You can add decorative designs using a router.
If you need more space for your clothes, you may think your choices include using another family member's closet space or buying an expensive dresser. You have another option: build a dresser yourself. Building a contemporary dresser, also called a chest of drawers, doesn't require years of carpentry experience or watching a home improvement channel. You can generally build a contemporary dresser in a weekend, according to Amateur Woodworker. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Front
1. Measure the side piece then make cuts. Use the circular saw to cut the top plank 2 1/2 inches long. Create three middle planks 11 1/2-inches long, 20 1/2-inches long and 29 1/2-inches long. Cut a plank for the bottom piece which measures 40 inches. Repeat the process until you have planks for the second side.
2. Cut groves into the bottom, middle and top planks that measure 3/8-inches deep and 1-inch wide.
3. Insert glue and screws to connect the pieces together. For example, start with the back and connect the sides to the middle, top and bottom pieces.
Sides
4. Use a router to make a groove about 1/2-inch wide and 1/2-inch deep along the inside of the top, side and bottom planks. Only make grooves on the inside of the planks because that's where the plywood sheet rests.
5. Create a lap joint on the same side as the grooves. Make the lap joint the entire length of the plank starting from 2 1/2 inches from the end inwards and 3/8-inches deep.
6. Cut another lap joint on the opposite side of the bottom and top pieces. The joint must have the same measurements as the previous lap joint.
7. Work from the inside of the top and bottom pieces and glue then screw them together. Connect the plywood sheet into the grove running along the inside of the frame using glue.
Back
8. Attach the bottom, middle and top pieces into the dresser's front with glue then add screws. The dresser's front consists of the side facing forward.
9. Look at the back portion to make sure that the area is square.
10. Use glue and screws to connect the middle and top planks. The planks must be flush with the side planks. The side planks entail the area that sits further back than the dresser's middle support.
Finish
11. Attach the bottom, middle and top pieces into the dresser's front with glue then add screws. The dresser's front consists of the side facing forward.
12. Look at the back portion to make sure that the area is square.
13. Use glue and screws to connect the middle and top planks.
Top and Drawers
14. Assemble the dresser by connecting the two side pieces to the back and front of the frames. Repeat the process until all planks are attached.
15. Glue a plywood sheet to the top to strengthen the dresser then place the top unit onto the dresser. The unit must overhand in the front by about 1 1/2 inches and 1/2 inch in the back. Clamp dresser and let dry.
16. Connect a 16-inch drawer runner to each side of the drawer.
17.Cut pieces of wood for the drawers. You need front and back pieces. Create a 1/4-inch grove that runs along in each piece. Assemble the pieces together until you have four boxes without lids.
18. Use a router to shape the decorative edges on the front of the four boxes. Glue and screw the boxes into the dressers so that they overhand 1 1/4 inches above and 1/2 inch underneath. Sand the entire dresser.
Tags: dresser front, middle planks, 2-inches long, bottom middle, bottom pieces, glue screws, glue screws connect
