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Learn How to Transform an Ordinary File Cabinet Into Extraordinary

We bought 1×4 pine boards, cut them to the correct width and length for both sides. I stained all the wood with 2 coats of Minwax Special Walnut. After it was thoroughly dried, I applied one coat of Minwax Classic Grey and then wiped it off, leaving only as much grey as I desired to keep. I finished this off with 2 coats of Minwax Wipe-on Poly. Make sure everything dries between coats. We used heavy duty construction Gorilla Glue on the back of the boards and clamped them until they dried.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

Obviously, you need to buy a piece of corrugated metal. There wasn’t anything left after we used the above, other than tiny scraps.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

There’s different ways to cut the corrugated metal. We used a reciprocating saw with blades for cutting metal. Afterwards, I used the tin snip above and leather work gloves to trim the metal to fit in perfectly. Make sure to use leather work gloves and goggles when working with metal.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

Three holes were drilled top and bottom on each side and self-tapping screws were used to secure the corrugated metal to the cabinet.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

I had a pine board cut to fit the top and after it was securely glued on, we applied the moulding.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

Just make sure you use moulding with a flat back to it.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

After the moulding was on, I filled any gaps with stainable wood filler and used the same stains as I used on the wood. This is looking down onto the top of the cabinet.

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

After it was finished!

learn how to transform an ordinary file cabinet into extraordinary

Here it is in our newly decorated guest bedroom. I have much more detailed information on my blog that you’ll want to read, along with ALL the materials and tools that were used, including links to the exact products that were used.