2x4 Frame-and-Panel Chest of Drawers

Attach two legs to a top and bottom rail with pocket holes and pocket hole screws. Add the frame inserts inside each side frame, pocket holes on the inside faces. Build two identical side frames.

Attach the back rails between the two side frames, pocket holes facing the inside. Attach the front rails the same way, with the top rail's holes facing up and the bottom rail's holes facing down so both stay hidden.

Nail and glue the drawer sides, fronts, and backs together for all three drawer boxes. Attach the plywood drawer bottoms with wood screws.

Mount the drawer slides inside the case following the hardware's instructions, leaving about a half-inch gap between each drawer box and the rail above it.

Center each drawer face on its opening with an even gap on all sides, then screw through the inside of the drawer box into the back of the face board so no fasteners show.

Edge-join the four top boards and attach to the case from underneath with pocket hole screws through the top rails.

Attach the plywood back panel from the inside, leaving a margin around the edges for wood movement.

Sand all surfaces smooth, apply pre-stain and your chosen stain or paint, then add the drawer knobs.