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A shallow-depth four-drawer dresser built from 1x12 sides instead of plywood — narrow enough for a tight bedroom wall, with an optional jigsawed arch on the base trim.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sides | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 35 1/2" | Pine 1x12 | ☐ |
| Side trim, bottom | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 11 1/2" | Pine 1x3 | ☐ |
| Side trim, top | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 11 1/2" | Pine 1x2 | ☐ |
| Legs | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 39" | Pine 2x2 | ☐ |
| Front/back rails One with an optional decorative arch cut into it. | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 31" | Pine 1x3 | ☐ |
| Face frame stiles Space exactly 7-1/2" apart so drawer faces fit correctly. | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 31" | Pine 1x2 | ☐ |
| Back | 1 | 1/4" × 35 1/2" × 34" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Top trim | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 36" | Pine 1x2 | ☐ |
| Top | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 36" | Pine 1x12 | ☐ |
| Top front trim | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 36" | Pine 1x3 | ☐ |
| Drawer box sides | 8 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 28 1/2" | Pine 1x6 | ☐ |
| Drawer box fronts/backs | 8 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 12 1/2" | Pine 1x6 | ☐ |
| Drawer bottoms | 4 | 1/4" × 30" × 12 1/2" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Drawer faces | 4 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 30 3/4" | Pine 1x8 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 12" bottom-mount drawer slides, pair | 4 pair | ☐ |
| Drawer knobs or handles | 8 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ft Legs. | 2 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x12, 10 ft Sides and top. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1/4" plywood, 4x8 sheet Back and drawer bottoms. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x3, 8 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x2, 8 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x6, 8 ft Drawer box sides. | 3 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x8, 12 ft Drawer faces. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box | ☐ |
| Brad nails, assorted | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 6 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Pine, 1x12, 10 ft, Pine, 1x3, 8 ft, Pine, 1x2, 8 ft, Wood glue
Attach the 1x3 trim to the bottom and the 1x2 trim to the top of both side panels with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: Pine, 2x2, 8 ft
Attach the legs to both sides, using either 3" screws countersunk or pocket holes set for 3/4" stock with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Jigsaw. Materials: Pine, 1x3, 8 ft
Attach the front and back 1x3 rails flush to the outsides of the sides. If you're adding the optional decorative arch, cut it into the bottom front rail with a jigsaw before attaching.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Tape Measure. Materials: Pine, 1x2, 8 ft
Attach the two 1x2 stiles carefully — leave exactly 7-1/2" between them so the drawer faces fit correctly. This measurement matters more than almost any other in the build.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: Pine, 1x12, 10 ft, Pine, 1x3, 8 ft
If you have a pocket-hole jig, build the top assembly with pocket holes and attach it to the dresser. Otherwise, attach support cleats first, then attach the top pieces with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue. Overhang the top 1" on the front and sides.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver. Materials: 12" bottom-mount drawer slides, pair, 1/4" plywood, 4x8 sheet, Pine, 1x6, 8 ft
Build the four drawer boxes and nail the plywood bottoms in place. Install using drawer slides — since the drawer faces sit inset, install the slides 3/4" back from the face of the dresser.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver. Materials: Drawer knobs or handles, Pine, 1x8, 12 ft
With all drawers installed, lay the dresser on its back. Center each drawer face on its box with an even 1/8" gap on all sides, and attach with a few 1-1/4" finish nails and glue — keep an eye on where your hardware will go so you don't nail through a knob location. Once faces are set, pull the drawers back out and reinforce from the inside with 1-1/4" fasteners, then add the hardware.