by Chris Baylor

It's time for some asssembly. On a large table, lay down the right shelf standard and dry-fit each of the three shelves into position, flush on the front side of the cabinet. Then dry-fit the left shelf-standard on top of the three shelves (in position) to make sure that all joints have a snug fit.

When you're assured of a proper fit for all parts, it's time to assemble the cabinet. Place a thin bead of glue in each dado/rabbet and insert the appropriate shelf accordingly. Then, fasten the shelf to the standard with some mechanical fasteners.

There are three schools of thought as to how to use mechanical fasteners when attaching shelves. The least conspicuous way would be to toenail some brads diagonally through the shelves and into the shelf standards, but this is much easier if you have a pneumatic brad nailer.

The other two options will depend on how the exterior of the cabinet will be finished. If the exterior will be visible, you'll want to drive some finish nails through the shelf standard and into the shelf to secure it until the glue dries. Later, the nails can be set and the holes filled for finishing.

However, if the exterior of the cabinet will not be visible, you can drive some deck screws through the standard and straight into the edge of each shelf. This will "draw" the shelf into the standard and guarantee a tighter fit while the glue dries.

Complete the assembly of the three shelves into the two standards.