NotchUse your browser's Print (Ctrl/Cmd + P) and choose Save as PDF. This page works offline once you've opened it with a signal.
16 Drawer Dresser
The perfect tall storage cabinet with 16 slim drawers for all sorts of things: papers, office supplies, linens, make up, socks or undergarments, hair supplies, and on and on.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- 6.8–13.3 hours
- Cost
- $$$
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 17" × 52" | — | ☐ |
| Top & base | 2 | 3/4" × 17" × 21" | — | ☐ |
| Top | 1 | 3/4" × 18" × 24" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer dividers | 15 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 21" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer supports | 30 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 2" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer sides | 32 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer front & back | 32 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 4" | — | ☐ |
| Base molding front | 1 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 24" | — | ☐ |
| Base molding sides | 2 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 17" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer fronts | 16 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 2" | — | ☐ |
| Drawer bottom | 16 | 1/4" × 17" × 20" | — | ☐ |
| Backing | 1 | 1/4" × 22" × 52" | — | ☐ |
Materials
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood, 3/4" Thick Full Sheet | 1 board | ☐ |
| Plywood, 1/4" Thick Full Sheet | 2 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x2 96" | 24 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x4 72" | 1 board | ☐ |
| Board, 1x3 96" | 4 board | ☐ |
| 1 1/4" pocket hole screws | 50 each | ☐ |
| 1 1/4" wood screws | 12 each | ☐ |
| 2" finish nails | 100 each | ☐ |
| 1 1/4" finish nails | 100 each | ☐ |
| 3/4" finish nails | 100 each | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools
- Brad Nailer
- Circular Saw
- Drill / Driver
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
- Bar / Pipe Clamps — optional
- Combination Square — optional
- Tape Measure — optional
Instructions
1. Dimensions
16 drawer dresser measures 53"h x 24"w x 18"d. These measurements allow you to make the carcass from one sheet of plywood.
2. Step 1
Attach top and bottom to sides using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
3. Step 2
Attach top to top of carcass using wood glue and 1 1/4" countersunk screws.
4. Step 3
Create drawer dividers by attaching to sides of carcass using wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Start at the top and work down.
5. Step 3 continued
Use a scrap wood spacer between drawer dividers to ensure accurate and even spacing.
6. Step 4
Attach drawer side supports to side of carcass using wood glue and 2" finish nails.
7. Step 4 continued
Again use a scrap wood spacer for even and accurate spacing between supports.
8. Step 5
Attach base molding using wood glue and 1 1/4" finish nails.
9. Step 6
Make drawer box by attaching sides using wood glue and 1 1/4" finish nails.
10. Step 7
Attach drawer bottom to box using wood glue and 3/4" finish nails
11. Step 8
Insert drawers into shelves. There should be an 1/8" clearance on each side.
12. Step 8 continued
Attach drawer faces to drawers using wood glue and 1 1/4" finish nails. Try to place nails where they will be hidden by hardware. Use clamps to hold face in place and push against drawer body from back while nailing in place.
13. Step 9
Attach backing using wood glue and 3/4" finish nails.
