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Build a Beautiful Nursery Wall – Side Bases

Build a Beautiful Nursery Wall – Side Bases
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Difficulty
Intermediate
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With two shelves and a drawer, necessities for baby like diapers, wipes, and lotions, can be kept within reach. A beautiful footer adds charm to this piece. Works with the rest of the Madeline Collection of plans.

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Madeline Collection

Part 1 in the Scalloped Edge Baby Changing System, I am very excited about this plan. I am a totally girly-girl, balanced with simplicity. So of course I am drawn to clean lines, and then some wooden ruffles . . . Of course I would love wooden ruffles! This baby changing system is so beautiful, it almost makes me forget all those endless nights. Almost. But a baby changing system is about changing diapers, not changing your mind to invest in more diapers and less sleep. But of course, if you don’t want a baby and just need a nightstand, media tower, telephone table or baby shower gift, this plans could be the one. Want this plan? Baby steps, baby steps. We will start with this side cabinet. Love it? Plans follow. Don’t forget to share. Progress keeps me going, keeps more plans coming for you. So do your part, share the blog! Thanks!

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Build a Beautiful Nursery Wall – Side Bases

Dimensions
Build a Beautiful Nursery Wall – Side Bases
Overall Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 Sheet of 3/4″ MDF or 3/4″ A1 Plywood, cut into 1×16 boards 1 – 1×6 Board (you only need about 5′ feet) 1 – 1×2 Board (you only need about 3′ feet) 3 1/4″ Floor trim or base moulding 3/4″ Edge Trim (3/4″ wide) 1 – Wood Knob 2″ Nails 1 1/4″ Nails Wood Glue Wood Filler Sand Paper Finishing Supplies Optional 12″ Drawer Slides, side mount, 1/2″ overall clearance on the sides Knob for drawer

Common Materials
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Please note that I choose to build these plans 16″ deep as opposed to 19″ to conserve building materials (you can get 50% more 1x16s out of a sheet of plywood or MDF than you could get 1x19s out of the plywood or MDF). Changing pads are tradditionally 16″ wide. You can modify these plans for a wider depth by using a wider width plywood or MDF strip. And yes, the cubbies will fit the Pottery Barn Kids storage boxes. Cutting List for the Box 2 - 1×16 @ 33 1/4″ (Sides) 3 – 1×16 @ 14 1/2″ (Shelves) 1 – 1×16 @ 16″ (Top) Cutting List of Trim 2 – 1×2 @ 14 1/2″ (Inner Trim) 1 – 3/4″ Edge Trim @ 16″ (Front Edge Trim) 1 – 3 1/4″ Base Moulding or Floor Trim @ 16″ (Base Moulding) Cutting List for Drawer 2 – 1×6 @ 14 1/2″ (Drawer sides) 1 – 1×6 @ 12 3/4″ (Drawer back) 1 – 1×6 @ 14 1/4″ (Drawer Face) 1 - 1×16 @ 12 3/4″ (Drawer Bottom, trim the width down to 12 3/4″ x 13 3/4″)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Composition is shown above. Use 3/4″ MDF for painting with pine boards, 3/4″ A1 plywood for staining, with hardwood boards (boards are shown in dark brown above)

Step 2

Build the Box. Start by marking your sides as shown in the left of the diagram above. Mark both the inside and the outsides of the side boards so you know where to fasten and where to line the boards up at. With the sides marked, fasten the shelves in place, keeping the front edges flush. Then fasten the top in place.

Step 3

Back. Square your project up. Then using glue, fasten the back to the cabinet using 1 1/4″ nails. Make sure you fasten to the shelves too.

Step 4

Inner Trim. Fasten the inside trim pieces as shown above. Check for square and fasten to both the shelves and sides to reinforce your joints. Use glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Top Edge Trim. With glue and nails, fasten the top edge trim as shown above. Keep outside and top edges flush. You could aslo use trim up to 1 1/4″ wide here.

Step 7

Drawer Construction. First cut your drawer bottom from the 1×16, length of 12 3/4″. Then cut the width side down to 13 3/4″ (completed dimensions should be 12 3/4″ x 13 3/4″). You must cut the drawer bottom perfectly square. Then fasten the drawer back to the bottom. Then the sides to the back and bottom. Use 2″ nails and glue. You may wish to inset the bottom up 1/4″. The easiest way to do this is use a scrap piece of plywood 1/4″ and rest the bottom on the scrap. Then fasten the sides. Make sure you build a square drawer.

Step 8

Drawer Face. Insert the drawer into the drawer housing in the cabinet (without the face attached). Then center the face on the drawer and attach the face to the drawer, leaving a 1/8″ even gap around all edges, including the bottom edge. Use glue and 2″ nails

Step 9

Finishing. Fill nail holes with wood filler and sand and finish as desired. Add the front knob.

Project Type
Side and End Table Plans
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Cubby Project Plans
Nightstands
Room
Storage Solutions
Bedroom
Craftroom
Kids and Toys
Nursery and Baby
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Goings on at t… (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 08:53

OH perfect! When I am expecting another I am soooo going to build this! Can't wait to have all the plans!

