nightstands woodworking plans
Materials and Tools
Shopping List (for ONE nightstand/side base cabinet)
1×12 @ 8 feet long
2 – 2×2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1×2 @ 6 feet long
1 – 1×3 @ 8 feet long
1/4″ up to 3/4″ plywood scrap, (1×16 scrap would be great) 16 3/8″ long
1 set of euro style inset hinges OR basic hinges
handle or nob
2 1/2″ screws, 1 1/4″ finish nails or screws or pocket hole screws
finishing supplies including wood glue and wood filler, paint and primer, or stain
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
hearing protection
Kreg Jig™
drill
circular saw
sander
countersink drill bit
Cut List:
2 – 1×12 @ 19 1/2″ (Sides)
4 – 1×2 @ 11 1/2″ (Side Trim – cut to the width of your 1x12s)
4 – 2×2 @ 23 1/4″ (legs)
2 – 1×12 @ 15 1/2″ (Shelf)
4 – 2×2 @ 15 1/2″ (Front/Back Trim)
1 – 1×2 @ 18 1/2″ (Top)
1 – 1×12 @ 18 1/2″ (Top)
1 – 1×3 @ 18 1/2″ (Top)
2 – 1×3 @ 15 3/8″ (Door)
3 – 1×2 @ 11 3/8″ (Door)
1/4 – to 1/2″ plywood @ 15 3/8″ x 16 3/8″ (door back)
Step 1
Side Trim
Attach the side trim to the outsides of the sides as shown above.
Step 2
Legs
Keeping the legs flush with the top, attach legs to the sides as shown above. Predrill holes if you are using screws.
Step 3
Shelves
The bottom shelf sits flush to the bottom. You can either add a second shelf or drill holes for shelf pins for an adjustable shelf. Glue and screw with either pocket hole screws or 2 1/2″ screws.
Step 4
Front/Back Trim
2 1/2″ screws and glue.
Step 5
Top
If you have a pocket hole system, build the top first. Otherwise, add a support 2×2 down the center and attach the top, screwing to the sides and the center support, minimizing gaps between boards. Start with the 1×2 flush to the back and work forward.
Step 6
Doors
When you cut your boards, make sure you measure the exact opening of your door, and leave 1/8 gap for a tight fit, 1/4″ (total gap, so that’s 1/8″ all the way around) for a roomier door. If you have a pocket hole system, build the door frame as shown above. You can use a countersink bit or wood dowels to build the door frame too. Otherwise, glue and nail to the back plywood. Keep in mind the allowance need for your hinges. Depending on the type of hinge that you are using, you may need to cut the plywood out around the hinge.
Finishing
Fill holes with wood filler and sand and finish as desired. Attach door with hinges followed by a handle.
nightstands woodworking plans,
