How To Build A Nightstand (Or Two)

Oh, hello, Alabama in July. Welcome to the burning lake of fire here on Earth. Right at this moment, I’ve got 5 separate box fans running on high in my garage as I work. They don’t really help with the heat, but they do keep the mosquitos from gaining traction on my skin, so there’s that.

Can I just tell you that the sweltering Southern heat is not for the faint of heart? Well, it’s not so much the heat, but the humidity. Seriously, I can’t walk from the front door to the mailbox without an oxygen tank. It sounds like I’m complaining. Well, that’s because I am. Why can’t it be a breezy 72º all the time? You all know how 72 is my favorite degree.

My brother-in-law asked me to build him a pair of nightstands and a matching dresser. “Sure!” I said. “No big deal!” I said. That was before I realized that Alabama is a blazing inferno.

Note to self: build a climate-controlled workshop. Gotta get on that… as soon as we stop moving around, so… in about, say, 10 to 15 years when Adam retires from the Army.

Welp. Despite the heat, I built him these nightstands and drew up the design plans for you. I suffer for my loved ones. It’s my cross to bear. You’re welcome, Brother dear.

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As usual, I started with my favorite plywood, Purebond Plywood. I chose the 3/4″ maple species.

First I built the carcass, using my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig. If you don’t already have one of these thingamajiggys, I highly recommend you get one. I rarely build anything without it. Here’s a great video tutorial on how to use it, from my beautiful and fiercely talented friend, Jenn from Build-Basic.

Next, I glued and nailed the 1×4 trim pieces to the side panels.

Then it was time to build the drawer. Again, I used pocket hole joinery to construct the box. I also drilled 3/4″ pocket holes into the sides of the drawer, facing forward, to attach the drawer face in later steps.

I installed the metal drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s directions, and slid the drawer into place.

I chose these soft-closing ball bearing drawer slides. I prefer these heavier duty slides to the cheaper, flimsy white ones. They do cost a bit more, but the added strength and durability are worth the cost in my opinion. They’re full extension slides and that soft-closing feature is so fancy!

Then I attached the drawer faces, a back panel to the back of the nightstands, and finally, added these bun feet that I got from Osborne Wood. I left the bottom part of the backs open because my brother-in-law has a couple of vents where these nightstands will go.

Here’s how they turned out:

Once I’m done building his matching dresser, I’ll stain and finish all three pieces together. Stay tuned for the matching dresser plans!

*Update: Here’s part one of the matching dresser tutorial. And here’s the complete set:

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Want to see other DIY nightstand plans?