How to Build a Hidden Trash Can Cabinet

Hide the unsightly trash bin with a stylish, seamless cabinet.
DIY Hidden Trash Can Cabinet
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a cabinet with a door that opens to a hidden trash can

Trash Can Cabinet

Make a cabinet to hide your unsightly trash can.

From: Danmade

Materials and Tools:

  • (2) 18” x 6’ x 3/4”  edge-glued panels
  • (1) box 1-1/4” finish nails
  • saw
  • wood glue
  • wood filler
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • stain or paint
  • clear matte polyurethane
  • (1) cabinet pull or knob
  • (1) 12” continous piano hinge
  • drill
  • nail gun

Measure and Cut All Wood

Measure and cut the edge-glued panels. For the door, measure 17-1/2" x 25 1/4", measure 17-1/4" x 10" for the interior bottom, measure 4" x 10" for the supports, measure 13" x 27" for the sides and 13" x 17-3/4" for the top and bottom.

Build Cabinet Frame

Dab a little glue on the edges of the wood pieces to secure the top, bottom and sides together. Nail everything together. Take scrap pieces of wood, and cut to 17-3/4” for the back of the cabinet. Attach with glue and nails. 

Assemble Door

Take the 17-1/2" piece, and attach it flush with the bottom of the door piece with glue and nails. Attach the tray supports (4” x 10” pieces) to each side. Fill all holes with wood filler, and allow everything to dry for 24 hours.

Sand and Stain

Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand all sides of the cabinet until smooth, and wipe everything down with a damp cloth. Apply stain and wipe excess with a rag to allow grain to show through. Let dry. Apply clear polyurethane, and let dry.

Attach Hinge 

Attach the piano hinge to the bottom of the door. Attach the door to the cabinet, making sure the bevel sits flush with the edge of the cabinet. Add a chain to prevent the door from swinging all the way open.

Install Knob

Install a knob or handle to the top center of the door using a drill.

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