This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s a sleek, wall-mounted key cabinet that doubles as a small woodworking skills builder, using classic dado and rabbet joinery throughout.
David builds the entire cabinet using just a table saw, showing how much versatility one tool can offer. The result is a modern, floating organizer that’s perfect for entryways, hallways, or offices.
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A Simple but Skillful Project
This project proves that even a small cabinet can serve as a joinery workshop in disguise. Dadoes, rabbets, and a French cleat mount make this more than just a decorative piece—it’s a chance to sharpen essential techniques.
David chose oak for this build, pairing durability with a clean grain. The cabinet is stained to match existing decor, but it could easily be customized with paint, oil, or left unfinished for a rustic look.
Laying Out the Components
The cabinet frame consists of three horizontal boards, two vertical side pieces, and a slightly overhanging top panel that gives the cabinet its finished appearance. All boards are cut to length using a miter gauge on the table saw.
To ensure precision, David starts with square ends and double-checks each cut. Consistency is key—cutting multiple parts to the same dimension requires a setup that allows repeatable accuracy.
Ripping to Width and Marking Joinery
After crosscutting the components, each board is ripped to width. This step sets up the proportions of the cabinet and determines the clean, modern look of the finished piece.
Next, David marks where the dadoes and rabbets will be placed on the vertical sides. These grooves will accept the horizontal shelves and back panel, locking everything together with more strength than screws or nails could provide.
Cutting Dados and Rabbets with a Table Saw
Using a table saw blade raised to the correct height, David carefully cuts each notch. He moves slowly and checks each groove for a tight fit—critical for clean joinery without gaps.
The dados are spaced to create compartments inside the cabinet. This organization makes the piece useful for more than just keys—it could also hold mail, glasses, or a wallet.
Preparing the Back Panel
Once the dry fit is confirmed, David measures the space for the back panel. He uses quarter-inch plywood, which fits into the grooves routed along the back edge of the frame.
The back panel not only closes the cabinet visually but also locks the structure together. It helps the entire unit resist racking or twisting once hung.
Assembling with Glue and Clamps
Assembly begins with glue applied to each dado and rabbet. David uses a strap clamp to pull everything together evenly, keeping the corners square as the glue sets.
Excess glue is wiped away to prevent issues during finishing. This stage takes a steady hand and patience—rushing through could leave misaligned parts or gaps in the joints.
French Cleat Mounting System
One standout feature is the use of a French cleat for mounting. David rips a board at a 45-degree angle, creating two interlocking pieces. One attaches to the back of the cabinet, the other to the wall.
This system allows for secure hanging without visible hardware. It also makes removal easy if you ever want to relocate or adjust the cabinet.
Sanding and Applying Finish
After the glue dries, the cabinet is sanded smooth. David focuses on breaking sharp edges and removing glue residue, ensuring a soft, finished feel and clean lines.
He then applies a stain to match other furniture in his home. A clear topcoat can be added for protection, especially if the cabinet is placed near an entryway with exposure to weather or frequent use.
Final Steps and Installation
With the cabinet complete, David drills pilot holes in the underside and installs small screw hooks. These are ideal for hanging keys or keychains and add to the cabinet’s practicality.
Installation is simple—just mount the cleat to the wall and drop the cabinet onto it. The fit is tight and secure, yet easy to remove if needed.
A Functional, Stylish Organizer
This floating key cabinet is a compact project that highlights precision joinery and creative problem-solving. It’s an excellent weekend build that teaches core woodworking techniques and results in something you’ll use daily.
Because it’s modular, you can adapt the design to different sizes or needs. Add more compartments, change the dimensions, or swap out oak for walnut, maple, or even painted pine.
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Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This type of project is perfect for practicing fundamental joinery without committing to a massive build. The combination of dados and rabbets gives you hands-on experience with two essential techniques that show up in everything from drawers to built-in cabinets. What I really appreciate about David’s approach is using just the table saw — it’s a great reminder that you don’t need a shop full of specialized tools to create clean, professional results.
The French cleat mounting system is brilliant for wall-hung pieces like this. Once you get comfortable making that 45-degree rip, you’ll find yourself using cleats for everything from shop organization to picture frames. They distribute weight evenly and give you that satisfying “click” when everything locks into place. Just make sure to locate your wall studs properly — even the best cleat won’t help if it’s only grabbing drywall.
Oak was a smart material choice here. It machines cleanly, takes stain well, and has enough character in the grain to look interesting without being busy. The quarter-inch plywood back is also worth noting — it’s thin enough to fit snugly in those rabbets but still adds significant structural stability. That back panel is doing more work than it appears, essentially turning what could be a wobbly frame into a solid, rigid cabinet.