Create Cut List and Verify Thickness

What happens in this clip

Before making any cuts, create a detailed cut list. This list should specify the part name, quantity, material thickness, width, length, and any special notes (e.g., which edges need edge banding). When working with sheet goods like melamine, always measure the actual thickness of the material, rather than relying on nominal thicknesses, as discrepancies can throw off all calculations. A tip for the cut list is to use simpler fractions like 20 3/4" and add a note to 'minus 1/32"' instead of using complex fractions like 20 23/32", which makes measurements easier when cutting.

What's used

Tools

• Pencil
• Ruler/Square (Incra Precision Rules)

Materials

• Melamine Sheet
• Project Cut List Form D. Pattison

About the full video

This project guides through the process of installing pull-out shelves with drawer slides in custom cabinets to enhance storage efficiency and ergonomics. It covers measuring the cabinet, designing the pull-outs, calculating dimensions, preparing a cut list, cutting and edge banding the melamine pieces, assembling the pull-out boxes, installing full-extension drawer slides, and finally, installing the completed pull-outs into existing kitchen cabinets using spacer strips for a precise fit.

Step 3 of 10: Create a Cut List

Translate your design into a detailed cut list. For each piece of wood (e.g., sides, shelves, back supports), list its exact dimensions (length, width, thickness). This will help you purchase the correct amount of material and minimize waste.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Prepare Lumber and Cut List
• Cut and Prepare Lumber