Carpentry and Woodworking - making own cabinets

how hard would it be to make kitchen cabinets, and would it be cheaper than to buy them? also, any tips about what type of joints, etc. would be best.
thanks

it all depends on your skill level and your tools and how fancy you want them.
Can it be hard...yes. it can also be fairly easy. there are several good books with almost a step by step approach and plenty of pictures. You first need to decide what type you want (framed or frameless) and go from there.

As posted by tae, skill level and a wide assortment of tools to do the job right will be the prerequisite. It will be cheaper to buy them, but will they give you what you want in the materials you want? I prefer making them to my own specifications, but sentence one is taken care of. As mentioned, first go to the library, big box stores, etc. and get some books on the subject. Study designs, methods of attachment, methods of finish, etc. You will be surprised what you will find out there, and the tips by pros. Determine the tool setup you will need, and the cost offset versus buying them premade, or custom made. If you decide to do it yourself, post back. There are several pros on the forum that will be glad to help you set things up and solve problems.

If you're a pretty experienced wood worker, this is probably an ok project for you. If you're not, I don't think this is a good first project. There is very little margin for error making cabinets - if you screw up even a little bit, you will be disappointed with the results. It's best to get your experience by starting with projects that have a larger margin for error or are not going to be something you see every day, like your kitchen cabinets. You really want to make cabinets? Make a set for the garage or laundry room first, then do the kitchen ones.

thanks for the replies. the cabinets would be basic nothing fancy. im far from being a pro woodworker, but i have made a few bookcases.