Jamison from Rogue Engineer has created an impressive nightstand woodworking project that combines functionality with style. This nightstand features a concealed slide-out shelf, a faux fluted drawer front, and a built-in power strip for charging devices. Perfect for any tight space, this guide will walk you through the steps to build your own nightstand, ensuring that you have all the tips and tricks you need along the way.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4″ Plywood
- 1×2 Lumber
- Leftover pre-finished plywood for the slide-out shelf
- 16-inch drawer slides
- Flush mounted power strip
- Wood glue
- Screws (inch and a quarter pocket hole screws)
- Saw (Kreg Track Saw recommended)
- Kreg 720 Pro pocket hole jig
- Shellac for finishing
Step 1: Prepare Your Plywood
Begin by breaking down your plywood sheets. Jamison recommends laying the plywood on top of a piece of inch and a half thick rigid foam insulation. This method supports the sheet and allows for clean, straight cuts using a track saw.
Step 2: Assemble the Shell of the Unit
With your plywood cut down, it’s time to assemble the shell of the nightstand. The design includes a slide-out shelf that fits snugly into the side of the unit. You can use leftover plywood or cut a new piece from your full sheet. Jamison chose pre-finished plywood for a smoother slide.
Step 3: Create a Beefy Top
For the top of the nightstand, use a 3/4″ plywood sheet and beef it up with some 1x2s. Create a U-shape with the lumber, which will house the slide-out shelf and give the top a sturdier appearance. Glue and tack the pieces in place before measuring and cutting the last piece to fit.
Step 4: Construct the Drawer Box
Building the drawer box involves ensuring everything is square. Use the base of the nightstand to help square it up before securing it in place. After applying shellac to the drawer box, move on to adding faux fluting to the drawer front.
Step 5: Add Faux Fluting
To achieve the faux fluted effect on the drawer front, use a table saw to make a series of shallow cuts. While this step is time-consuming, the results are worth the effort, creating a unique and stylish look for the drawer front.
Step 6: Assemble with Pocket Holes
Assemble the nightstand using the Kreg 720 Pro pocket hole jig, which provides excellent dust extraction and a clamping feature that adjusts to the thickness of the wood. Attach the base to the top with pocket hole screws.
Step 7: Install the Drawer and Slides
Next, install the drawer using 16-inch drawer slides. Mount the slides at the appropriate height inside the unit to ensure smooth operation of the drawer.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once the assembly is complete, apply a finish to the base, slide-out top, and drawer front. This not only enhances the appearance but also protects the wood.
Step 9: Enjoy Your New Nightstand
Jamison is thrilled with the final product, showcasing the stylish fluted drawer front, detailed feet, and a flush-mounted power strip for charging devices. The slide-out extension provides extra space, making it a practical solution for tight bedside setups.
For complete plans and more details on this project, check out Jamison’s website.