How to Build a Stylish Bar Cabinet

In this video, features editor Amy R. Hughes explains how to build a bar cabinet with beautiful salvaged stained-glass panels.

Steps:

1. Cut the cabinet's 1x preprimed pine sides to the length of the glass door. The ends and shelves should be 1½ inches smaller than the window's width. (You can also have the wood cut for you at the lumber yard.)
2. Mark on the sides where the shelves will be placed, using a pencil and framing square.
3. Glue the top and bottom panels between the side walls, then glue in the shelves.
4. Steady the unit with clamps and drive in finish screws to reinforce the glue.
5. Paint the unit and let dry.
6. Add a ½-inch plywood back panel secured with glue and steel tacks.
7. Create mortises for the door hinges by scooping out the wood with a chisel, its bevel side facing down. Then flip the chisel bevel side up to smooth the surface.
8. Put the closed hinges in the mortises and place the glass door squarely on top of the cabinet to mark where the hinges line up on its wooden frame.
9. Predrill for the hinge screws, place the cabinet on its side next to the glass, and attach the hardware.
10. Screw on a handle like this salvaged bin pull for opening and closing the door.
11. Hang the cabinet with an anchoring system appropriate for your wall type. And load it up with glasses.