Brad Rodriguez from Fix This Build That has created an easy-to-follow guide for building a stylish dresser. This project is perfect for anyone looking to add storage to their home while showcasing their woodworking skills. The dresser features six drawers and utilizes pocket hole joinery, making it a manageable project for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Materials Needed:
- 3/4 inch plywood
- 2×2 lumber for legs
- 1×2 and 1×3 lumber for trim
- 1/4 inch plywood for the back panel
- Wood glue
- 18 gauge brad nails
- Pocket hole screws
Tools Needed:
- Kreg Accu-Cut Guide
- Cordless circular saw
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- 23 gauge pin nailer
- Combination square
- Clamps
Step 1: Breaking Down the Plywood
Brad starts by breaking down the plywood into manageable pieces using the Kreg Accu-Cut guide and a cordless circular saw. He then takes the smaller pieces to the table saw to cut parts for the sides of the dresser.
Step 2: Preparing the Legs
The legs are made from 2×2 lumber. Brad cuts all four legs to size on his miter saw, using a stop block for repeated cuts. He marks the ends to keep them in order and lays out cut lines for a groove (rabbet) on the inside of the back legs to hold the back panel flush.
Step 3: Assembling the Sides
To assemble the sides, he lays 3/4 inch spacers on the bench to lift the plywood panel to the same height as the legs. After applying glue to the legs, he clamps them in place and secures them to the panel with pocket screws. This flush fit allows for easy mounting of drawer slides later.
Step 4: Adding Trim and Molding
Next, Brad adds trim to the outside of the side panels for a finished look. He uses a 1×2 for the top and a 1×3 for the bottom, then trims the frame with cove molding for extra detail. Each miter is carefully cut to ensure a good fit.
Step 5: Connecting the Panels
The sides of the dresser are connected by a bottom panel and stretchers on the top and middle. Brad cuts the bottom and back stretchers from 3/4 inch plywood, while using solid wood for the visible front stretchers and bottom trim. He drills pocket holes to secure the connections.
Step 6: Establishing Drawer Openings
Brad measures down to establish the drawer openings for the top drawers and clamps a scrap piece in place for reference while securing the middle stretchers.
Step 7: Building the Drawers
He moves on to making the drawers, which are constructed from 3/4 inch plywood. Brad highlights the importance of pocket hole joinery in this process and notes that he has a separate video detailing how to make easy DIY drawers.
Step 8: Installing the Back Panel
Before mounting the drawers, Brad installs a quarter-inch plywood back panel into the rabbet grooves, nailing it in place to keep the dresser square and prevent racking.
Step 9: Mounting the Drawers Slides
To mount the drawers, Brad sets up spacers to ensure consistent spacing between the drawer slides. He demonstrates the efficient process of installing the slides using plywood scraps as spacers.
Step 10: Creating the Top
For the top of the dresser, Brad initially planned to use solid wood but opted for a plywood center panel. He drills pocket holes around the edge to attach a picture frame mitered trim made from 1x3s.
Step 11: Final Touches
Brad sizes the false drawer fronts for an eighth-inch reveal around each drawer and uses iron-on edge banding for a clean finish. He then paints the top and drawer fronts before installing them.
Step 12: Installing Drawer Pulls
Lastly, he installs the drawer pulls, using a Kreg cabinet hardware jig for precise placement. With the drawer fronts attached, the dresser is complete!
Now, the dresser is ready for use, and Brad’s daughter is thrilled with her new furniture piece. You can get the plans here.