Minimalist Modern Tall Dresser
Build your own tall dresser! This dresser is a beauty with it's simplicity and modern form.
Specifications
| Project type | Dresser Plans |
|---|---|
| Room | Bedroom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 4 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x10 @ 10 feet long
- 1- full panel of 3/4" thick plywood, ripped intro strips 16" wide
- 1 - half panel (4'x4') 1/4" thick plywood, ripped into strips 16" wide
- 5 - euro style drawer slides, 16" length
- 1-1/4" and 3/4" brad nails
- 1-1/4" screws for attaching drawer faces (about 20 screws)
- wood glue
Cut List
- 5 - 1x3 @ 21" - front inner trim
- 4 - 1x3 @ 50-3/4" - drawer slide supports
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 16" x 50" - side plywood panel
- 4 - 1x2 @ 24" - trim
- 2 - 1x2 @ 16" - trim
- 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 16" x 22-1/2" - top plywood panel
- 4 - 1x2 @ 48-1/2" - trim
- 10 - 1x6 @ 16" - drawer box sides
- 10 - 1x6 @ 18-1/2" - drawer box front and back
- 5 - 1x10 @ 20-3/4" - drawer faces, ripped down to 8-1/2" longest point, with an inside 45 degree bevel
- 5 - 1/4" plywood @ 16" x 20"
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- circular saw
- compound miter saw
- table saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Build the front frame with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
Adjust the front frame for square by taking opposite diagonals and pushing long diagonal points together until the opposite diagonals match in measurement.
Attach the remaining 1x3s @ 50-3/4" to the side plywood panels - this is done in mirror.
Then attach the drawer frame from step 1 to the front of the plywood panels. Use glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Step 3
Attach 1x2 trim to bottom of the dresser with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
Build the top by first attach trim to the top ends, then to the front.
Apply glue to the top of the dresser where the top will be installed. Place the top on the dresser and nail in all available attachment points.
Step 5
Attach trim to the front and the back of the dresser, edges flush to outside.
Build drawer boxes and install in drawer.
I did do a video on how to install the drawers in this dresser here.
Step 7
Rip the 1x10 drawer faces so the front measurement is 8-1/2" but the top is bevel back at a 45 degree. Attach the drawer faces to the drawer boxes with brad nails first, then reinforce with screws from back - I used 1-1/4" Kreg screws, but you could also use 1-1/4" self tapping star bit screws.
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/minimalist-modern-tall-dresser