This step by step diy project is about how to build a nightstand. If you want to build a beautiful and stylish nightstand out of wooden boards and plywood, we recommend you to check out the instructions described in the article. Adjust the size of the components with great care and lock them together by using waterproof glue and galvanized screws following the instructions.
It is essential to choose the right materials before starting the construction and the assembly of the nightstand. As you will see in the project, you need to choose durable lumber with a nice appearance, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the components are in a good visual condition and choose professional tools when adjusting their size. Take accurate measurements and join the components with glue and screws. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
How to Build a Nightstand
Building a nightstand
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 28 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 15″ long 2xFACE
- B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 12 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 28 1/4″ long 2xSIDES
- C – 2 pieces of 1/4″ plywood – 15 3/4″ x 23 1/2″ long PANELS
- D – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 18″x15 3/4″ long BOTTOM
- E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 20” x 25 1/4″ long BACK
- F – 1 piece of 3/4” plywood – 18 1/4″ x 21 1/2” long TOP
- G – 1 piece of 3/4” plywood – 14 3/4″ x 20″ long DOOR
- H – 2 pieces of 1×6 – 18 1/4” long, 1 piece – 21 1/2” long, 2 pieces of 1×1 – 18 1/4” long, 1 piece – 21 1/2” long TRIMS
- 3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 6 ft
- 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
- 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- wood putty, wood stain
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
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Building a nightstand
Building the side frames
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides for the nightstand. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the legs out of 1×2 lumber and the horizontal supports out of 1×3 lumber.
Take accurate measurements and drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports. Align the edges with attention making sure they are flush, before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws into place. Add glue to reinforce the joints.
Installing the side panels
The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 1x/4″ plywood panels to the frames, as described in the diagram. Align the edges with attention and add glue to the joints. Remove the excess with a damp cloth and insert finishing nails to lock the panel into place tightly.
Building the frame of the nightstand
After building the sides of the nightstand, we recommend you to assemble the frame as described in the diagram. Build the front and back frames out of 1×3 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components and secure them to the legs by using 1 1/4″ screws.
Make sure the corners are right-angled and secure the front and back panels to the sides using waterproof glue and screws. Drill pocket holes along the edges of the side legs.
Fitting the bottom
Next, fit the 3/4″ plywood bottom to the wooden structure. Cut the component at 15 3/4″ x 18 1/2″. Drill pocket holes along the edges and fit it under the side panels. Insert 1 1/4″ screws into the sides after making sure the surface is horizontal and there are no gaps between the components.
Attaching the back
Build the back for the nightstand out of 3/4″ plywood and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Attach the panel to the nightstand and secure it into place by using 1 1/4″ screws and waterproof glue. Make sure the corners are right-angled and the sides perfectly vertical.
Attaching the top
Build the top out of 3/4″ plywood and lay it on a level surface. Center the structure of the nightstand on the plywood top and drill pocket holes along the supports and the legs. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to create durable joints and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the frame. Leave no gaps between the components.
Fitting the bottom trims
Fit 1×6 molding to the base of the nightstand, in order to enhance its look. Use a miter saw to make the 45 degree cuts and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Attach the trims to the nightstand and secure them into place by using brad nails.
Fitting the front door
Build the door out of 3/4″ plywood and secure it to the frame of the nightstand using hinges. Make sure there is a 1/8″ gap around the door, otherwise it won’t open nor close properly. Fit an appropriate handle to the door and continue with the finishing touches.
Fitting the trims
If you want to enhance the look of the nightstand, we recommend you to fit 1×1 decorative trims under the top component, as described in the diagram. Cut the ends at 45 degrees and secure them together using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and remove the excess of glue using a damp cloth.
How to build a nightstand
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the wooden nightstand in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.
This woodworking project was about how to build a nightstand. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us and share our projects on Facebook and other social networks to be the first that gets our latest plans and to help us continue adding free plans to the site. Send us pictures with your plans.
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