This versatile dressing stand with built-in drawers was designed by Steve Ramsey from Woodworking for Mere Mortals, and it’s perfect for organizing your daily essentials while adding a touch of elegance to your bedroom.
Materials Needed:
- Cherry boards for the top and drawer fronts
- Maple board for the legs and cross pieces
- Plywood for drawer boxes and bottom shelf
- Wood glue
- Wood dowels
- Wood screws
- Clamps
Tools Required:
- Table saw
- Dado blades
- Router
- Brad nailer or clamps
- Measuring tape
- Drill
Step 1: Prepare the Panels
Start by gluing together solid boards to create the top and lower shelf panels. Use four boards for the top and three for the lower shelf. Square up one edge of each board before ripping them down to the exact width. Pay close attention to the grain pattern and color of the boards to ensure a pleasing appearance.
Step 2: Clamp the Panels
Once the boards are arranged, set up your clamps before applying glue. This preparation helps to ensure a smooth glue-up process. Clamp the boards together to flatten the panel, making sure not to over-tighten the clamps.
Step 3: Cut the Legs and Cross Pieces
Using a Maple board, cut the four legs and cross pieces. Create half lap joints for added stability by using dado blades on your table saw. Assemble the leg assemblies by gluing them together.
Step 4: Create Drawer Enclosures
Drill pocket holes in the long pieces that will be used for the drawer fronts. Choose the best pieces for the front and set the rest aside. Glue the short pieces into the leg assemblies, ensuring the pocket holes are facing up for attaching the top later.
Step 5: Reinforce the Structure
For added strength, drill holes into the ingrain and glue in dowels. This reinforcement will help hold the structure together as you proceed with assembly. The pocket holes will allow for adjusting the fit of the lower shelf later on.
Step 6: Assemble the Frame
Join the two leg assemblies with the cross pieces using pocket screws. Ensure that the front of the assembly looks nice since it will be visible. Use fine thread screws for hardwood to prevent splitting.
Step 7: Cut Notches for the Lower Shelf
Measure and cut notches in the lower shelf to fit it inside the frame. This allows for a snug fit that will accommodate any slight bowing in the panel.
Step 8: Attach the Top Panel
Using a router, create chamfered edges along the top panel for a clean finish. Attach the top panel the same way as the lower shelf, ensuring it is centered and secure.
Step 9: Construct the Drawer Boxes
Build the drawer boxes using half-inch plywood, cutting rabbit joints for the sides. Measure accurately for the bottom pieces and assemble the boxes using a strap clamp for square corners.
Step 10: Attach Drawer Faces
Cut the drawer faces to size and attach them with glue, ensuring they are flush with the top of the drawer. Add a lip underneath for easy pulling.
Step 11: Customize and Enjoy
Customize your dressing stand to suit your style and needs. This versatile piece can hold accessories, jewelry, or shoes, making it a practical addition to any bedroom.
For detailed plans and more woodworking projects, visit Woodworking for Mere Mortals.