After a bountiful harvest or a successful trip to the farmers market, the next obstacle to tackle is where to possibly store all of that fresh produce until you can eat it, ferment it, can it or freeze it. Keep your most frequently used items such as onions, peppers and garlic within arm’s reach by building this simple, rustic veggie cupboard to add to your kitchen or pantry.

This simple produce cupboard can free up space in the refrigerator and on countertops, and its simple design can be customized to accommodate interesting salvaged materials. Choosing salvaged wood and other reclaimed materials adds character, patina and personality that new materials can’t—at least not without a lot of extra work on your part.

Aside from assuring that you’ll get that one-of-a-kind piece you’ve always dreamed of, salvaged materials can offer savings and sustainability. They often come with much lower price tags, and repurposing an old door means there’s a little less trash heading to a landfill.

Add extra flair to your custom produce cupboard with vintage knobs and hinges, interesting wood grains or knotty woods that pair well with your existing kitchen design. Garage sales, antique malls, Habitat for Humanity reStores and Craigslist are all great places to find affordable salvaged materials in most areas. —Ashley Houk

Materials

• 1 – 1×12 at 12-feet long
• 3 – 1×2 at 8-feet long
• 4 feet of 4-1⁄4-inch-tall base moulding
• 1⁄4 sheet (2 feet by 4 feet) of 1⁄4-inch- thick plywood, beadboard or other backing material
• Chicken wire or wire mesh and staples for attaching
• 3 sets of surface mount hinges (can also use basic butt hinges)
• 3 clasps
• 3 knobs or handles
• 1-1⁄4-inch pocket hole screws
• 1-1⁄4-inch and 1-inch finish nails

Tools

• Measuring tape
• Square
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Kreg jig
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Brad nailer
• Staple gun

Cut List

Carcass
• 1 – 1×12 at 17 inches long (top)
• 2 – 1×12 at 38-1⁄2 inches (sides)
• 3 – 1×12 at 14-1⁄2 inches (shelves)
• 1– 1⁄4-inch plywood at 16 inches by 39-1⁄4 inches (back)
• 4 – 1⁄4-inch base moulding cut to fit

Face Frame
• 1 – 1×2 at 17 inches (top)
• 2 – 1×2 at 38-1⁄2 inches (sides)
• 4 – 1×2 at 13 inches (shelf trim)

Doors – Cut to Fit, 1⁄4 inch less in height and width than opening
• 6 – 1×2 at 6-1⁄4 inches
• 6 – 1×2 at 12-3⁄4 inches

Step-by-Step

1. Build the basic carcass out of the 1×12 boards using 3⁄4-inch pocket holes and 1-1⁄4-inch pocket hole screws.

2. Build the face frame with 3⁄4-inch pocket holes and 1-1⁄4-inch pocket hole screws first. Then attach the completed face frame to front of project with 1-1⁄4-inch finish nails and glue.

3. Attach back 1⁄4-inch plywood with 1-inch finish nails and glue.

4. Cut 4-1⁄4-inch base moulding to fit, mitering front corners. Nail on with nails long enough to pass through moulding into 3⁄4-inch-thick sides and front (most likely 1-inch-long nails). Use glue for extra support.

5. Build doors with 3⁄4-inch pocket holes and 1-1⁄4-inch pocket hole screws. Attach mesh or chicken wire to back with staples. Attach doors with hinges. You may also need to add a magnetic clasp to keep doors shut.

Finishing Instructions

1. Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed.

2. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120-grit sandpaper.

3. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

4. It’s always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Building plan and illustrations courtesy Ana White, author of The Handbuilt Home. Photo courtesy Jeanna of Barefoot in Blue Jeans.