How to Build a Columned Room Divider

Day-to-day timeline
SATURDAY: Stack the cabinet boxes and add the face frame (Steps 1–10).
SUNDAY: Build the column, and cut and install the trim (Steps 11–17).

Download and print the cut list here. Or see below

Cut list for columned room divider

Cabinet boxes
¾-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) box tops: three @ 12 by 36 inches
¾-inch MDF box bottoms: three @ 12 by 36 inches
¾-inch MDF filler layers: two @ 12 by 36 inches
¾-inch MDF box sides: six @ 9½ by 12 inches
¾-inch MDF base panel and cabinet top pieces: three @ 14¼ by 37½ inches
¾-inch MDF box back: one @ 34½ by 36¾ inches

Column
¾-inch MDF capital front and back: two @ 6 by 9½ inches
¾-inch MDF capital sides: two @ 6 by 8 inches
¾-inch MDF upper and lower blocking: three @ 6½ by 6½ inches
¾-inch MDF column front and back: two @ 8 by 62¼ inches*
¾-inch MDF column sides: two @ 6½ by 62¼ inches*

*Measurements are approximate; cut to fit the height of your ceiling.

Face, end, and back frames
¾-inch MDF front and back rails: six @ 1½ by 34½ inches
¾-inch MDF front and back stiles: four @ 1½ by 34½ inches
¾-inch MDF end stiles: two @ ¾ by 34½ inches
¾-inch MDF end rails: four @ 1½ by 11¼ inches

Base
2x8 base sides: two @ 37½ inches
2x8 base ends: two @ 11¼ inches

Finishing trim
¾-by-1¾-inch solid crown cabinet-top trim: two @ 38½ inches*
¾-by-1¾-inch solid crown cabinet-top trim: one @ 16½ inches*
¾-by-1¾-inch solid crown capital trim: four @ 11½ inches*

*Measurements are approximate; cut all pieces to fit.

Baseboard
1x8 baseboard: two @ 38¼ inches*
1x8 baseboard: one @ 15¾ inches*
½-inch quarter-round base cap: two @ 38¼ inches*
½-inch quarter-round base cap: one @ 15¾ inches*
¾-inch quarter-round shoe molding: two @ 38¼ inches*
¾-inch quarter-round shoe molding: one @ 15¾ inches*

*Measurements are approximate; cut all pieces to fit.