How to Build a Mid-Century Modern Dresser--FROM 2x4s and PLYWOOD!
Рет қаралды 598,371
3 жыл бұрынIn this video, I'll show you how to build a mid-century modern 6 drawer dresser from 2x4s and plywood!
Dressers are literally my favorite thing to build. There are so many ways to build a box and add drawers and so many styles you can go with for it.
So, I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed building it and if you want to build one for yourself, grab the step by step tutorial here:
www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
And grab the printable plans here:
woodshop-diaries.myshopify.co...
In this video, I'll also share how to cut dadoes without a dado blade on the table saw at 6:00.
Additional info you may find helpful for this project:
How to Cut Plywood Sheets: www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-d...
How to Edge Band Plywood: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to Build and Install Drawers: www.woodshopdiaries.com/there...
Other projects using these modern style legs:
DIY Modern Dog Bed: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-m...
DIY Dog Bowl Stand: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-d...
DIY Upholstered Storage Bench: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Tools & Materials
The following contains affiliate links:
Tools Used In the Video:
Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Kreg AccuCut Cutting Guide: amzn.to/3uGzgYf
Kreg Rip Cut Cutting Guide: amzn.to/3dS9Q2Q
Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/yd96v
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/9Wg2r0
Kreg 720 Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/2Q7LU3l
Jig Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/Gjj912
Nail Gun: homedepot.sjv.io/a9ygQ
Table Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/3vkav
Materials Used:
3 sheets 3/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95
1 1/4 sheets 1/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/3vVYr
(2) 2x4x8 boards: homedepot.sjv.io/kr42M
Scrap 1x or 3/4" plywood to cut the legs from
1 1/4" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3fXNO1d
2 1/2" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/39TxT03
2" wood screws
2 1/2" wood screws
(6) pair 16" ball bearing drawer slides (I buy bulk packs of ten here: amzn.to/3d3FNGs)
Wood Glue
Edge banding (optional): amzn.to/3uIhbsR
@cabman86 3 жыл бұрын
From a retired carpenter to another, you are one hell of a carpenter young lady.
@cabman86 3 жыл бұрын
Now you know you're supposed to charge friends triple.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Hey I really appreciate that. Thank you! Also, I know I should, but I never do 😂😂🙈 I’m cheap labor
@cabman86 3 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work!
@ColocasiaCorm Жыл бұрын
Shes retired?
@kellywallace5809 3 жыл бұрын
A dresser you built about a year ago inspired me to build my own when I couldn't find what I wanted in a store. I live in an apartment so I don't have a workshop and most of the drawers aren't even close to square but it functions.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
That’s amazing...I’m so glad to hear this! And also, function over perfection. I’m sure you learned a few things you can apply on the next build to make it even better and seriously the fact you built something awesome without a workshop is amazing! I think so many people don’t ever start because they don’t have this tool or a full blown shop. But hearing this makes me so proud you didn’t let that stop you!
@jewelery12 2 жыл бұрын
How’s you build in an apartment?
@leahvicente1591 2 жыл бұрын
@@jewelery12 I guess it depends on the complex but mine came with a garage so when I built my desk and some planters, I just used the garage as my workshop and would do the work right when I got home and then stopped around 8-9pm to not bother my neighbors.
@mommabear2544 Жыл бұрын
I absolutely love the unfinished look of this dresser. It's gorgeous 😍
@scottlandb6579 8 ай бұрын
I agree. Looks super clean.
@davidclem2258 3 ай бұрын
You’ve inspired me to start up my small woodworking business again. I miss it. Gonna steal this build for sure. Thankyouuuu! 😊
@diannacruz1969 2 жыл бұрын
I never realized how easy it could be to build a dresser. Thank you for your hard work!
@charlieg5850 2 жыл бұрын
Very nice! I love the modern look. I appreciate you being candid about the mistakes made. I'm constantly robbing wood from other projects or scraps because of an oversight in my calculations or cutting errors. Keep up the good work
@michaelb542 3 жыл бұрын
Wow that came up amazing. I agree with you, this is up there as one of your bests. Well done Shara!! Keep up the great work.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Hey I really appreciate that! Thanks so much!
