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DIY Nightstand

Step-by-step build — 12 steps. Also available as a print sheet.

  1. 1Step 1.

    • Build the frame of the nightstand.
    • Attach the frame pieces with 2-1/2" pocket holes and screws.
    • Place pocket holes and screws on the bottom side of the frame in order to hide them.
    DIY Nightstand — step photo 1
  2. 2Step 2.

    • Add the cross pieces to the frame.
    • Attach with 2-1/2" pocket holes and screws.
    • Position the 2x2s flush with the top of the legs.
    • Position the 2x4s 4" from the bottom of the legs.
    • Place pocket holes and screws on the bottom side of the frame in order to hide them.
    • Next, add the back 1x12 of the nightstand.
    • Attach with 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.
    DIY Nightstand — step photo 2
  3. 3Step 3.

    • First, add the middle 2x4 frame across the back of the nightstand.
    • Position the 2x4 flush with the 1x12 back of the nightstand.
    • Attach with 2-1/2" pocket holes and screws from the bottom side.
    • Next, attach the 1x12 sides of the nightstand with 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.
    • Place pocket holes and screws on the inside of the frame in order to hide them in the final design.
    DIY Nightstand — step photo 3
  4. 4Step 4.

    Drill holes for the rebar accents into the bottom side of the two lower 2x2 cross pieces. The holes are spaced 3-5/8" center-to-center.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 4
  5. 5Step 5.

    Drill holes for the rebar accents into the top of the lower 2x4 frame cross pieces. Again, the holes are spaced 3-5/8" center-to-center.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 5
  6. 6Step 6.

    • Once you have drilled the holes for the rebar accent, insert rebar into the 2x2 cross pieces. You may have to hammer the rear down a bit since the edges are rough and may be slightly wider than 1/2" in some places. You should now have three pieces of rebar sticking out of each of your 2x2s.
    • Position the 2x2 and rebar over the lower 2x4 cross pieces and insert into place. Again, this may take some finagling to get the rebar and cross pieces into place.
    • Once the 2x2s and rebar are in place, attach the 2x2s to the frame with 2-1/4" pocket holes and screws.
    DIY Nightstand — step photo 6
  7. 7Step 7.

    Add the bottom shelf (see steps for bottom shelf below). Attach to the frame from the bottom with 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 7
  8. 8Step 8.

    • Attach the front framing of your nightstand.
    • Start with the front legs, then add the cross 2x4s.
    • Check, check, recheck for square.
    • Attach front frame the same as the back frame: 2-1/4" pocket holes and screws from the 2x2 and 2x4 cross pieces, 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws from the side 1x12s and bottom shelf.
    DIY Nightstand — step photo 8
  9. 9Step 9.

    Add the top shelf (see plans for top shelf below). Attach to the frame from the bottom with wood glue and 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 9
  10. 10Top Shelf

    To build the top shelf, attach four 1x6s from the bottom with wood glue and 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 10
  11. 11Bottom Shelf

    To build the bottom shelf, attach two 1x8s from the bottom with wood glue and 1-1/4" pocket holes and screws.

    DIY Nightstand — step photo 11
  12. 12Drawer

    To add the drawer to this nightstand, I used a tutorial from Build-Basic.com. You can find the tutorial at http://build-basic.com/build-a-basic-diy-drawer/#.WUAyeevythE. To modify the dimensions to fit this nightstand: use a 1x10 for the drawer sides, 1/4" plywood for the base, and a 1x12 as the drawer face. All drawer hardware can be found at Home Depot.