Notch- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4.3–8 hours
- Cost
- $$$
About this build
This modern nightstand has clean architectural lines with a linear look. It has a single drawer and features inset panels on the top, sides, and drawer front. These plans will build two complete nightstands.
Tools
Essential
- Brad Nailer
- Drill / Driver
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
- Table Saw
Optional / nice to have
- Bar / Pipe Clamps
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Boards, 2”x2”x8’ | 7 board |
| Sheet of plywood, 3/4" x 4’ x 8’ | 1 board |
| Sheet of plywood, 1/4" x 2’ x 4’ | 1 board |
| 12" drawer slides (purchase ones that require 0.5” clearance on each sides) | 2 each |
| 2-1/2” Pocket Hole Screws (see tool list) | 96 each |
| 1-1/4” Pocket Hole Screws | 132 each |
| Box 1-1/4” Brad Nails | 1 each |
| 120 and 220 grit sandpaper | 1 each |
| Wood glue | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | 8 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 27" |
| Horizontal side spans | 12 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 13 1/2" |
| Horizontal front/back spans | 12 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 20" |
| Lower sides | 4 | 3/4" × 10 1/2" × 13 1/2" |
| Shelf/tops | 4 | 3/4" × 13 1/2" × 20" |
| Drawer box front/backs | 4 | 3/4" × 7 1/2" × 17 1/2" |
| Drawer box sides | 4 | 3/4" × 7 1/2" × 12" |
| Drawer fronts | 2 | 3/4" × 10 1/4" × 19 3/4" |
| Drawer bottoms | 2 | 1/4" × 11 7/8" × 18 7/8" |
| Backs | 2 | 1/4" × 11 1/2" × 21" |
What to buy
Buy 14 boards at 8 ft.
1 1/2" × 1 1/2"
7 boards
3/4" × 13 1/2"
1 board
3/4" × 10 1/2"
1 board
3/4" × 10 1/4"
1 board
3/4" × 7 1/2"
2 boards
1/4" × 11 7/8"
1 board
1/4" × 11 1/2"
1 board
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 →
Instructions
1NOTE:
Repeat each of these steps to build two nightstands. Cut list provides measurements for two nightstands.
2BUILD SIDE FRAMES
- Drill pocket holes on each end of the HORIZONTAL SIDE SPANS using the 1-1/2” jig setting.
- Attach HORIZONTAL SIDE SPANS to legs at the locations shown on the diagram with wood glue and 2-1/2” pocket-hole screws. The pocket holes for the top piece should face downward as indicated on the diagram.
3ATTACH SIDE INSERTS
Drill pocket holes around the sides of the LOWER SIDE pieces as shown on the diagram using the 3/4" jig setting. Attach the LOWER SIDE pieces flush to the inside of the side frames using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
4ATTACH HORIZONTAL SPANS
- Drill pocket holes on the HORIZONTAL FRONT/BACK SPANS using the 1-1/2” jig setting.
- Attach in the same location as the SIDE SPANS using wood glue and 2-1/2” pocket-hole screws. The pocket holes for the top piece should face downward as indicated on the diagram.
5ATTACH SHELF/TOPS
- Drill pocket holes on the underside of each SHELF/TOP piece, using the 3/4" jig setting, approximately 6” apart around the perimeter.
- Attach shelf flush with the surrounding spans using 1-1/4” pocket-hole screws.
- Attach the tops in the same fashion, however, recess the top by 1/2" all the way around.
6ATTACH BACK
Attach the BACK to the nightstand using a brad nailer and 1-1/4” nails around the perimeter of the board.
7BUILD DRAWER BOXES
- Drill pocket holes on the DRAWER FRONT/BACKS as shown (note that the pocket holes are on the back side of the back board).
- Attach the DRAWER BOX SIDES to the DRAWER BOX FRONT/BACKS as shown in the diagram using wood glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
- Once the box frame is complete, attach the DRAWER BOTTOM using wood glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
8INSTALL DRAWER SLIDES, BOX AND DRAWER FRONT
Install the drawer slides so that they sit back 1.25” from the face edge of the nightstand. This will give a recessed inset panel look to the drawer. Drill two holes in the front of the drawer box about 6” from each side, centered top to bottom. You will use these holes to attach the drawer face from the inside of the box.
9INSTALL DRAWER FACE
When installing a drawer face, it is a great idea to have some double-sided tape and playing cards on hand. You can space the drawer appropriately in the opening using the playing cards, and the double-sided tape will hold it in place until your ready to attach with screws from the back. When you have it exactly where you want it, use 1-1/4” pocket-hole screws to attach from the inside of the drawer into the drawer face.
10FINISHING
Sand with 120 grit sandpaper, followed by 220 grit. Finish as desired with paint or stain.
Tags
- Bedroom
- Intermediate
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