@matthewberg8093 Жыл бұрын
I took your plans and inspiration for this modern dresser and built it with cherry and red oak feet/ drawer pulls. Thanks Shara!!
@jasonthomas1760 3 жыл бұрын
Phenomenal build as always girl! I'm digging the natural look and the "oddball" drawer front adds character in my opinion. I always feel so guilty robbing from one of my "might finish later " projects lol
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Most of the robbing happened on old projects already finished, I just didn’t have space for 🙈😂 our tiny house just can’t house all the stuff I make 😅😅
@SR-qg7hw 2 жыл бұрын
So simple + so timeless = perfect! Thanks for sharing
@aga_n916 3 жыл бұрын
I love the raw look, so earthy, few tones on the front give more character, plywood is one of the best materials for any project.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
In love working with plywood! I use it as often as I can 🙌
@dcalver1967 2 жыл бұрын
Just got finished making this chest of drawers- so happy with the result- thank you Shara!!
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Yes! So glad to hear this! Way to go!! 💪👍
@TaylaFam 2 жыл бұрын
It takes a lot to inspire me and I’m currently building this now. Beautiful piece you made and thanks a lot for sharing the plans and knowledge
@mrsroman8390 2 жыл бұрын
That was amazing 🥲 I have been searching for a bedroom set to replace mine but haven’t found it & I don’t have the tools or the time to make it. You are so blessed to have this gift of creating such beautiful furniture. I wish I could have you make it for me. You got talent girl. 💯❤️
@ShawtyCrazy97 Жыл бұрын
Thank so much! I've been dresser shopping for some time now, and you've given me the inspiration I need to build my own. I love deep drawers and will definitely purchase the plan to reference. It's time to get tools and materials now; I'm excited!
@ManiSBeezy 5 ай бұрын
Did you end up making a dresser? That’s how I got to this video too but idk if I’m up for the challenge. 😓
@Kgsoloman-ou6wm Жыл бұрын
Double sided tape helps a lot for installing drawer fronts. Sometimes it's hard to clamp them without changing the verticle plane. Awesome job, you're nuts!
@spdynene1933 2 жыл бұрын
I actually really really love how gorgeous and natural the wood looks unfinished on this one!
@crazyjbub Жыл бұрын
me too
@IMGROWN3232 2 жыл бұрын
I love the unfinished look, It looks amazing!
@alanrmurphy 2 жыл бұрын
Honestly? I LOVED the different color on the drawer front!
@DrThunder88 2 жыл бұрын
First, thank you for a great video. Second, thank you for validating my own eye for furniture! I built a mid-century credenza for someone last year with a very similar design. I love the "boomerang leg" MCM look, so my drafted plan included nice, streamlined legs and double tapered apron. I had gotten the entire thing together and the "client" says mid-century furniture should have spindle legs! I was able to make a new lower end, but I had to trash the old one entirely. Long story short: if you make something for your mother-in-law, get her to literally sign the blueprint!
@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr 3 жыл бұрын
This project is another one of your home runs! Looks great and you make it look easy. I’ve never tried edge banding, but after seeing you do it, I have to at least give it a shot! Great job and thanks. Have a great weekend!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Iron on Edge banding is a pain sometimes but it’s much faster than making your own and gluing it yourself. I’ve grown to appreciate the results even if I hate the process 😂 I really appreciate you watching and thank you so much for the kind words! Have a great weekend as well! 😄😎
@ladydee2896 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love your work. You make it look so easy!! Great job, can’t wait to see your next project.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
@JKohl-zo7kn 2 жыл бұрын
My significant other & I love watching you work. You break so many stereotypes & you're so skilled. Thank you for sharing your work!
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that so much! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words!
@timf5963 Жыл бұрын
Your ability to drive pocket hole screws without clamps is a skill I seek to obtain.
@jayneal8154 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! I like the unfinished look too! I love the fact that you rob other projects to finish! Keep up the good work!
