96"
• No. 6 flat head wood screws
• 5/8" flat head wood screws
• 1 squared wood piece 1" x 1" x 96"
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
• 150-grain sandpaper

ASSEMBLY

You can use either flathead woodscrews or a nailer with finishing nails to assemble modular furniture. Always pre-drill holes if you choose to use screws, the panel may split otherwise.
Always try to join parts on a flat surface. Make sure they are straight and fit exactly. Whether you choose to use screws or a nailer, glue all parts for added sturdiness.
 

MDF

MDF is a versatile material that makes it easy to build strong, sturdy and affordable furniture. It is advisable to always glue the parts together with wood glue before fastening them with nails or screws. If the nails or screws do not provide enough strength, use clamps to hold the assembly together while the glue dries.
Screw fastening:
Always drill pilot holes using a countersink bit, with the pieces in their final assembled position. This will prevent the MDF from buckling or splitting under the torque of the screws. In one motion, the countersink bit bores a hole for the body of the screw as well as a cavity to conceal the screw head. You can use a driver-drill to do this, but it is advisable to finish tightening the screws with a manual screwdriver to prevent the driver-drill’s speed and force from damaging the MDF and weakening the screw’s grip.
Nail fastening:
For some projects it is best to use finishing nails. In such cases, using a pneumatic nailer will get the job done more quickly and easily, and the nails will hardly show.
Important note:
Always wear a protective mask when cutting or sanding MDF as the dust can be irritating and is a potential heath hazard. Work outside if you can; if this is not possible, close any air vents and doors leading to other rooms so as to prevent the dust from spreading. Open a window while you work and cover all items in the room with dust sheets. Vacuum once you have finished cutting.