Mid Height 4 Drawer Dresser with Open Bottom Shelf

Build your own dresser with simple DIY plans! We love this dresser with its large open bottom shelf for baskets or bins, or larger belongings, two roomy drawers, and two smaller drawers at top. The overall height is still useable as a storage surface, but the footprint is compact to fit in smaller rooms. This is a with detailed diagrams, shopping and cut lists and lots of reader submitted photos from Board and Batten Collection – Classic and cozy board and batten style furniture you can build yourself. Perfect for bedrooms, guest spaces, and rustic-inspired homes. View the Full Collection

Specifications

Project type	Dresser Plans
Room	Storage Solutions
Style	Farmhouse Furniture
Difficulty	Advanced
Estimated cost	$100-$150

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Mid Height 4 Drawer Dresser with Open Bottom Shelf dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

1 –sheet of 3/4 plywood, cut into 15 ¾” wide strips
1 – sheet of ¼” plywood for back and drawer bottoms
2 – 1x8 @ 6 feet long
4 – 1x6 @ 8 feet long
6 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
5 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1x3 @ 4 feet long
4 – 16” drawer slides, euro style bottom corner mount
4 knobs or pulls

Cut List

2 – ¾” plywood @ 15 ¾” x 26 ¼”
4 – 1x2 @ 15 ¾”
4 – 1x2 @ 23 ¼”
4 – 2x2 @ 40 ¼”
2 – 2x2 @ 15 ¾”
4 – 2x2 @ 40”
1 – ¾” plywood @ 15 ¾” 40”
6- 1x2 @ 40”
2 – 1x2 @ 7 ½”
1 – ¾” plywood @ 15 ¾” x 9”
1 – ¾” plywood @ 15 ¾” x 41 ½”
2 – 1x2 @ 15 ¾”
1 – 1x2 @ 44 ½”
1 – 1x3 @ 44 ½”
Cut drawers to fit

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
kreg-jig
drill
circular saw
sander

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Attach legs with 1 ¼” pocket hole screws through predrilled holes. You will need to make two of ends.

Step 2

Now simply attach legs. Do this on both sides.

Step 3

Attach bottom shelf side. Do this on both sides.

Step 4

Now it's taking shape! Attach side to side as shown above.

Step 5

Step 6

Trim between drawers.

Step 7

Divider between smaller top drawers.

Step 8

This board gives you something to hang your drawer slides too.

Step 9

Build the top first, then attach to dresser top, 1" overhang on front and sides.

Step 10

Build drawers to fit, 1" smaller than overall opening. Here is a good video showing the steps to sizing and installing drawers

Step 11

Install drawers into boxes with slides. Remember, we still have the faces to put on, so inset drawers 3/4" from front of dresser.

Step 12

Attach drawer faces with 1 1/4" finish nails, with an even gap around all sides. Remember to mark location of pulls or handles to avoid nails where you will later drill holes for hardware.

Step 13

I like to attach the back after drawers so it's easy to reach in and work on the slides.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/mid-height-4-drawer-dresser-open-bottom-shelf-board-and-batten-collection