@johngianoulis6968 3 жыл бұрын
Wow! Love the minimalist unfinished look!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! 😄😄
@MrSka7cis 2 жыл бұрын
Love your work. I especially love the fact that you share your mistakes too!!! That is probably the most inspirational because I know if ever try this, then I will definitely make more mistakes. Keep up the excellent work.
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Mistakes are all part of the process...you just have to embrace them haha. Happy building! :)
@totalconcretegeelongvic 7 күн бұрын
Keep up the great work; you're on the right track!
@audreeadam980 2 жыл бұрын
I just discovered your channel while looking for a mid century dresser to build… wow! Thank you so much for all your work. I subscribed and cannot wait to see your other projects :)
@Lucas-pv2wn Жыл бұрын
Super simple, sharp dresser. Clear and easy to watch video! Thx
@johnkelley9877 3 жыл бұрын
What a beautiful dresser! I like the design and all of the furniture you have made is really nice. Thanks for sharing this, it was great to watch.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate that! Thank you so much!
@mikencrew8885 2 жыл бұрын
Really great job! Simple and amazing at the same time
@tomasgulas 3 жыл бұрын
Really really nice! I'm making one now based on your previous video. Just have to assemble the draws and slides. This one is the nicest I've seen, great job!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!! That’s so cool to hear...happy building!
@davidchumillas1741 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing work, natural look & style... really beautiful. Great work with the tutorial too. Congrats!
@TheToddbart 3 жыл бұрын
Another great project and well done! I like that this is made out of easier accessible wood products and more budget friendly. Kreg should sponsor you as much as you advertise for them.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it! And I do work with Kreg on sponsored projects here and there :)
@TCoffman 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work. I think I might try and tackle this project after I have a couple more of Steve’s projects done and have learned a little more. Thanks!
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Happy building!
@shanarussell1254 2 жыл бұрын
This is such a great video. Great tutorial. My fear with making things out of plywood is cutting too short, so I appreciate that you mentioned those parts.
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
So glad you enjoyed the video! I hope it was helpful!
@dbird1584 3 жыл бұрын
You are beyond talented!💕👍👍 I love the unfinished look.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your kind words!
@simonreynolds1518 3 жыл бұрын
Very elegant, I love the super clean design, you are very inspiring Shara, Thank you for sharing, take care.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that! 💕
@walterfigueroa7102 2 жыл бұрын
You make this look easy. I love your work!!! 🙏
@johnisley4578 3 жыл бұрын
I have learnt so much from your channel. As a pilot all my life, I am slowly getting into woodworking in which I find is so relaxing. Great Job, Great Work.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that! Hope I can share some helpful tips and inspiration along the way!
@johndodgeguru 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! My daughter wanted to build a dresser and I told her it would be too difficult, but this video and your plans made if possible. It turned out almost perfect! My only advice for anyone that does this build: Shara tells you this in the plans, but to reiterate you should cut the drawers as you go. There is little room for error when you put them on the slides so an 1/8" can make a big difference. Measure and cut as you go, at least for the first one on each side. The only tricky part of the build was mounting the drawer faces - again we wanted them to be exact and we never figured out an easy way to line them up and attach at the same time. Ended up removing the top two drawers so we could reach the one beneath them, applying glue to kind of hold them in place, then having one person push them out from the back while the other held the front on exactly in the right place, then clamp it to screw it on. For the top two, we used to big clamps that went around the whole dresser and just glued them overnight and screwed them in later. Great project - well done!!!! If anyone is thinking you should give this a shot, go for it!!!
@hillcountrygarage 2 жыл бұрын
This may be helpful. I've seen others that have used double-sided tape. The tape will hold the drawer face in place, and it's easy to reposition if needed.
@winterhughe5495 Жыл бұрын
I am so in love with this! Please keep building. Your talent inspires me to keep going!
@WoodshopDiaries Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@HereInTheMiddleWithYou 3 жыл бұрын
Love the minimalist design. Looks well done.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@moniquethe0G 3 жыл бұрын
i love the unfinished look
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!! 😍
@corywauthier4808 3 жыл бұрын
This is awesome! Love the unfinished look as well
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!! Personally I love the unfinished look as well 😍 but my friend stained it dark walnut and I have to admit, it looks great that color too!
