Creating Custom Built-Ins: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you've been following Marcus from the Reformation Wood Shop as he works on a flip house, you'll know that he's been sharing a series of videos showcasing various projects he's been working on. From creating beautiful beams to custom kitchen islands, Marcus has been sharing his process and providing valuable insights for anyone looking to take on similar projects. In this third video in the series, Marcus shows his viewers how to make a custom built-in mud bench. He emphasizes the importance of adding details that communicate the effort and care put into the house, making it more than just a standard flip.
Making the Face Frame and Carcasses
To start off the project, Marcus begins by constructing the face frame for the bench and the storage unit that goes above the bench. He mentions that the great thing about building a mud bench is that most of the parts and pieces are small, allowing for the use of scrap lumber. Marcus demonstrates how he utilizes pocket hole joinery to assemble the pieces, making sure everything is laid out as per the design. He emphasizes the use of scrap lumber, highlighting the resourcefulness of using materials at hand.
Once the face frame is completed, Marcus moves on to building the carcasses for the bench and the upper cabinet out of the scrap pile he has. He provides the dimensions and outlines the process of cutting out the sides, as well as adding braces and back panels to the carcasses.
Assembling the Components
After building the face frames, Marcus moves on to assemble the carcasses of the cabinets. He explains the process, highlighting the ease of assembly due to the pre-cut pieces and detailed measurements. Marcus adds braces, ensuring structural integrity, and then secures the face frames onto the carcasses.
With the bench, the assembly process is simplified due to the fewer pieces involved. Marcus demonstrates how to add braces and panels to create the cubby holes in the bench, making the process easy to follow for anyone looking to recreate a similar design.
Installing and Finishing Touches
Once the components are assembled, Marcus proceeds to paint and finish the pieces to ensure they look pristine. He then demonstrates how to mount the bench and storage cabinet securely onto the wall, making sure to mark the studs and secure the pieces firmly.
To create a seamless look, Marcus decides to add a panel in between the two components, creating the illusion of a single, built-in unit. He explains the process of adding the panel and provides insights into the decision-making behind the design choices.
Finally, Marcus completes the project by adding a top to the mud bench, as well as hardware for hanging items. He also addresses any imperfections by using trim to hide gaps or uneven portions of the wall, ensuring a polished look for the final product.
Conclusion and Future Projects
In the end, Marcus is pleased with the outcome of the mud bench, emphasizing the extra effort put into adding such custom-built features to the flip house. He mentions that the series will continue with videos on topics such as the kitchen backsplash and the addition of a door to the brick house.
Throughout the video, Marcus encourages viewers to subscribe for more remodeling content and also provides information about supporting the channel through his Etsy store.
In conclusion, Marcus showcases a meticulous and detailed approach to creating custom built-ins, providing valuable insights and tips for anyone looking to take on similar projects. His emphasis on utilizing scrap materials, attention to detail, and the value of adding custom features to renovation projects makes this video series a valuable resource for DIY enthusiasts and home renovators alike.