Modern Nightstand
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterA clean, low-key bedside table: slim 2x2 legs, a plywood top and an open shelf below. One 2x2 and a small panel of plywood.
- Skill
- Beginner
- Build time
- 3 to 4 hours, plus finish
- Lumber
- 1 2x2 and 1 panel of ¾″ plywood
- Joinery
- Pocket holes
- Finished size
- 18″ L × 14″ W × 24″ H
A 2x2 is actually 1½″ × 1½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size. ¾″ plywood is drawn at full thickness, but plywood sold that way is often a hair thinner, so measure yours and cut the pieces that fit between panels to match.
Shopping list
- 12x2, 8 ftFor the legs. Pick a straight one.
- 1¾″ plywood, 2 × 4 ft panelTop, aprons and shelf. Birch plywood has the nicest edges.
- ~601¼″ coarse-thread pocket-hole screws
- 1Wood glue
- —Sandpaper, 120 and 180 grit
- opt.Clear matte finish or paint
Tools
- Circular sawWith a straight board clamped on as a guide.
- Miter sawOr the circular saw, for the legs.
- Pocket-hole jigSet for ¾″ material.
- Drill/driver
- Clamps
- Random orbit sander
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALegs | 4 | 1½ × 1½ × 23¼ | 2x2 |
| BFront and back aprons | 4 | ¾ × 3 × 15 | ¾″ plywood |
| CSide aprons | 4 | ¾ × 3 × 11 | ¾″ plywood |
| DTop | 1 | ¾ × 14 × 18 | ¾″ plywood |
| EShelf | 1 | ¾ × 11 × 15 | ¾″ plywood |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
01Cut the pieces
Cut the legs from the 2x2 and the rest from the plywood panel:
- A Legs, four at 23¼″
- B Front and back aprons, four at 3″ × 15″
- C Side aprons, four at 3″ × 11″
- D Top, one at 14″ × 18″
- E Shelf, one at 11″ × 15″
TipThe plywood edges show on this design, so cut with a fine blade and a straight guide. Ask the store to rip a 3″ strip for the aprons.
02Drill the pocket holes
Set your jig for ¾″ material. Drill 2 pocket holes at each end of every apron (B) and (C), on the inside faces. On the four upper aprons, add holes along the top edge for the top: 2 on each long one, 1 on each side one. Drill 2 along each edge of the shelf (E), on the underside.
03Build the two sides
Fit a side apron (C) between a front and a back leg (A) at the top, flush with the leg tops, and another with its bottom edge 4″ up. Set them in ¾″ from the outside of the legs, so their inside faces line up with the legs' inside faces. Glue and drive 1¼″ pocket screws. Build the second side to match.
TipRest the leg and apron on a scrap of the same plywood while you screw: it sets the ¾″ step every time.
04Join the sides
Fit the front and back aprons (B) between the sides at both levels, set in the same way. Glue and screw, and check the base is square corner to corner.
05Add the shelf
Drop the shelf (E) in between the lower aprons, flush with their top edges, and drive 1¼″ pocket screws up into the aprons.
06Attach the top
Lay the top (D) face down, set the base upside down on it with the edges flush all round, and screw through the top-edge holes of the upper aprons.
07Sand and finish
Sand the plywood edges smooth with 120 then 180 grit and soften every corner. A clear matte finish keeps the plywood layers on show, or paint the base and leave the top clear.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection.