This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with his loyal shop assistant Bob Barker close by every step of the way. It’s a beautiful walnut dresser designed to blend functionality and style, complete with a hidden cabinet for a PlayStation.
The goal of the project was to replace an older, worn-out dresser with a piece that matched Anthony’s updated bedroom and storage needs. The result is a sleek, modern dresser with a ton of character—and one that reflects thoughtful planning from the first cut to the final coat of finish.
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Designing with Walnut and Curly Maple
Anthony begins by selecting solid walnut as the primary material. Known for its rich color and durability, walnut brings a timeless look to the build. Instead of relying heavily on plywood, Anthony sticks with solid boards, especially for the visible panels and structural parts.
To add contrast and a bit of flair, curly maple is introduced into the design. Originally intended to play a larger role, the maple ends up being featured primarily in the face frame, giving the dresser a subtle two-tone style that elevates its appearance without being flashy.
Milling and Panel Preparation
The walnut boards are flattened and milled down to thickness, with Bob Barker making occasional appearances to monitor quality control. Anthony pays close attention to matching grain patterns across panels to create a more seamless visual flow.
Dominoes are used to align and reinforce panel glue-ups. This joinery method not only strengthens the boards but also ensures each glue-up goes smoothly and lines up evenly. Clamps are applied with care to avoid bowing or shifting, giving the panels a clean, tight fit.
Solving Problems Mid-Build
Every project has its hurdles, and this one was no exception. Anthony discovers one of the walnut panels has a significant twist, which rules it out as the top surface. Rather than scrap it, he repurposes the material for the interior cabinet section.
The face frame design presents a unique challenge—it’s not a traditional frame but instead connects directly to the side panels. To manage this unconventional approach, Anthony uses spacers and clamps strategically to maintain proper alignment during assembly.
Cabinet and Drawer Layout
With the main frame assembled, attention turns to the drawers. Anthony has built plenty of drawers before, so this stage moves quickly. Baltic birch plywood is used for the drawer boxes, providing stability while keeping the weight manageable.
He chooses pocket hole joinery for speed, since the drawers won’t be visible from the outside. Iron-on edge banding is added to clean up the exposed plywood edges and give the drawers a more finished look. It’s a smart blend of function and form.
To simplify the finishing process, Anthony also adjusts how the drawer backs are cut and installed. This change lets him apply finish more easily and results in a neater final presentation once everything is in place.
Integrating the PlayStation Cabinet
A standout feature of this dresser is the built-in PlayStation cabinet. This section is discreetly integrated into the design, allowing for easy storage and access without disrupting the dresser’s clean lines.
The addition of this feature makes the dresser more versatile. Anthony considers airflow and cable routing, ensuring that electronics can be used safely and without clutter.
Applying Finish and Final Assembly
With construction complete, Anthony moves on to finishing. Rubio Monocoat is chosen for its ease of use and ability to enhance the wood’s natural tones. He takes his time here, working through each piece to bring out the depth and beauty of both the walnut and the maple.
Drawer slides are installed, everything is test-fit, and adjustments are made to ensure smooth function. Anthony completes the final assembly in the bedroom itself to account for any floor inconsistencies—an extra step that ensures the finished piece sits perfectly level.
Functional and Beautiful
This walnut dresser is more than just storage. It’s a thoughtfully designed piece that balances everyday functionality with visual appeal. By incorporating a PlayStation cabinet, Anthony turns a common furniture item into a personalized, dual-purpose solution.
The use of solid walnut and curly maple, combined with strong joinery and careful finishing, makes this build stand out. It’s a great example of how woodworking can elevate everyday items into long-lasting, meaningful pieces of furniture.
With Bob Barker providing his usual workshop support, Anthony once again delivers a high-quality build that’s practical, attractive, and fun to watch from start to finish.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.