Wide Dresser with Open Bottom Shelf

ana white dresser plans
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Free plans to build a wide dresser with open bottom shelf.  This dresser is the perfect mix of drawers and shelves.  Build it yourself with our free step by step dresser plans, with diagrams, shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com

ana white dresser plans
ana white dresser plans
ana white dresser plans

More Photos and Build Post

Built by Whitney from Shanty2Chic .... "Not going to lie... I have been avoiding doing a dresser for sometime!  It seemed daunting and way too difficult for my skill level. It was so much easier than I had anticipated.  I was able to build the whole thing in just a couple days, and for about $175.... Woohoo!!!" If you want more pictures and details, please stop over and visit read Whitney's post here. 

Dimensions
free dresser plans
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 – sheet ¾” plywood cut into strips 15 ¾” wide 
  • 1 – sheet ¼” plywood
  • 5 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 6 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long (consider high grade 2x2s for added strength here)
  • 4 – 1x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 – 1x8 @ 10 feet long
  • 5 knobs or handles
  • 5 sets of 16” white euro style bottom corner mount drawer slides
  • 1 ¼ and 2 ½” pocket hole screws
  • 1 ¼” brad nails
Cut List
  • 2 – 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 18 ¾” (sides)
  • 8 – 1x2 @ 15 ¾”
  • 4 – 2x2 @ 31 ¾”
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 15 ¾”
  • 6 – 2x2 @ 55 ½”
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 55 ½”
  • 6 – 1x2 @ 7 ½”
  • 1 – 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x @ 57” (top)
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 15 ¾”
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 60”
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 55 ½” (shelf)
  • 1 – ¼” plywood @ 58 ½” x 18 ¾” (back)

SMALL DRAWERS

  • 6 – 1x6 @ 16”
  • 6 – 1x6 @ 15 ½”
  • 3 – ¼” plywood @ 17” x 16”
  • 3 – 1x8 @ 17 3/4"

LARGE DRAWERS

  • 4 – 1x6 @ 16”
  • 4 – 1x6 @ 24 7/8”
  • 2 – ¼” plywood @ 16” x 26 3/8”
  • 2 – 1x8 @ 27 1/8”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

First things first ... Go through and mark out all pocket holes. For the sides, drill 3/4 pocket holes along side and top edges on insides. Then attach trim as shown in diagram with 1-1/4" nails and glue.

Step 2

Now attach legs with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws through pure drilled holes. Then attach bottom with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Step 3

Now add the front and back trim to fom shape of dresser. TIP: Consider adding the dividers from next step as you go as it will get tight to fit a drill in later on.

Step 4

You may have to use a countersink bit to attach just because it will be hard to get your drill in there. Its super important here to be very accurate or your drawers won't slide right.

Step 5

Attach trim to the outside edges of the top with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.  Attach to top of dresser.

Step 6

Drill 3/4" pocket holes on all four edges of the bottom shelf.

Attach to the shelf framing with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 7

Build your drawers to fit openings, 1" less in overall width than inside openings. Here is a good video showing how to build and install drawers.

Step 8

Step 9

Insert drawers and attach drawer faces with even gap around all sides. I use 1 1/4" finish nails and glue"

Step 10

Attach back last so you can reach in and get your drawers just right.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Bettie (not verified)

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 13:53

Have I missed a Momplex posting, or has nothing been posted since the well?

Daniel (not verified)

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 15:48

Hi-

I really like the plans and am outlining plans to make a similar one to this. I was wondering about the front to back width of the top of the dresser. In the image, it seems like there is overhang between it and the bottom piece but the numbers seem to suggest that there will be no overhang. Am I misunderstanding something?

Thanks!

dkdk

Tue, 12/24/2013 - 07:20

My only issue with these plans is that it doesnt specify which board size goes where (ie the legs, front supports, bottom rails arent labeled). I can figure it out if i match the sizes up, but just a tip to make these plans easier for anyone who is a bit on the newer side of building.

Ellie S

Sun, 02/22/2015 - 20:23

Can anyone please help me figure out when/how to install the drawer slides? any tips/advice/or even WHEN to install using these plans? I'm too confused by this part and am nervous to start my project til I clarify these steps (I have all the lumber just hesitant to start until I get a better grasp on these plans). Thanks in advance, I'm excited to get started and finish our bedroom set!!!

Papu5477

Thu, 01/25/2018 - 18:32

Are there plans available with the additional drawers?? Can’t seem to find them anywhere.