@zekemead 2 жыл бұрын
Well done video! Excellent image capture, narration and explanation! Strong work!
@subbirrahman1289 2 жыл бұрын
That was a superb work with the plywood only. God bless. Gonna make one using your tutorial. Thanks
@MikeTheSith200 3 жыл бұрын
Another excellent build. I think I would go crazy applying all that edge banding 😄
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Haha it’s one of those things where you just turn on the tunes and zone out 😂😂
@n8sterling727 8 ай бұрын
Love the look of this dresser! Got skills there gal wow!
@timdyer7692 3 жыл бұрын
Another fine project! You did a very nice job on the dresser. Keep it up!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Really appreciate you following along!
@theresedignard4267 3 жыл бұрын
You are inspiring! Awesome build. Loved the other projects too. Thanks for sharing.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed!
@christopherdekonstrukt444 2 жыл бұрын
I found my birch plywood, some local lumber company in New Orleans with very reasonable shipping. Now I know where I'm getting my building materials. Thanks, Shara!
@paolabustillos2535 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I just bought your printable plans
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Hope you find them helpful!
@filamphibian2980 3 жыл бұрын
this came out really nice! Liking the 2x4 base and poplar legs.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@jumpman2bb 3 жыл бұрын
Nice video Shara, I always like your dresser builds, looking for more exciting projects from you. Stay safe out there.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Really appreciate it!
@craiggoodwin9704 3 жыл бұрын
I was trying to figure out why I wasn't seeing any tear-out on your plywood sheets. Then I followed your links to see you are using a plywood blade, which I need to explore. Nice job. Always appreciate your work.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate it! I highly recommend a high blade tooth count on all blades you use for plywood. Good plywood makes a big difference, too but a good blade helps a TON!
@franciscomedina6485 3 жыл бұрын
Every work you do is beautiful... you are the very talented and the best...
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate that. Thank you!
@cadencehashira 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing work. This video made the process of building very digestible. Thanks for uploading it
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so luv for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
@MP-yz6sb 4 күн бұрын
Beautiful piece. I love it just as it is.
@kevinaud6461 2 жыл бұрын
Great video as always! Will be building this one as my first project of 2022 :)
@jilliancarpenter399 3 жыл бұрын
This is beautiful. Just started woodworking about a year ago with zero prior experience. Learned everything I know from KZfaq including your videos. Just wanted to say thanks! It's so encouraging to see other woodworking ladies!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I am so glad to hear you got started! And I’m so grateful for your kind words. I’m glad the videos have been helpful and I really appreciate you following along 💕
@abbyaskew6994 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! This is incredible!
@alessandracampelli6090 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely beautiful!!!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you 👍 💕
@BobbyKendrick 2 жыл бұрын
Very well done. I'm going to give it a shot. Love your content!
@billm4560 3 жыл бұрын
Another awesome build Shara! 👏👏 Im kinda with you when it comes to charging friends! 😁 Thank you for sharing!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Haha it’s so hard to price things for friends and family 🙈🙈
@markanthonyking Жыл бұрын
Job well done, I love the unfinished look.
@helderdesouzaegidioengenhe451 3 жыл бұрын
Olá Shara!! Eu sou o Helder, moro no Brasil!! Amo de mais os seus trabalhos de marcenaria !!! Parabéns!!! Abraços!!!
@Walks-Drives 2 жыл бұрын
Cai de paraquedas aqui, mas vejo ela que ela manja das paradas rs. Como esta ai no Brasil no mercado "Do it yourself" ? Rola uma grana fazer as coisas e vender?
@saileshramcharan3445 Жыл бұрын
Awesome build. Respect from South Africa
@bradymiguel 2 жыл бұрын
I love the unfinished look with the darker drawer. If it were me I’d just cut a chamfer along the bottom edge of each drawer, sand it and hit it with danish oil. Beautiful.
@migueluribe4249 3 жыл бұрын
Certainly, you do beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching!
@ionutonea1537 10 ай бұрын
Very nice your projects ! I love it ! nice and clear explanations ! GOD bless you !
