Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dining Room Built-Ins
Want to add both style and function to your dining room? Built-ins can completely change your space. This project turns a plain wall into useful storage with a desk area perfect for working from home.
While it takes more time than a weekend job, the results are worth the effort. Custom built-ins add value to your home and allow you to show off your style.
The combination of bookshelves, cabinets, and a desk creates a useful space for both daily tasks and special occasions.
This guide walks you through the whole process, from planning to styling, with tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make your project a success.
DIY Guide: Building Your Own Dining Room Built-Ins
Tools and Materials Needed
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Measuring tape | Base cabinets (pre-built or unfinished) |
| Level | Bookcases (or plywood for custom shelves) |
| Power drill and bits | 3/4-inch plywood for desktop |
| Circular saw | 1×2 trim boards |
| Miter saw | Cabinet hardware |
| Nail gun and nails | Primer for laminate surfaces |
| Screwdriver set | Paint (eggshell or semi-gloss finish) |
| Sanding blocks (220 grit) | Wood stain for desktop |
| Paint brushes and rollers | Polyurethane sealer |
| Paint trays | Wall paint |
| Caulk gun | 2×3 lumber for base supports |
| Safety glasses and mask |
Step 1: Plan Your Space
Take careful measurements of your wall space, including height, width, and any features like outlets or vents. Then, draw a rough sketch with the dimensions.
Use painter’s tape on the floor to map out the footprint of your future built-ins. This helps you see how much space the cabinets and desk will take up. Look at pictures of other built-ins for ideas about style and color.
Think about what you’ll store inside and how you’ll use the desk area. Proper planning now saves time and money later. Consider finding all materials before starting so you know what you’re working with.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
Visit home improvement stores to find base cabinets and bookshelves that fit your measurements. Pre-built, unfinished cabinets often work better than assembled flat-pack options and may cost about the same.
Look for cabinets and shelves that can be modified if needed. Choose pre-sanded plywood for your desktop. For paint, select colors that match your room’s style.
Dark colors make a bold statement, while lighter colors create a bright, open feeling. Get quality primer for laminate surfaces. Pick out cabinet hardware that matches your style. Don’t forget to trim pieces to make that “built-in” look.
Step 3: Prepare Base Cabinets
Position your base cabinets where they’ll go on the wall. For better height and to keep doors from scraping the floor, cut 2×3 lumber pieces to create risers underneath the cabinets.
Attach these with screws through the bottom of the cabinet. Make sure the cabinets are level both front-to-back and side-to-side by using shims if needed. Once perfectly level, secure the cabinets to the wall studs using appropriate screws.
This prevents a tipping hazard. If you plan to have a knee space for a desk area, leave enough space between cabinets.
Step 4: Modify Bookshelves
If using pre-made bookshelves, you may need to adjust their height to fit between the cabinets and ceiling. Measure carefully and mark where to cut. For laminate bookshelves, score the cut line with a utility knife first to prevent chipping.
Use a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade for clean cuts. Remove any pre-drilled shelf pin holes that will be visible after cutting. Assemble the bookshelves according to their instructions but with your modified measurements.
A spray paint gun works well for even coating on shelves if you have one.
Step 5: Install Bookshelves and Bridging Shelf
Place the bookshelves on top of the base cabinets. Secure them to the wall studs using L-brackets. Measure the gap carefully if adding a bridging shelf across the top to connect the units.
The bridging piece helps create the look of a single built-in unit rather than separate pieces. Use finished nails to attach trim pieces along the sides where the bookshelves meet the walls. This trim hides any gaps and creates a built-in look.
Add trim along the top edge as well to conceal any space between the shelf tops and the ceiling.
Step 6: Prepare Surfaces for Painting
Sand all surfaces lightly with 220-grit sandpaper, paying special attention to laminate surfaces, which need more roughing up to accept paint. Wipe everything clean with a tack cloth to remove dust.
Apply primer specifically made for laminate surfaces to the bookshelves. Standard primers won’t stick well to slick surfaces. Fill any gaps between the units and walls with caulk, smoothing with a wet finger for a clean finish.
Fill nail holes with wood filler and sand smooth when dry. Using painter’s tape, mask off any areas you don’t want to be painted.
Step 7: Paint the Built-ins
Choose quality paint for durability on these high-use surfaces. A semi-gloss finish works best for cabinets and shelves as it’s easier to clean, though eggshells can also work.
Start by brushing in around the edges, then roll larger areas for even coverage. Paint in thin coats rather than thick ones to avoid drips and ensure better adhesion. Allow proper drying time between coats as directed on the paint can.
Dark colors like navy blue create a striking focal point. While some paints claim one-coat coverage, two coats usually give the best results.
Step 8: Create and Install the Desktop
Cut 3/4-inch plywood to size for your desk surface. Sand all edges and surfaces until completely smooth. Apply wood stain in your chosen color, following the grain direction.
