If you want to display or store your valuables or collectibles in a curio cabinet, you can buy one or save money by making your own. Here are instructions and list of materials and tools you will need to build your own.
Most of the materials you'll need to build your own homemade curio cabinet will be wood since this material makes up the base, the front, sides, back, and the frame of the door. Some curio cabinets have wooden shelves too, but glass is actually the preferred material. Glass shelves allow the objects that are displayed inside to be seen clearly because the artificial or natural light can pass through them.
The nicest homemade cabinets are made of pieces of durable hardwood such as maple, oak, cherry, or ash. Wood varies in cost, but these fine woods are always on the pricey side. If you're going to use cherry, for example, its price can be anywhere from five to seven dollars, or more, per board foot, depending on the area you live in. You'll want the number one grade of cherry because that's the best for making a curio cabinet or another type of wood furniture. Lesser grades can have defects in the wood that can detract from its beauty. A "board foot" is a term used in lumber yards, and it should not be confused with "square foot." A board foot equals one hundred and forty-four cubic inches, or a one inch by twelve inch by twelve inch board.
The second most needed material in this project will, of course, be glass. Flat sheets of glass are cheaper than curved pieces, and the price for thicker glass is naturally higher than thin glass. If you make the shelves of your curio cabinet out of this clear material, you'll want to use quarter inch thickness so it's more durable and doesn't crack and break as easily.
Many home made curio cabinets also have an interior back that is made of mirrored glass. Mirrored glass is more expensive than clear glass, and a little harder to find since you'll need a piece cut specifically to your dimensions, if you decide to use it.
Other materials that you'll need include metal, chrome, or brass hardware such as hinges, a handle, and a lock for the door. These items can range from fairly inexpensive- four to five dollars each- to very expensive for the fancier items.
As for the difficulty in building a home made curio cabinet, you'll need several types of tools in order to complete the project. You'll need a band saw, an electric drill with a set of drill bits, and a sander, just to name a few. You'll also need a good quality wood glue, sandpaper, glaziers points to install the glass with, wood stain, clear coat, and some small nails. You'll also need a light to install inside for artificial lighting, if you choose.
If you decide to build yourself a home made curio cabinet, make sure that you have detailed plans and that you take your time in this project. That way, you're less likely to make mistakes that could cost you more in materials. You can design your own cabinet, or you can purchase plans that include a list of materials, a list of wood pieces to cut with templates, and detailed instructions on how to assemble the pieces.
