Fall 2026
October 5-9

Class size: 10
Cost: $1,070
Materials: $200

Build a refined, wall-hanging cabinet that blends Scandinavian, contemporary, and mid-century modern influences while learning foundational casework skills that translate to a wide range of furniture projects. This hands-on class is ideal for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike who want to deepen their understanding of cabinet construction at a manageable scale.

In this five-day workshop, you’ll build a small wall-hanging cabinet made from ash that combines clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and practical storage. The cabinet features a hinged frame-and-panel door with a woven ash splint panel, an interior shelf with an open upper compartment, and a small exterior shelf below the door. The design is well-suited for use as a small liquor cabinet, tea cabinet, or for storing everyday household items such as mugs, glassware, or personal objects.

Students will construct the cabinet case using straightforward dado and rabbet joinery, incorporating a traditional shiplap back for strength and visual refinement. The cabinet will hang on the wall using a French cleat system, allowing for secure installation and easy removal.

Most of the case construction will be done using shop machines, while hand tools will be used for final fitting of joinery, shaping the case sides, and chamfering edges with a block plane. Along the way, we’ll focus on accuracy, clean execution, and efficient workflow, while discussing how these same techniques can scale up to larger cabinets and casework projects.

You’ll leave the class with a finished wall cabinet and a solid foundation in cabinetmaking skills that can be applied to future furniture work at home.

Learning Outcomes

Students will learn:

• Cabinetmaking techniques

• How to fit joinery and doors

• How construction methods, materials, and design work together in small-scale cabinetry

• How to apply these skills to larger casework

• Weaving ash splints

Tools 

Required:

• Small tape measure

• 12” or 6” combination square

• 6” metal ruler

• Pencils for marking

• Protective eyewear

• Hearing protection

Optional:

• Block plane

• Shoulder plane

• Smoothing plane

• Chisels

• Flat and Convex Spokeshave

Hand tools will be available at the school for shared use, and students are welcome to bring personal tools they are comfortable using.

Prerequisites

Open to all.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map. Read our What to Expect page for general information about the school and our course Registration Policy. We highly encourage you to sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.