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This dresser splits its four drawers into two sizes — smaller ones up top, larger below — which means the case needs a divider partway down to break the front opening into the right proportions, not just a uniform stack of equal drawers. That divider board is also what the top drawers' slides mount to, so its placement has to be exact before anything above it goes in.
The board-and-batten front trim between drawers isn't just cosmetic: it's what keeps a wide plywood carcass from flexing along its face over time, the same reason a batten strengthens a plain board wall. Build the top as its own flat assembly and attach it last with an even overhang on the front and sides — a slightly uneven overhang is one of the most visible mistakes on an otherwise clean piece, so take the extra minute to measure both sides before fastening.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Plywood, 3/4", 4x8 sheetRipped into 15-3/4" wide strips. | 1 each |
| Plywood, 1/4", 4x8 sheetBack panel and drawer bottoms. | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x8, 6 ft | 2 each |
| Pine, 1x6, 8 ft | 4 each |
| Pine, 1x2, 8 ft | 6 each |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ft | 5 each |
| Pine, 1x3, 4 ft | 1 each |
| Euro-style bottom-mount drawer slides, 16" | 4 pair |
| Knobs or pulls | 4 each |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 6 oz |
| Sandpaper, assorted grit | 5 sheet |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| SidesPlywood | 2 | 3/4" × 15 3/4" × 26 1/4" |
| LegsPine | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 15 3/4" |
| Leg trimPine | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 23 1/4" |
| Bottom shelf side supportsPine | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 40 1/4" |
| Bottom shelf front/back supportsPine | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 15 3/4" |
| Bottom shelf side railsPine | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 40" |
| Bottom shelfPlywood | 1 | 3/4" × 15 3/4" × 40" |
| Board-and-batten front trimPine | 6 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 40" |
| Divider blockingPine | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 7 1/2" |
| Drawer divider (small drawers)Plywood | 1 | 3/4" × 15 3/4" × 9" |
| Drawer slide backer boardPlywood | 1 | 3/4" × 15 3/4" × 41 1/2" |
| Top side trimPine | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 15 3/4" |
| Top front trimPine | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 44 1/2" |
| Top back trimPine | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 44 1/2" |
| Drawer sides/fronts/backsPineCut to fit each opening — small top drawers and large bottom drawers differ. | 12 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 16" |
| Drawer bottoms1/4" plywood | 4 | 1/4" × 16" × 20" |
| Drawer facesPineSized to each opening with an even 1/8" gap. | 4 | 3/4" × 8" × 19" |
Buy 19 boards at 8 ft.
5 boards
Attach the leg pieces to the side panels with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws through predrilled holes. Build two identical end assemblies.
Attach the bottom shelf side supports to both end assemblies.
Attach the two end assemblies together using the front and back bottom shelf supports — the dresser starts taking real shape at this step.
Attach the board-and-batten trim pieces between where the drawers will sit. Add the divider board that separates the smaller top drawers from the larger bottom drawers — this board is where the top drawers' slides will mount, so double-check it's square and level before moving on.
Attach the backer board that the top drawers' slides will mount to.
Build the top as its own flat assembly first, then attach it to the dresser with a 1" overhang on the front and both sides — measure both sides before fastening so the overhang is even; an uneven overhang is one of the most visible mistakes on an otherwise clean piece.
Build each drawer box to fit its opening, sized 1" smaller than the overall opening to account for the slide hardware.
Install the drawer boxes into the case with the Euro slides, inset 3/4" from the front of the dresser to leave room for the applied drawer faces.
Attach each drawer face with 1-1/4" finish nails, keeping an even gap on every side. Mark where the pulls or knobs will go before nailing, so you don't drive a nail where a hardware hole needs to be drilled later.
Attach the back panel after the drawers are fitted — it's easier to reach in and make final slide adjustments before the back closes everything up. Sand every surface and finish.
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Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →