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    Repurposed Furniture » Rustic Shutter Cabinet from Reclaimed Fencing

    Rustic Shutter Cabinet from Reclaimed Fencing

    Published by Gail | Published April 18, 2017 | Updated February 22, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to make a rustic shutter cabinet using an old shutter and reclaimed wood. Step by step directions so you can Do It Yourself. This cabinet is perfect for a small bathroom, guestroom, or mudroom. Put in in the kitchen for extra pantry storage. #MyRepurposedLife #Repurposed #upcycled #shutter via @repurposedlife

    How to make a rustic shutter cabinet out of reclaimed wood

    I love making rustic projects—today’s project is a rustic shutter cabinet made from reclaimed fencing. There is still have LOT of this stuff stored in the woodshed.

    Reclaimed shutter

    I picked up two shutters last fall—got a really great deal on them.

    *This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Read more here.*

    Prepare to paint

    I painted both of them last fall with my Homeright Finish Max. I made one into a Farmer’s Market Vegetable Bin, and set the other aside in the garage.

    Design Shutter Cabinet

    While looking for a fun, quick project, the painted shutter sort of jumped out at me. Winking smile  I have made a shutter cabinet years ago, but it was a lot different from this one. I made this cabinet using fence boards, but you could easily make the same cabinet using new lumber such as 1x6’s.

    The design stage of any project is my favorite part. I love figuring out how all the pieces will come together. You probably know I never draw plans, I just fly by the seat of my pants.

    The first step was to make the front facing of the cabinet. I ripped some of the fence boards on the table saw to achieve this step.

    Use pocket holes for constructing face frame of cabinet

    kreg jig

    My Kreg jig is my go – to tool for joinery. I used the Micro jig (it’s the black portion of the jig—it just pops in and out)   for this project because the wood is thin and brittle.

    Again, because the wood is thin and brittle, I used Gorilla Wood Glue on all the joints.

    Construct a simple box out of reclaimed fence boards

    For the “box” of the cabinet, I cut four fence boards to size and used Gorilla wood glue and my nail gun.

    Attach front facing to simple wood box

    More Gorilla wood glue was used to attach the front facing to the cabinet. I also used my glue gun for this step.

    Cut shelves to fit

    Because the shutter is thick, the shelves will have to leave room for the shutter/door to close. The shelves were cut to size. Each shelf board had to be ripped in order to fit.

    Attach cleats to hold shelves in rustic shutter cabinet

    Small drop off cuts were used for cleats. Those cleats are held in place by Gorilla wood glue and brad nails from the nail gun.

    Attach fence boards to make up the back of the cabinet

    More rustic fence boards were used for the back of the cabinet. I cut them to size, and had to rip all of them slightly to make them fit the width of the cabinet. Notice the ugly side of the boards are to the back, leaving the yummy gray weathered look showing on the inside of the cabinet.

    Add hinges to the Shutter-Door of the cabinet

    I added hinges from my friends at D. Lawless Hardware, and added a hat and shoes on the cabinet. Winking smile   I used one full board, and a ripped board to make up the top and bottom.

    Install a knob

    This fabulous black knob is from Hobby Lobby. Did you notice along the way the side of the door changed colors? The front facing was very tight, and after adding the hinges the door was too snug. I shaved a little off one side of the shutter on my table saw.

    If you make this rustic shutter cabinet out of new lumber, your project will be more “square”. These boards aren’t square or straight. Smile

    Here’s the good news/bad news. The good news is, the door can either be “left” or “right” by turning the cabinet upside down. The bad news is, the cabinet leans a little forward when the door is the other way. I would recommend that this type of cabinet be secured to the wall by the new owner.

    PIN IT!

    Wanna know something funny? It makes me think of an outhouse every time I look at it. hehehehe

    I think it would be great for the kids’ bathroom or guest room. I suppose it would also hold craft, garden or pantry items.

    PIN IT!

    How would you use it?

    gail

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    1. Carol Whewell

      April 19, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Another great DIY project to add to my list! I love this and I've been holding on to a pair of louvered doors for just the right inspiration. Thanks!

      Reply
    2. girlfromwva

      April 18, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      this would fit awesomely in our half bath or right inside our slider door! perfect re-purpose!

      Reply
    3. Julie@followyourheartwoodworking

      April 18, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      Great, Gail! I like it with the old wood. Can you believe I've had two smaller shutters painted for almost a year and waiting for me to turn into a cupboard?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 18, 2017 at 9:12 pm

        Had you forgotten about the shutters, sort of out of sight out of mind? Or just procrastinating like I do? I look forward to seeing them when you do get the cupboard done Julie.

        gail

      • Julie@followyourheartwoodworking

        April 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm

        No, I didn't forget, they are in my shop very visible, I see them everyday!

    4. Sandy Meadows Newbury

      April 18, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      I am in awe of your abilities, you're " go for it" attitude and how lightheartedly you encourage us to believe we can "get er done!" I'm a DIY'er but since I've followed you, I'm more! I just bought the Homeright spray shelter and next is the sprayer. I'm still trying to figure out the jig application because I'm excited to try it. I'm going to repaint my kitchen this summer, thanks to you and I'm beginning to do board and batten up my stairway wall. I've never been this brave before and at 69, I thought it was too late to start...but not now! Thanks for taking the lead! Sandy

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 18, 2017 at 9:11 pm

        Sandy,

        Your comment made me smile and it's exactly why I love DIY and blogging about it. It's never to late do DIY! Good luck with your projects. I'm always here if you need anything.

        gail

    5. Anne

      April 18, 2017 at 7:21 am

      Beautiful job Gail! Thanks for the tips, I need a new laundry storage cupboard and this is the way I'm going to go.

      Have a great week!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 18, 2017 at 7:55 am

        Oh, Anne! I'm so happy to inspire you to make your laundry storage cupboard. Will you use reclaimed wood or new lumber?
        Thanks for stopping by!
        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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