This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with his assistant Bob Barker supervising from the shop floor. The build is a stunning wine and whiskey cabinet designed for a friend, combining storage, lighting, and custom details into one cohesive piece.
Designed to fit into a corner space, the cabinet features three distinct sections: open shelving at the top, wine storage and display in the middle, and concealed storage at the bottom. From material selection to clever wire management, Anthony shows how a complex custom build can come together cleanly and efficiently.
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Thoughtful Design and Layout
The cabinet’s structure is divided into upper, middle, and lower sections to separate display and storage zones. Open shelving at the top provides space for bottles or decor, while the middle features built-in wine racks flanking a central display shelf. The lower portion includes a shaker-style cabinet with doors for hidden storage.
Because this piece was designed for a corner installation, the two rear-facing sides were simplified. This not only saved time and material but allowed Anthony to focus detailing efforts on the visible areas.
Material Choices and Structural Joinery
White oak veneer plywood was selected for the primary construction to match the client’s existing furniture. Solid white oak was used for the face frames and trim, adding durability and contrast.
Assembly involved a mix of dowels, screws, and glue, with temporary shelf supports used for alignment. The structural panels were reinforced with screws in hidden areas, especially around the rear sections that won’t be seen after installation.
The upper portion includes angled cuts to create a triangular shelf, which required extra precision. These unique angles add visual interest and make the cabinet stand out from typical rectangular builds.
Early Sanding and Shelf Fitment
Before full assembly, Anthony sanded most surfaces to avoid finishing issues in tight spaces later on. Pre-sanding is a step he often recommends, especially for complex builds like this.
Shelves were glued and clamped, with some left unglued temporarily to allow for repositioning during assembly. Each shelf was dry-fit to ensure alignment and spacing were accurate.
Supporting the Lower Cabinet
To support the bottom cabinet section and prevent sagging over time, plywood strips were cut with 45-degree miters and installed beneath the front edge. These reinforcements improved structural integrity without compromising the clean look.
Exposed plywood edges were covered using iron-on edge banding, helping the piece maintain a seamless, furniture-grade appearance.
Building the Wine Racks
The wine rack section was one of the more technical parts of the build. While Anthony initially explored using domino joinery, he ultimately used pocket hole screws for efficiency. Because the underside of the racks wouldn’t be visible, this shortcut saved time without sacrificing strength.
Cross supports were attached directly to the side panels, and plywood strips were carefully measured and cut to keep spacing uniform. A bit of trial and error was involved, but the final result was a clean, stable wine storage solution.
Adding LED Lighting
To enhance the cabinet’s display areas, Anthony integrated LED lighting into the top and middle sections. Wires were routed through drilled channels and secured behind panels with adhesive clips and grommets.
Using a long drill bit, channels were created to guide wires cleanly behind the structure. The LED strips were installed into recessed aluminum channels with diffusers, which protect the lights and offer even illumination across the shelves.
Applying the Finish
The cabinet was finished using Rubio Monocoat in the color “Cortado,” chosen to complement the client’s existing furniture. Anthony applied the finish early in the process to avoid trying to reach tight corners once the cabinet was assembled.
The finish enhances the natural oak grain while providing long-lasting protection. It also delivers a smooth, matte surface that fits the modern-meets-rustic vibe of the cabinet.
Adjustable Shelving and Custom Features
Pin holes were drilled into side panels to allow for adjustable shelving in both the middle and lower sections. This flexible design makes it easy to accommodate various bottle sizes and accessories over time.
The face frame was made from solid oak, assembled with miters and pocket hole screws. Instead of using uniform thickness across the cabinet, Anthony varied the dimensions slightly to give visual depth and distinguish the different sections.
Edges were rounded over before final installation, making the piece more comfortable to handle and easier to finish. Frames were built in segments to ensure tight, clean fits around the shelves and doors.
Shaker Doors and Base Details
For the base, rubber feet were recessed slightly to give the cabinet a floating look and to protect the floor. The doors were built in a classic shaker style, offering a clean, timeless appearance.
A minor sizing issue during door construction was resolved with careful trimming and re-routing. It’s a reminder that small adjustments often make a big difference in custom work.
Soft-close concealed hinges were installed with care to avoid interfering with the wine rack structure. Final adjustments ensured smooth operation and a flush look across the front of the cabinet.
Wiring and Hardware Finishing
Once everything was installed, Anthony cleaned up the LED wiring and hid any excess loops inside the cabinet frame. The shelves remained adjustable without disturbing the lighting setup.
Cabinet pulls were added last, with bolts recessed inside to avoid snagging or blocking the shelves. As usual, Bob Barker supervised this step closely—probably waiting for a snack or just keeping morale high.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.