@lisalibeer7824 Жыл бұрын
Very nice! I love your workshop! I’m in the process of setting up my workshop. 👍great video!
@creightonfrance1615 Жыл бұрын
Just bought the plans, thanks so much!
@sergiocorrea8780 Жыл бұрын
Great design. I was looking for inspiration for my kids nursery and this did it.
@randystyborski5983 3 жыл бұрын
I like the base. Cool how you can make 2x4s look good
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! 2x4s just need a little cleaning up to make them look great 😄
@justinmalone8518 2 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous!
@evanarnoldstewart1891 2 жыл бұрын
this is great, thank! I also love the unfinished look. subbed!
@draztiqmeshaz6226 2 жыл бұрын
Great work. It is beautiful without any finishing.
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@JP-kx6kr 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I enjoyed watching that. Nice work…looks fantastic.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@MrGoldman9 Жыл бұрын
I would like to tell you that all the works that you make are more than wonderful and more beautiful than beautiful and elegant like you, Princessa. Thank you very much for this beautiful and simple explanation. I am a fan of your channel and your work from overseas. I really enjoy watching your beautiful workers as if I were watching a very good movie. This is captain Raf.
@houstonsam6163 3 жыл бұрын
very nice video and an equally nice finished product. Really enjoyed seeing you "rob" from other projects to take necessary workpieces.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Haha prices are high on everything. Might as well recycle my old projects 😅😅😂
@marcioarany7259 3 жыл бұрын
Mid Modern are great! Congrats from Brazil!!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@talycioustrips2631 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Shara, I just bumped into your channel and wow, you rock like crazy !!! You're so precise and really know your stuff, well done to you. You make some really beautiful forniture :) I'm digging into all of your videos now !
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
You're so kind! Thank you. I hope you enjoy the content and I appreciate you watching!
@empressche333 3 жыл бұрын
Just found you and subscribed! Love the simple, practical, and beautiful builds you do! Totally my kind of woodworking..:)
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy the videos!
@shanpowers 3 жыл бұрын
Beautiful! LOVE it!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@neilsmith4879 Жыл бұрын
Love it pure natural look
@HowIDoThingsDIY 3 жыл бұрын
Very cool, Shara. Turned out great!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!! I appreciate it!
@MCsCreations 3 жыл бұрын
Really beautiful work, Shara! It looks sweet! 😃 I really liked the design! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!! Have a great weekend!
@glennsak 2 жыл бұрын
You make it look so easy! Brava on a great looking dresser!
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@ibrhemahmed170 2 жыл бұрын
Very beautiful sara ,thank you
@whatthemake 3 жыл бұрын
Unfinished look is really nice!
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@donavanmcelroy6263 2 жыл бұрын
Tremendous build! You’ve got mad skills 👍👍
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
You’re too kind. Thank you!
@mrector23 3 жыл бұрын
What a fun project!
@varieta9466 2 жыл бұрын
You are awesome! Girl power to the 10th degree! ❤️⚒️
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
You’re too kind. Thank you!
@trentc7329 2 жыл бұрын
Just found your channel today and have watched a few projects. I really like your sensible approach to workflow, tools etc. Love the clean aesthetic of all your pieces and the way you use so many scrap wood spacer blocks to work fast. Definitely subbed and clicked the bell.
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate you following along! Thanks so much!
@Mrmarginofsafety 3 жыл бұрын
Very cool clean and modern love it and not complicated, the legs add sophistication and simple.
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I love a clean, simple, but classy piece! 😍
@Silverbackra Жыл бұрын
very impressive.. I might be old but I am new to woodworking. I could learn a lot from you. excellent video. Please do more.
@sarayumeewang4125 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely amazing.
@WoodshopDiaries 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you 👍
@paigelooney 3 жыл бұрын
I have watched a lot of woodworking videos recently (just beginning my journey) and your video is very clear and the link with the measurements is so helpful! For that, you get a Subscribe! First woodworking channel I have subscribed to .. thank you
@WoodshopDiaries 3 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate that and so glad you find it helpful!! Thanks so much for following along!
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