In the video “Building a Giant Hidden Drawer with Bookshelf,” April Wilkerson walks viewers through the process of creating a massive, multifunctional drawer that doubles as a bookshelf. This unique project is designed to maximize storage space while maintaining a clean, organized look—perfect for small spaces like lofts.
April begins by explaining the dual purpose of the project: creating a large drawer that can store items like blankets and pillows while also functioning as a bookshelf. The build is split into two main components: the drawer itself and the cabinet body that houses it. April starts with the drawer, which she customizes with shelving to create a functional book storage area.
Using her CNC machine, April pre-cuts the parts, but she mentions that local CNC shops can provide similar services, saving time on larger projects. Throughout the build, she uses interior wood glue and brad nails to assemble the parts, highlighting the importance of pre-finishing the interior components to avoid the hassle of painting or staining tight spaces after assembly.
April offers practical tips, such as using a combination square for precise alignment when attaching dividers, and she discusses the flexibility of the design, allowing for different front-facing options depending on the user’s needs.
Once the drawer is assembled, April moves on to building the cabinet body. This part of the project is relatively simple, consisting of a few pieces that form a box. She cleverly suggests flipping parts and moving the project to different surfaces to make the assembly easier.
For the drawer slides, April opts for undermount slides with a soft-close feature, which she highly recommends for large drawers. After the assembly, she tests the drawer and is thrilled with the smooth operation and the soft-close mechanism.
April then focuses on finishing touches, using solid wood trim to cover exposed plywood edges on the drawer and applying iron-on edge banding to the cabinet body. She emphasizes the importance of these details in achieving a polished, professional look.
The video concludes with a demonstration of the finished product. April expresses her excitement about how the drawer and bookshelf combination turned out, noting its functionality and how it fits perfectly into her loft space. She encourages viewers to consider adding a large functional drawer to their own homes, especially in areas where storage space is limited.
This project is part of a larger series focused on optimizing small spaces, and April hints at more content to come. The video is both inspirational and instructional, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to add hidden storage solutions to their home.