Introduction: DIY 6 Drawer Dresser

About: I run FixThisBuildThat.com where we focus on Woodworking and DIY Projects, Plans and Tools. Come check us out and let us inspire you to build something awesome!

In this Instructable I'll show you how to make DIY 6 Drawer Dresser. It's for my daughter to go with her DIY Daybed and continue to fill out her bedroom suite. It's an involved but easy build with simple joinery and materials available from the home center.

Be sure to watch the video above, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

If you want detailed plans and cut lists to build your own I have plans available at my blog post: https://fixthisbuildthat.com/diy-dresser-plans/

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Tools Used (affiliate links)

Materials/Supplies

Step 2: Build the Sides

Each side is made from a 3/4" plywood panel and 2x2 legs. The legs have a 3" reveal at the bottom.

The panels are attached to the legs with pocket hole joinery. I clamped them together and secured everything with screw and glue.

Step 3: Trim the Sides

To add some detail I put trim pieces on the outside of the panel.

I used a 1x2 on the top and 1x3 on the bottom.

I finished off with installing cove molding around the inner frame, using miter joints on the corners.

Step 4: Build the Bottom and Connect the Sides

For the bottom I used another 3/4" plywood panel. I trimmed it with 1x3 boards on the front and back.

Using pocket hole joinery I attached it to one side first, then cut and installed stretchers to go across the top and middle. These made the drawer openings.

I flipped the assembly over onto the other side and connected it all with pocket screws.

To add rigidity and a space for the upper drawers I added center dividers and a cleat between them. This will help mount the drawers in the next step

Step 5: Build and Mount Drawers

I built four large drawers and two small drawers for the dresser. I actually made a whole post on How to Make Drawers in 6 Easy Steps if you're interested in the nitty gritty details.

To mount the drawers I used 16" full extension drawer slides.

I used a series of spacers to mount the slides to the cabinet, then put the drawers in place and attached them using another series of spacers to keep everything in place.

Step 6: Attach the Drawer Fronts

With all the drawers made I cut drawer fronts to fit them. I painted all the drawer fronts and the cabinet before install.

To get a perfect fit and reveal around each drawer I used a series of playing cards as spacers. Check out the video to see this trick, it's one of my favorites.

When the drawers were spaced and clamped in place I attached them from inside with screws.

After the fronts were on I finished off the drawers with drawer pulls.

Step 7: Build and Attach the Top

I made a mitered picture frame top for the dresser.

The center is 3/4" plywood and it is trimmed with 1x3's for a picture frame look. I used pocket hole joinery for the attachments and a lot of glue.

After it was dry I painted the top then attached it to the dresser from underneath with screws.

Be sure to watch the video above for more info, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

If you want detailed plans and cut lists to build your own I have plans available at my blog post: https://fixthisbuildthat.com/diy-dresser-plans/

Woodworking Contest

Participated in the
Woodworking Contest