How to build a bedside table

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a bedside table. If you want to learn more about building a diy bedside table, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many nightstand plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the related woodworking projects that are featured on our website.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the bedside table to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled.

Made from this plan

Building a bedside table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 26″ long, 2 pieces – 8 1/2″ long LEGS
B – 6 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 8 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 13 3/4″x8 1/2″ long PANELS
C – 6 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 21″ long, 9 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 8 1/2″ long FRAME
D – 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 13 3/4″x24″ long BACK
E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13″x26 1/2″ long TABLETOP
F – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 9 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 19 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 20 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 9 1/4″x18″ long 2xDRAWERS

1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 2’x2′
1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 12 ft
2 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 12 ft
1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 8 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

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a bedside table

Building the sides

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the nightstand. Build the legs out of 2×2 lumber and the panels out of 3/4″ plywood. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the panels and secure them to the legs with 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure and leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the trims

Fit the 1×1 trims to the sides of the bedside table in order to get a professional result. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the trims and lock them to the legs with 1 1/4″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Building the frame of the bedside table

Build the frames out of 1×1 and 2×2 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short components and lock them to the perpendicular components with 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Attaching the back

Cut the back of the bedside table out of 1/4″ plywood and attach it to the back of the structure. Align the plywood piece with great care and lock it into place with 1 1/4″ screws or nails. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the top

Center the frame of the bedside table to the tabletop, drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints in order to create a rigid and durable structure.

Building a drawer

Build the frame of the drawers out of 1×6 lumber, using the information described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side components and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular components. Cut a piece of 3/4″ plywood for the back of the drawer and drill pocket holes along the edges. Secure the bottom to the frame by using 1 1/4′ screws.

Fitting the drawers

Fit the drawers into place and lock it to the frame with metal slides. Make sure the drawer opens and closes properly and leave about 1/8″ around the edges.

How to build a bedside table

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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