How to build a dresser

This step by step diy project is about how to build a dresser. If you want to build something beautiful that would fit any bedroom with your own hands, then you should pay attention to this article. Generally speaking, you can choose from so many designs and plans, so you should take a look on the alternatives before starting the woodworking project. These plans are so versatile that you could create your dresser (you could remove a drawer and create a nice shelf).

There are several things you should take into account before getting the project started. First of all, you need to buy quality lumber (such as pine), as the boards have a nice natural finish and are durable. Check if the boards are perfectly straight and in a very good condition, before buying them. In addition, you will need to use 3/4” MDF, so make sure you buy quality sheets.

In order to create durable and rigid joints between the components, we recommend you to use pocket hole screws and a good wood glue. Always align the components at both ends before inserting the wood screws. In addition, we recommend you to check the corners for squareness, every time you add a component to the dresser. On the other hand, use good sliders for the drawers, if you want to be durable on the long run. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a dresser with drawers, you need to use the following:

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 40”, 6 pieces of 1×2 – 13″ SIDES
• B – 10 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 40″, 4 pieces – 7 3/4″, 1 piece of 3/4″ MDF – 13 x 17 3/4″ TRIMS
• C – 2 pieces of 3/4” MDF – 13 x 34 3/4” FACES
• D – 1 piece of 3/4 MDF – 14 1/2 x 41 1/2, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 14 1/2”, 2 pieces – 44 1/2” TOP
• E – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 15”, 4 pieces – 37 1/2”, 1 piece of 1/2” plywood- 15 x 39″ LARGE DRAWERS
• F – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 39 3/4” long DRAWER FACES
• G – 8 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 15”, 8 pieces – 17”, 4 piece of 1/2” plywood- 15 x 18 1/2″ SMALL DRAWERS
• H – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 19 3/8″ long DRAWER FACES
• I – 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 34 3/4″x41 5/6″ BACK 

• 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 8 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4;x8′
• 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 5 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
• slides
• drawer pull
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• glue, stain
• wood filler

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
• Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components

Time

• One Day

Related

• How to build a bedside table

Building a dresser with drawers

Building a dresser with drawers

Building a dresser with small and large drawers will create lots of storage space for your clots and other personal objects. The best part of this project is that anyone with basic experience in the field can get the job done in a matter of hours.

How to build a dresser

Building the sides of the dresser

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the dresser. In order to get the job done as a professional, you need to build a small frame out of 1×2 and 2×2 lumber, before attaching the 3/4” MDF panels.

In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to use pocket hole screws when assembling the frame together. Add glue to enhance the fond of the components.

Building the frame

The next step of the project is to install the rest of the frame. As you can see in the image, you need to fit 1/2” strips of lumber between the two sides of the dresser. Use pocket holes at both ends and add glue. Use a carpentry square to make sure the corners are right-angled.

Installing the top of the dresser

Building the top of the dresser can be done in several ways. Nevertheless, in this project we show you a straightforward techniques that will make you dresser look exquisite. Use 1×2 trims to build the side trims of the top and 3/4” MDF to make the panel.

Building the large drawers

The next step of the woodworking project is to build the drawers. As you can see in the image, in order to build the large drawers, placed at the bottom of the dresser, you need to use 1×6 lumber. Use pocket hole screws to lock the components together. Build the bottom from 1/2” plywood.

Fit the 1×8 face of the drawer with glue and drive in 1 1/4” nails from inside. Add the most appropriate handle for your needs.

Building the small drawer

Build the small drawers in the same manner described above. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to fit drawer slides to the frame. Choose ones that provide a good ratio between quality and cost.

Fitting the drawers

Fit the drawers into place and check if they slide properly. These plans are designed for 1×8 lumber that come in the following dimensions 3/4” x 7 1/2”. In this manner, there will be enough clearance space around the faces of the drawers to open and shut properly.

Fitting the back of the dresser

Attacking the back of the dresser is a straight forward job, if you use proper plans and techniques. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to cut a piece of 1/2” plywood to the right size and fit it into place with 1 1/4” finishing nails.

Use a circular saw with a sharp blade to make the cuts, as accurate as possible. Smooth the cut edges with a sanding block before fitting the panel into place.

How to build a dresser

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, we recommend you to fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours, before smoothing the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, along the wood grain. Vacuum the residues thoroughly.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a dresser and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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