How to Create a Cabinet Cut List

Step 1: List the carcass parts

• Two side panels (cabinet height × depth).
• Top and bottom panels (width minus two panel thicknesses × depth).
• Shelves (usually slightly less than internal width × depth).
• Back panel (often thinner stock, such as 6 mm).

Step 2: Subtract material thickness correctly

The most common cabinet cut-list error is forgetting to subtract panel thickness where parts join. If the cabinet is 600 mm wide and the sides are 18 mm plywood, the top and bottom panels between the sides are 600 − (2 × 18) = 564 mm. Decide your joinery method first, because it changes these numbers.

Step 3: Add doors, drawers, and fronts

Add door and drawer-front parts with the correct overlay or inset gaps. These often use a different material or finish, so keep them grouped separately in the cut list so the optimizer nests them from the right sheets.

Step 4: Note grain direction and edge banding

Visible panels usually need the grain running vertically, which restricts how the optimizer can rotate them. Mark which edges get banding so you can add trim allowance. Both factors affect the final layout and yield.

Step 5: Optimize the layout

Once the list is complete, feed it into an optimizer. CutList Machine arranges every panel across the fewest 2440 × 1220 mm sheets, respects grain direction, subtracts blade kerf, and produces printable cutting diagrams for the shop.