Michaela at Th… (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 09:09

Wow. Ana. Amazing as usual. I want to build this for my sister and sweet nephew. Me? Hmm. It looks like a lot of work, being a mom. I guess I am still trying to make up my mind...
xo

Anne (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 09:27

Oh gosh.......... we're trying for #2, and this almost makes me want to build it NOW before we even get pregnant...... just have to figure out how to convince the hubby considering we're in the middle of the Cameron wall unit project right now :)

I love it!!!!!!!!

Curried Cupcakes (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:12

This is WONDERFUL! It has officially been put on my to do list. Right after my kitchen island and headboard. Love your work!

Heather - Doll… (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:50

Cool, this piece might be a great nightstand for our GINORMOUS bed (the Stratton King size) - we just got the mattresses today (my husband wants to use the box spring with the mattress because he likes a TALL bed)... I'll have to write it up for you because you'll laugh at how huge the bed is... but anyway, this taller piece could be used for a tall nightstand! :)

Megan (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:56

Yay!!! I didn't realize I needed a new changing table until I saw these plans. Sure, I knew I WANTED one, but this is the coolest changing station I've ever seen. And I will totally paint it a fun color.

New priority list: send final eviction notice to Baby Boy (due in a couple weeks), finish Masters degree, move across the country, buy power tools, build bed for mommy and daddy, build bed for little girl, build dining room table, build changing system for baby boy!

Katie (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:57

Oh my gosh, Ana, bless you. Can't wait to make it (and I really need it!). I have to finish the simple bed for my son first...

Nick and Terryn (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 12:57

Yay! I am so glad you posted this. In fact I searched your blog for a changing table this morning! Imagine my suprise when I saw this perfect changing table this afternoon! I am hoping you post the plans for the center changing table portion soon, because that is all I will have room for in my baby's room. And I only have 30 days left until baby will be here! Thanks for all of your wonderful plans! I tell everyone I know about your site!

K (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 13:02

No babies in my future but I could see putting a mirror in the middle area and making this into a vanity extraordinaire!
I've been reading your blog daily for a while now, but this is the first time I have commented. Just wanted to thank you for all the work you have put into this. I can't wait to find the space to take on one of the many projects I have been eyeing!
-K

bundle#1 (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 13:15

OMG I have wanted plans for this!!! My husband and I are TTC and this is the one I want! Thank you so much Ana. :)

Serena (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 18:18

This is amazing! No little babies in our house at the moment, but I am filing this away for when there is.
Can't wait to see the rest of the plans.

Tosha (not verified)

Thu, 03/04/2010 - 19:42

We're trying right now and this is *so* going in our baby folder! This would actually make a really cute desk system too with a few modifications. I have so many of your plans on my to-do list. Now... all I need is power tools... hmmmmm

Aly (not verified)

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 04:41

HURRAY!! I saw that this was on your TO DO list and didn't want to bother you about it, but I am SO SO SO excited about this project!! :) We are building a new home and move in 2 weeks, so I have a big list of your amazing projects I want to do to add a little something to our home. Thanks so much! You are completely AMAZING!!

Brooke (not verified)

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 08:59

When you have another little one they will be so lucky to have you for a mama. Its so fun that you and your little girl work together in the shop. You can have more helpers :)

Ellie Cutler (not verified)

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 11:35

OH...MY...GOSH!!!!!!! I've been waiting and waiting for this plan! Thank you sooooooooo much! My daughter just turned one but it's such a cute station that I'll put it in her room anyway!!! Plus...there's always the next baby! Thank you thank you!!!

Erin W. (not verified)

Fri, 03/05/2010 - 19:18

I love this. Wish I had it when my kids were younger. No problem my brother and his wife are going to have a baby so I am gonna convince my mom to make it with me as a joint gift, to go along with everything else we get. LOL. I should make one for my room too though, I could put the tv in the center. HMM....

Anonymous (not verified)

Sat, 03/06/2010 - 19:23

I don't have any children but this is PERFECT for an entertainment center for me! The TV will fit nicely in the middle, the computer tower in the tall door, turn the horizontal doors into open shelves for the dvd player and surround sound and still have more than plenty of storage space for the movies, music, and games! Love it! Can't wait for the whole set of plans.

Emily (not verified)

Sun, 03/21/2010 - 03:03

LOVE this project, I'm almost 15 weeks pregnant and I've been scouring the internet looking for furniture. Fortunately, another mama online pointed me to you!
I've already shown the plans to my best friend, and we're each going to make one! My husband even likes it, but said he won't have time to help me...won't he be surprised? :)
What I love about this set is that it's a changing table, dresser, and bookshelf all-in-one!
Thanks for all the plans, keep up the great work!

Erin I (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 08:39

I'm (patiently!) awaiting the center part of this system. I just had my 3rd girl and finally getting girly. I'm thinking of doing this in a pale pink. The side units are perfect for nightstands if you take off the bottom cubby. Thank you so for the plans!

Lorielsmith

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 17:48

Ok so I'm relatively new at DIY projects and your blog (which I adore btw). I can see the Madeline Side Hutches for the Nursery Changing Wall and the side bases but I don't see plans for the center section or the top shelf. Will someone post the link? Thanks!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!