This changing table/dresser was built and designed by John from John Builds It, and it’s perfect for any nursery or bedroom.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Rough sawn poplar
- MDF panels
- Wood glue
- Shellac-based primer
- Minwax stain (color: coastal gray)
- General Finishes Snow White Milk Paint
- Soft close drawer slides
- Biscuit joiner
- Router and router table
- Table saw
- Jointer and planer
- Brad nailer
- Dremel tool for trimming plugs
- Various clamps
Step 1: Prepare the Legs
Start with a stack of rough sawn poplar that has been properly dried. Measure and lay out your cuts, then break the boards down to rough dimensions. Begin with the forelegs by laminating three boards together for the desired thickness.
After ripping the boards, run one face through the jointer to ensure it’s flat, then use the planer to level the opposite face. Once glued and clamped, allow the legs to dry overnight.
Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Sides
Once the legs are dry, bring them down to the final size. Lay out the two dresser sides with a top and bottom rail and a center style. Tape the backs of all pieces to ensure they are face down when running them through the router for joinery.
Cut tongues on both ends of the pieces, followed by grooves on the inside edges of the top and bottom rails. Then, cut the MDF panels to fit into the grooves.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Connect the two sides with long stretchers, cutting rabbets for the plywood base to sit inside. Use pocket holes for assembly, ensuring everything is clamped square and evenly spaced.
Add supports for the plywood base and glue it in place. Next, add drawer dividers using spacers for accurate placement.
Step 4: Build the Top
For the top, mark for cutting and create biscuit slots to keep the top aligned during glue-up. After the glue dries, trim the ends to the final length and sand the top to a smooth finish.
Step 5: Create the Drawers
Cut the drawer sides to length, ensuring to account for the thickness of the drawer slides. Create grooves for the drawer bottoms and drill pocket holes for assembly.
Assemble the drawers, ensuring the bottom can be replaced easily if needed.
Step 6: Finish the Dresser
Before finishing, cut slots for tabletop fasteners and drill holes for drawer pulls. Apply pre-stain wood conditioner to the top before staining. After staining, apply primer and paint to the base, followed by a topcoat for protection.
Step 7: Install Drawer Slides and Fronts
Install the drawer slides and attach the false drawer fronts using a card trick for perfect spacing. Finally, place the top on the dresser and staple the back panel in place.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Attach the changing pad frame on top with felt pads to protect the surface. This frame can be removed later without damaging the dresser.
And there you have it! A beautiful, custom changing table/dresser that’s functional and stylish. Thanks to John from John Builds It for this fantastic woodworking project.