The DIY Kitchen Cabinet Makeover: Learn How to Build Like a Pro
Get the confidence to design and make your own Kitchen Cabinets or fix the ones you have
You can also purchase this course as a gift here.
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own bespoke kitchen but felt daunted by the thought, this upcoming DIY Kitchen Cabinets course could be just what you need. Designed to take you from complete novice to confident cabinet builder, the course will guide you through every step of the process. Whether you're looking to save money, gain a new skill, or simply have more control over your kitchen design, this course offers a practical and approachable way to achieve it.
Created by an experienced kitchen designer and builder, Cian Corcoran, the course was inspired by the rising cost of kitchens and the realisation that many people can build something beautiful and functional themselves. You’ll learn how to choose materials that are both cost-effective and durable, as well as how to design your cabinets based on your unique needs. The best part? By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with your very own cabinet – and the skills to create an entire set for your kitchen.
If you’re ready to take control of your kitchen renovation, this course is designed to help you bring your ideas to life, step by step.
Cian, tell us what inspired you to create this DIY kitchen cabinets course
I’ve seen the cost of kitchens rising steadily with not much increase in complexity or quality. I’ve also designed and built several kitchens and see it as something very achievable for a lot of people who want to take control and save some money. I created the course to set people on the right path to creating something well designed and built to their needs.
Custom make your kitchen cabinets to store the items you want to in your way
Kitchen design seems daunting to many people. How do you make it approachable for participants?
I think the person who best knows their kitchen requirements will be the user. Their desires and requirements, alongside some simple design principles, will form a great foundation to build complexity on. It’s an iterative process and I will be explaining a few methods to simplify this journey.
When it comes to choosing materials for kitchen cabinets, what should people keep in mind?
Cost and longevity are the two biggest factors when deciding on kitchen materials. The demands of a kitchen are very high, with water, heat, abrasion, staining liquids, various storage demands etc etc, your choice of materials will be key in building a kitchen that lasts and looks well. The beauty of building your own kitchen is that you can spend a bit more on materials now that you’re not paying someone to fit it
What would you say is the biggest benefit of learning to design and build your own cabinets rather than buying off-the-shelf ones?
Apart from the cost factor which I have mentioned, I like the ability to adjust designs as I go. Kitchen cabinets are, for the most part, modular, so you can play around with layouts while you are building. Getting a feel for the kitchen and changing things as it is built is not possible with a kitchen that’s been built in a factory.
The joinery techniques you'll learn on this course will compliment the ones you learn on the Introduction to Furniture Design and Making
You also teach the Introduction to Furniture Making and Design course, what are the key differences between designing a piece of furniture like a stool and something more functional like a kitchen cabinet?
There are definitely overlapping tools and techniques between the two disciplines, though each has its own specific requirements. I always say that whether you are designing a small piece of furniture or a large building, you should be considering a lot of the same principles. At the end of the day you are looking at how a person interacts with something, be it an object or a building. Having said that, there are a lot of technical considerations and a huge range of products surrounding kitchen fittings which furniture design doesn’t necessarily have.
Cian Corcoran, designer, maker and co-founder of Designgoat Studio
WEEKEND COURSE
DIY KITCHEN CABINETS
12 - 13 October, 2024
What you’ll learn
This course is ideal for anyone looking to design, build, repair, or upgrade their own kitchen, offering a practical way to save money while customising the space to suit your needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or simply looking to revamp your existing kitchen, you'll gain valuable insights into creating a stylish and functional layout. Attendees will learn the basic principles of ergonomic kitchen design, explore the essential components and materials used in cabinet construction, and master the joinery methods required to build sturdy carcasses and drawers. You’ll also be introduced to the tools needed for cabinet production and repair, methods for installing and adjusting doors and drawers, and various countertop options. Additionally, the course covers finishing techniques to give your kitchen a professional look. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge and skills to craft a kitchen that fits your budget and personal style.
What will participants walk away with at the end of the course?
In addition to your new knowledge, you will leave with a standard or custom-sized kitchen carcass with a soft-close door or drawer.
How is the course structured?
We start each day with breakfast at 8:30am and eat lunch together at 1pm.
On Saturday morning we will cover fundamental kitchen design principles and take a look at some of the materials we will be working with. We will take a look at the tools and techniques needed to construct our carcasses and create a cut-list. After lunch we will start making cuts and assembling the carcasses and drawers.
On Sunday we will continue the assembly of the carcasses and installation of the drawers and doors. We will also look at countertop and finishing options.
What’s included?
The course fee of €380 covers tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.
You can also purchase this course as a gift here.