Allow to dry completely according to the instructions. Then, apply several coats of polyurethane sealer, sanding lightly between coats for the smoothest finish.
To make the desk look thicker, attach a 1×2 board along the front edge with finished nails. Place the desktop on top of the base cabinets, securing it from underneath with screws through the cabinet top into the desktop. Add support brackets if spanning a large open area.
Step 9: Finish the Room and Style Shelves
Paint surrounding walls in a complementary color to your built-ins. If you choose dark built-ins, lighter walls help balance the room. Install cabinet hardware on doors and drawers.
Style your shelves with a mix of functional and decorative items. Group similar objects together. Use varying heights and textures. Add plants for life and color. Include some personal items that tell your story.
Don’t overcrowd – leave some space for visual relief. Consider organizing shelves by color for a clean look. Update shelf styling seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh.
Video Tutorial
Check out this YouTube video for a detailed step-by-step Tutorial on a
Tips for Maintenance and Care of Dining Room Built-Ins
1. Regular Cleaning Routine
Keep your built-ins looking fresh with a simple cleaning routine. Dust the shelves and desk weekly using a microfiber cloth that traps dust instead of spreading it around.
For deeper cleaning monthly, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, making sure not to saturate wood surfaces. When cleaning, wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Please pay special attention to the desktop since it gets the most use.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage paint finishes. For glass items on display, use a lint-free cloth with a small amount of glass cleaner applied to the fabric, not sprayed directly on surfaces.
2. Preventing Wear and Tear
Protect your desk surface from scratches and water rings by using coasters under all drinks and desk pads under work areas. Apply felt pads to the bottom of any decorative items that sit on shelves to prevent scratching when moved.
Touch up small paint chips promptly to prevent moisture from getting under the paint and causing further damage. Use shelf liners in cabinets that store heavy items to avoid wear on interior surfaces.
When moving items on and off shelves, lift them rather than sliding to avoid scratching the paint. For extra protection, consider applying a fresh coat of polyurethane to the desktop yearly.
3. Adjusting for Seasonal Changes
Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. During winter, when indoor heating makes the air dry, you might notice some small cracks developing where trim meets walls.
Use flexible caulk to fill these gaps when needed. In summer, humidity might cause doors to stick slightly. Adjust hinges as required for proper function.
Rearrange shelf items seasonally to prevent fading from direct sunlight. Keep built-ins away from direct heating vents and air conditioners, which can cause wood to dry out too quickly and potentially warp. Use a room humidifier in very dry months to maintain optimal humidity.
4. Hardware Maintenance
Cabinet hardware gets touched frequently and can become loose over time. Check screws on handles and knobs every few months and tighten as needed. Clean hardware with appropriate cleaners – brass polish for brass finishes, stainless steel cleaner for stainless, etc.
If handles develop tarnish or wear, you can easily update them without redoing the whole unit. Keep a few extra knobs and pulls on hand for quick replacements.
Oil door hinges yearly with a small amount of household oil to keep them opening smoothly. Pay attention to unusual sounds when opening cabinets, as this often signals a loose hinge or bracket.
5. Updating Your Look
One advantage of built-ins is how easily they can be refreshed. Change cabinet hardware for an instant update without much work. Repaint just the back walls of open shelves in a new color for a fresh look without repainting everything.
Rotate decorative items seasonally to keep the space interesting. Consider adding stick-on LED lights under shelves for better display lighting and function.
Keep the styling simple – too many small items can look cluttered rather than curated. When adding new items, remove something else to maintain a clean look. Paint touch-ups every few years will keep everything looking new.
Things to Avoid while Creating Dining Room Built-Ins
| Problem | Why It’s a Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor bookcase fit | Gaps and unfinished look | Customize or modify shelves |
| Skipping prep | Paint may peel | Sand and use the right primer |
| Rushing paint | Drips and uneven finish | Apply thin coats, let dry |
| Not securing units | Tipping risk | Use L-brackets and anchors |
| Overloading shelves | Sagging and stress | Distribute weight evenly |
| Wrong paint finish | Hard to clean | Use semi-gloss or eggshell |
| Ignoring function | Inefficient space use | Plan storage based on needs |
| Overcrowding shelves | Cluttered look | Leave space, group items |
| No chair space | Uncomfortable setup | Allow 30 inches for knees |
| Mismatched materials | Uneven wear | Use compatible materials |
Conclusion
Built-ins transform your dining room into a useful, attractive space that serves multiple needs. Though the project takes time, the end product offers both beauty and function for years to come.
The custom desk area works perfectly for home office tasks, while the storage keeps your space tidy. Remember that careful planning at the start saves much time later.
Proper surface prep and quality materials make all the difference in how long your built-ins last. The right paint color creates a focal point that changes the whole feel of your room. Don’t rush the process; this project rewards patience.
When it’s all done, you’ll have a custom feature that fits your exact needs and showcases your style in the best possible way.
