How to Build a Nightstand: Step-by-Step Guide

Building your own nightstand is a rewarding woodworking project that adds a personal touch to your bedroom. This detailed guide will provide you with all the measurements and materials needed to create a functional and stylish nightstand. Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

• Wood: Recommended to use pine, MDF, or plywood. You will need the following pieces:

  • 2 boards of 18 in x 14 in (sides)
  • 1 board of 18 in x 14 in (back)
  • 1 board of 18 in x 14 in (base)
  • 1 board of 18 in x 14 in (top)
  • 1 board of 12 in x 14 in (internal divider)
  • 1 board of 18 in x 6 in (drawer front)
  • 2 boards of 11 in x 14 in (drawer sides)
  • 1 board of 12 in x 11 in (drawer bottom)

• Screws: Use stainless steel or galvanized screws.

  • Screws of 1.5 in and 1.75 in.

• Hardware:

  • 1 set of drawer slides (18 in)
  • 1 drawer pull

• Tools:

  • Circular saw or jigsaw
  • Drill and bits
  • Sander or sandpaper
  • Tape measure
  • Square
  • Clamps
  • Wood glue

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Wood Pieces

• Sand all pieces: Sand all boards to ensure there are no splinters and to smooth the edges.

2. Assemble the Main Structure

• Attach the sides to the back:

  • Position the sides (18 in x 14 in) so they are perpendicular to the back board.
  • Apply wood glue to the joints and secure with 1.75 in screws.

• Add the base:

  • Attach the base board (18 in x 14 in) to the bottom of the sides and back, using wood glue and 1.75 in screws.

• Install the top:

  • Attach the top board (18 in x 14 in) to the upper part of the sides and back, using wood glue and 1.75 in screws.

3. Install the Internal Divider

• Secure the internal divider:
  • Center the internal divider board (12 in x 14 in) inside the structure.
  • Apply wood glue to the edges and secure with 1.75 in screws.

4. Assemble the Drawer

• Prepare the drawer pieces:

  • Cut and sand all the drawer pieces (front, sides, and bottom).

• Assemble the drawer structure:

  • Attach the drawer sides (11 in x 14 in) to the drawer front (18 in x 6 in) using wood glue and 1.5 in screws.
  • Attach the drawer bottom (12 in x 11 in) to the structure using wood glue and 1.5 in screws.

5. Install the Drawer

• Attach the drawer slides:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the slides to the drawer and the nightstand structure.

• Insert the drawer:

  • Place the drawer into the slides and adjust as needed.

6. Finish the Nightstand

• Sand and clean:

  • Sand all surfaces and edges again for a smooth finish.
  • Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth.

• Apply finish:

  • Apply varnish or paint of your choice to protect the wood and give it an elegant final touch.

Additional Tips

• Customize: Add personalized details like decorative pulls or special paint.
• Organization: Consider adding extra dividers inside the drawer for better organization.

By following this guide, you will have a personalized and functional nightstand perfect for your bedroom. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own piece of furniture!