Elevate your bedroom decor and optimize your space with a stylish floating nightstand featuring a convenient drawer. This DIY project is perfect for beginners and can be completed in a weekend. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you build your own floating nightstand with drawer.
Materials Needed
- 1x8 select pine board (8 feet long)
- 1x12 select pine board (8 feet long)
- 1x2 select pine board (8 feet long)
- 1/4" and 1/2" plywood
- 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4" wood screws
- Wood glue
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Hinges and drawer pull
- Safety gear (safety glasses, ear protection, dust mask)
Tools Required
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Drill driver
- Jigsaw
- Pocket hole jig
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Sandpaper (120-grit)
Cutting the Pieces
Before you begin, measure and cut all the necessary pieces according to the dimensions below:
| Piece | Quantity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Side panels | 2 | 1x12 @ 12" x 10-1/2" |
| Top and bottom | 2 | 1x8 @ 12" x 7-1/4" |
| Back | 1 | 1/4" plywood @ 12" x 10-1/2" |
| Drawer front | 1 | 1x12 @ 12" x 5-1/2" |
| Drawer sides | 2 | 1x8 @ 5-1/2" x 4-1/2" |
| Drawer bottom | 1 | 1/2" plywood @ 5-1/2" x 4-1/2" |
| Drawer back | 1 | 1/4" plywood @ 5-1/2" x 4-1/2" |
| Support cleats | 4 | 1x2 @ 12" x 1-1/2" |
Assembling the Nightstand
Attach the Side Panels
Using a pocket hole jig, drill two pocket holes on the inside of each top and bottom piece. Apply wood glue to the edges and attach the side panels using 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Add the Back Panel
Attach the back panel to the inside of the nightstand using wood glue and 1-1/4" wood screws. Ensure the nightstand is square by measuring the diagonal from corner to corner and adjusting as needed.
Attach the Support Cleats
Attach two support cleats to the inside of each side panel, 3" from the bottom. These will support the drawer and keep it from tipping forward.
Building the Drawer
Assemble the Drawer Box
Attach the drawer sides to the drawer back using wood glue and 1-1/4" wood screws. Then, attach the drawer bottom to the drawer sides using wood glue and 1-1/4" wood screws. Allow the glue to dry.
Attach the Drawer Front
Attach the drawer front to the drawer box using wood glue and 1-1/4" wood screws. Ensure the drawer front is flush with the top and bottom of the drawer box.
Finishing Touches
Sand the nightstand and drawer smooth using 120-grit sandpaper. Apply stain or paint as desired, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the finish to dry completely.
Attach the hinges to the inside of the nightstand and the drawer, ensuring the drawer opens and closes smoothly. Install the drawer pull on the front of the drawer.
Your floating nightstand with drawer is now complete and ready to be mounted to the wall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your wall mounting hardware, ensuring the nightstand is level and securely attached to the wall.
Enjoy your new floating nightstand and the extra space it provides in your bedroom. Happy building!
