This sorta 2Pi is the same size as the real deal and I did use a brace. It's so easy when you have the top and bottom panels fit inside the sides, front and back. Depending on the height of the cabinet you can cut as many extra top and bottom-sized panels as you need, jigsaw a great big cut-out,and glue them up right along with the top and bottom. They also help to square the cabinet as you assemble: