Build a Gun Cabinet in Five Steps

Several rifles lined up next to each other.
  • 8-20 hours
  • Advanced
  • 400-750
What You'll Need
Tape measure
Pencil
Sheets of one-inch thick plywood
Saw
Sanding paper
Electric screwdriver
Galvanized steel screws
Electric drill
Drill bits
Wood glue
Hinges
1/4-inch thick plexiglass
Glass retainer clips
Latch
Padlock
Wood stain
Knobs
What You'll Need
Tape measure
Pencil
Sheets of one-inch thick plywood
Saw
Sanding paper
Electric screwdriver
Galvanized steel screws
Electric drill
Drill bits
Wood glue
Hinges
1/4-inch thick plexiglass
Glass retainer clips
Latch
Padlock
Wood stain
Knobs

A gun cabinet can be an expensive piece to add to your collection but a necessary one to properly house your firearms. The following article will show you how to build a basic gun cabinet to be used for not only gun security but gun storage.

Step 1 - Measure and Cut the Wood

Before anything can be done you have to measure the wood. The gun cabinet you will be making here will be six feet tall, four feet wide, and two feet deep. To create these dimensions, you will need to lay the plywood sheets flat on the floor and have your tape measure and pencil ready.

First, measure six feet up from the bottom of a sheet of plywood and make a pencil mark. Now, measure from the mark four feet toward the other long end, and then connect the end of this line to the bottom of the plywood. You will want to do this twice so that you have a front and back.

To make the sides, measure six feet from the bottom and two feet across. Do this two times so that you have two side pieces.

You will now need a top and bottom which are each four feet by two feet. With the dimensions drawn on the wood you may now cut them out and sand the edges.

Step 2 - Assemble the Cabinet Frame

Choose which of the larger pieces will be the back of the cabinet and set it aside. Then, place a side panel flush against the edge of the back piece and screw in place using a screw every six inches. Repeat with the other side panel. Next, add the bottom and top pieces of wood. You will be left with an empty front where the door will go.

Step 3 – Add Gun Holders

You will need a place for the guns to rest on. For this, cut out two pieces of wood that are two feet long and six inches wide. On the inside of the cabinet, glue one of these pieces six inches from the bottom to be used as a shelf. On the remaining piece of wood cut six 1x1-inch deep notches then glue it in place six inches from the top.

Step 4 – Secure the Door

Install the hinges along the side of the cabinet six inches from the top and the bottom edges. Measure and cut plexiglass to the same measurements as the wooden front. On the wood piece, measure four inches from the top, bottom, and both sides; then cut out the inner section formed by straight lines along these marks. Glue the plexiglass to the wood or screw glass retainer clips around the edges. Turn the door around once its set and secure it to the hinges. Attach the latch where the door closes so that you can padlock the gun cabinet closed.

Step 5 – Add Any Finishing Touches

At this point you can now stain the cabinet to your liking. You can also add a knob to the door if you would like.