DIY Shoji Screen Sliding Cabinet Door

A great way to add a different look to your cabinets is with the use of a Shoji screen sliding cabinet door. A Shoji screen is Japanese in nature, and used in many homes that are looking for this type of decor. Mostly used as a supporting wall or a free standing screen, it's very functional.

The basic Shoji screen is made of lumber and rice paper. This basic design has been used for centuries to give homes a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. Here are the steps for a basic Shoji screen sliding cabinet door.

What You Will Need:

■Rice Paper
■Scissors
■Staple Gun
■1- by 2-inch Lumber
■Cabinet Door Slider
■Chop Saw
■Tape Measure
■Wood Glue
■Finish Nails
■Drill
■Small Hammer
■Clamps

Step 1 - Create the Frame
Begin building your Shoji cabinet door by making the basic frame. Cut the 1 by 2 lumber with the chop saw to your dimensions. This will vary due to the openings of your cabinets. If you are going to need two doors, remember to leave a 1/16 inch gap between them in your measurements.

Step 2 - Create Miters for Door Frame
After the wooden frame pieces are cut out, you will need to cut in the angles that will help you create the finished look to the Shoji screen. You could leave the ends square if you wanted to. Set the tip in the chop saw and rotate the blade to a 45-degree angle. Make the cut.

Step 3 - Assemble Frame
Set the pieces together on a flat work surface and begin assembling the frame. You will be using both wood glue and finish nails to assemble the frame. Pre-drill holes for the finish nails so that they don't crack the wood. Wipe off the excess glue and wrap in a frame clamp.

Step 4 - Attach Screen
After the frame has dried, you can remove the clamp. Lay the frame down on a flat surface again with the back side facing up. Cut out the rice paper with scissors to the dimensions of the cabinet door frames. Staple the screen to the backside of the frame.

Step 5 - Attach Sliding Mechanism
You can buy very inexpensive cabinet door sliders at most home centers. Simply attach the slider wheels to the front and rear of the bottom edge.

Step 6 - Place Slider on Cabinet Opening
The sliding cabinet door will be attached to a metal slider that will connect to the cabinet face. Install with screws and make flush with the cabinet opening.

Step 7 - Attach Shoji Sliding Cabinet Door
The wheels of the sliding mechanism will slip into the slider and should travel back and forth freely. Adjust the stopper so that the door doesn't fly off.