How to build a bedside table

This step by step diy article is about how to build a bedside table. In this project we show you how to select the right plans for your needs, as well as how to join the components together tightly. Work with great care and attention, if you want to get the job done as a professional. Double check all the measurements, before performing the cuts, otherwise the components might not fit together.

Buy quality lumber, in order to build a durable bedside table and to keep the expenditures under control. In addition, make sure all the boards are perfectly straight and in a perfect condition before buying them. From our own experience, we recommend you to choose cedar, redwood or pine, as they have an exquisite look and are easy to work with.

On the other hand, there are several aspects you should take into account before starting the actual construction. Therefore, align the boards at both ends and drill pilot holes in the wooden components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Ensure the corners are right-angled after each step, by using a carpentry square. Moreover, don’t forget to plumb the sides of the stool, as well to make sure the seat will be horizontal. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to make bedside table out of wood, you need the following:

Materials

4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24″ LEGS
2 pieces 1×10 lumber – 11 1/2″, 1 piece – 21″, 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 11 1/2″, 2 pieces – 21″ APRONS
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 11 1/2″, 2 pieces – 21″, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 21″, 2 pieces – 12 1/4″ SUPPORTS
4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 24″ BOTTOM SHELF
3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 26″ TABLETOP
2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 20 3/4″, 2 pieces – 12 1/4″, 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 20 3/4″x13 3/4″ DRAWER
1 1/4” wood screws – SCREWS
Wood glue

2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces if 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 2’x2′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router, 1/4” round bit, Pocket hole jig

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exterior edges of the components, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Farmhouse nightstand plans

Make a wooden bedside

Make a wooden bedside table

A nice wooden bedside table with a large drawer is perfect for any bedroom. In addition, any amateur builder can get the job done, if the right plans and carpentry techniques are used. Adjust the size of the bedside table according to your needs, but use the same methods to assemble to components.

Building the sides of the table

Build the sides of the bedside table. Therefore, build the legs out of 2×2 lumber. In order to build the side panels of the table, we recommend you to use 1×2 trims and 3/4” plywood or 1×10 lumber.

In order to cut the panels, use a circular saw with a fine blade. Add glue to the trims, clamp the components together and insert 1 1/4” trough the plywood. Lock the panel to the legs with pocket holes and 1 1/4” screws.

Building the back of the badside table

The next step of the project is to build the back apron and to install it into place. Use a couple of trims and 3/4” plywood to get the job done in a professional manner. As you can see in he building plans, you should place the trims towards interior, to support the drawer efficiently.

Level the apron with a spirit level, before securing it to the side components. Drill pocket holes and insert 1 1/4” screws, or drill pilot holes trough the legs and drive in 2” screws.

Installing the bottom supports

Continue the woodworking project by installing the bottom supports, made out of 2×2 lumber. Cut the supports at the right size and and fit them into place. Level the supports before drilling the pocket holes at both ends and inserting the 1 1/4” pocket screws.

Building the rails for the shelf

Afterwards, build the frame of the drawer, using 1×2 lumber, glue and 1 1/4” pocket screws. Cut the components at the right size before fitting them into place. Use a spirit level to make sure the components are horizontal. Align them at both ends, before inserting the 1 1/4” pocket screws.

Attach the 1×2 rails to the side aprons and secure them with glue and 1 1/4” screws. Don’t forget to frill pilot holes, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Building the bottom shelf

The next step of the project is build the bottom shelf’s components and to fit them into place. Use 1×4 lumber to build the slats and glue them together, before securing to the 2×2 supports. Sand the cut edges and notch the corners of the ends slats, before fitting them into place.

Drill pilot holes in the slats, countersink their heads and insert the 1 1/4” pocket screws. Make sure the ends of the slats are flush with the supports.

Drawer plans

Building a drawer for the bedside table is a straight forward task, if you use the right plans and techniques. As you probably imagine, the size of the drawer has to be slightly smaller as compared to the opening. In this manner, the drawer will slide properly along the rails.

Installing the top of the bedside table

Afterwards, you should build the top of the bedside table and attach it into place. Make sure the tabletop overhangs at least 1” on all sides of the small table. Lock the slats together with pocket screws and glue.

Drill pilot holes trough the top and insert 2” screws, making sure you countersink their head. Otherwise, drill pocket screws trough the aprons and insert 1 1/4” screws. Add glue to enhance the bond.

How to build a bedside table

Lastly, take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with a good wood filler and let it harden properly for at least several hours. Sand the surface with 120 grit sandpaper.

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

PRINT PLAN