Sometimes while shopping, do you ever see something and say, "I have to have it." You may not
need it, but you know it shouldn't be left behind because it has potential. If you know me then you know this is my life story. ahem. Earlier this week in our
Trash to Treasure Tuesday, I said I would be tackling this thrift store cupboard and today's the day. I'd like to show you what I saw when I spied it in the store, and watch how it becomes a farmhouse cupboard.
At first glance I thought it was a basic wall cupboard. However, upon closer inspection, I found that it had once been some sort of add-on to other cabinets. It has beads in the shelves for displaying plates, even on top.
What puzzled me the most was how in the world did they mount this thing to the wall? It had nails going every which way through the frame and out the back. A couple of screws still poked here and there. You typically want to have a cupboard like this sitting flush to the wall with hidden hardware. Hmm...I see a hot mess that needs fixed, don't you?
DIY TIME
First order of business is take off that back panel and create a wall cleat. What's that you say?? It's basically like two puzzle pieces that interlock to create a hidden way of hanging large items or even can be used in workshops, craft rooms, etc. Let me show you...
First, you cut two lengths that would have a corresponding angle like this. One to fit
inside the back of your project. (aka. hidden part), and one for your wall. We used our table saw to run two pieces through.
This is what they look like on the ends. They slip into one another as one is attaches to the wall. The other attaches to the item you are wishing to hang. Make sense?
NEW TOY
So, after I got my cabinet prepped with a whole lotta wood filler to hide all those holes, I added the cleat with my new toy. Meet Ms. AirStrike (she says as she giggles with glee).
What you see here is an over-the-moon-happy lady. What you don't see is a ginormous compressor, a naughty hose, or any other get-in-my-way stuff to use a nailer. eep!
Best part is that I now have two nailers. One for in my workshop (which I still love because it's a stapler too) and one for wherever I want to get naily with it! :lol: (ya gotta love my outfit, right? just keepin' it real, y'all)
And...the batteries are interchangeable with my circular saw and my jigsaw with only one charger needed. Win-Win!
Okay, so after I added the cleat, I begin to paint.
LAST STEP
Once everything has cured, I mount my wall cleat. I use a level and attach it with my drill and screws. Likewise, notice I have it angled toward the wall.
Next, I simply slip the farmhouse cupboard on the wall cleat. Nice and snug.
REVEAL TIME
Finally, let's take a peek at how it looks from the front, shall we?
Since I removed the original hardware to paint, I decided to leave it off and replace it with one of my leftover glass knobs from
my vanity makeover ( a must see). They are so gorgeous!
Also, because I removed the backing, I decided to replace it with beadboard for a rustic effect. My nailer made attaching it a breeze.
As you can see, there is an intentional gap to be able to fit the cleat into the cupboard. However, no worries as no one will notice. Ideally, if we were building the cupboard from scratch, you would make it deep enough to have the backing in front of the cleat so none would be visible. Since I retrofitted this, we make do.
Do you love it too? This farmhouse cupboard is now available in
my online store.
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Additionally, I had a blast sharing with you how to update and improve your thrifted finds.
Next up, I will have a fun project involving this side table my parents gave me. There's a little hilarity here, so be sure to come see it
HERE.
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Also, more projects like my farmhouse cupboard:
