Vintage Chest of Drawers

Looking to create a stylish chest of drawers that’s both functional and beginner-friendly? This project, built by Brady Hommel, guides you through the process step by step

Materials and Tools Needed

  • Materials:
    • 2 pieces of 2x4x8 lumber
    • 2 pieces of 1x6x8 lumber
    • 1/2 sheet of 1/2 inch thick plywood
  • Tools:
    • Table saw with crosscut sled
    • Pocket hole jig
    • Clamps
    • Drill
    • Sander
    • Brad nailer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Top

Brady starts by cutting three pieces of the 1×6 lumber at 24 inches each for the top. He emphasizes the importance of orienting the grain direction for a cohesive look. After laying out the pieces, he cleans up the edges using the table saw.

Gluing up the top pieces

Step 2: Create the Cut List

While the top is drying, Brady provides a screenshot of the cut lengths needed from the 2x4s, 1x6s, and plywood. This cut list is essential for building the main frame of the chest.

Cut list for the project

Step 3: Build the Side Assemblies

Next, he constructs the side assemblies using two side aprons, two legs, and one side panel. These components are connected using pocket hole joinery, with detailed placements available in the plans.

Making side assemblies

Step 4: Connect the Side Assemblies

Brady connects the front and back aprons while ensuring to leave a groove for the tabletop fasteners. He notes an important tip: always add the grooves before assembling to avoid mishaps.

Connecting side assemblies

Step 5: Install Drawer Runners

Instead of using traditional drawer slides, Brady opts for a more beginner-friendly approach by creating drawer runners from plywood. This method allows the drawers to slide smoothly without additional hardware.

Installing drawer runners

Step 6: Construct the Drawers

Using the remaining plywood, he builds the drawer boxes with pocket holes, ensuring the drawer fronts are flush with the bottom. The excess plywood extends out to serve as the drawer runners.

Making drawers without hardware

Step 7: Prevent Drawers from Tipping

To keep the drawers from tipping out, Brady cleverly uses a scrap piece of plywood as a stopper, ensuring a smooth operation.

Adding stoppers to prevent tipping

Step 8: Cut and Attach Bottom Trim

After cutting the trim pieces to fit, Brady adds details to the drawer fronts and connects the bottom trim with glue and brad nails for extra stability.

Cutting bottom trim pieces

Step 9: Smooth Edges

Using a mouse sander, Brady smooths out any rough edges to enhance the overall look and feel of the piece.

Smoothing rough edges

Step 10: Optional Feet Installation

Brady discusses the addition of farmhouse feet, which are optional but add character to the design. He demonstrates how to install these feet simply by drilling holes for the threaded inserts.

Installing optional farmhouse feet

Step 11: Finishing Prep

Before applying the finish, he caulks the seams to ensure a clean look and covers any nail holes with homemade wood filler.

Preparing for finishing

Step 12: Finishing and Distressing

Brady uses a combination of shellac and milk paint to achieve a rustic look, demonstrating various distressing techniques to enhance the antique appearance.

Applying finish and distressing

Step 13: Attaching the Top

Finally, he attaches the top using z-clips to allow for expansion and contraction, ensuring the longevity of the chest.

Attaching the top with z-clips

Final Thoughts

Brady invites viewers to share their completed projects and variations, highlighting the importance of creativity in woodworking. This chest of drawers project is not just about building furniture; it’s about learning and enjoying the process.

Get the plans here.

Video

If you found this interesting, please share!