DIY Archives - Page 3 of 52 - Pretty Handy Girl

30+ DIY Outdoor Woodworking Projects for Every Skill Level

Upgrade your outdoor space with these must-try DIY outdoor woodworking projects! From privacy fences to storage sheds and cozy seating — these builds add style and function to any backyard.

DIY Outdoor Builds

Looking to add some charm and functionality to your outdoor space? Get ready to roll up your sleeves with 30+ amazing DIY outdoor woodworking projects!

From stylish planter boxes and cozy fire pits to beautiful patio furniture and benches, these DIY projects are perfect for those with beginner woodworking skills and seasoned woodworkers alike.

Whether you’re upgrading your backyard, porch, or garden, these budget-friendly and creative ideas will help you build something stunning with your own two hands.

Grab your tools, some wood, and let’s build some outdoor projects!

How to Build a Window Pane Lattice Privacy Fence by Pretty Handy Girl

This tutorial is your go-to guide for putting together a window pane lattice privacy fence and gate. It’s super simple and easy to follow! DIY wood projects, such as this, are the perfect way to add a unique touch to your outdoor space.

Creating an Outdoor Oasis by Frugal with a Flourish

Transform your backyard into your personal oasis by putting up some DIY lattice panels with planter boxes! This is a surprisingly simple project that makes a huge difference. It’s perfect for small spaces and rentals.

How to Build a Wood Storage Shed by Pretty Handy Girl

This project will definitely spruce up your fire pit space or give you a cool place to keep and protect your firewood at home. Check out how to make your own wood shed with these detailed plans.

DIY Hose Hiding Planter by Jaime Costiglio

Having an outdoor hose is super handy for plenty of reasons. But let’s be real, we don’t always want it just sitting out in the open when we’re not using it. So why not create a DIY planter to keep it tucked away and out of sight? Let’s check out this handy DIY.

Built-In Fire Pit Benches by Pretty Handy Girl

These easy-to-make built-in fire pit benches are both stylish and straightforward. You won’t need to spend much on materials, and you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off. By the time the weekend wraps up, you could have these permanent benches set up around your fire pit.

Indoor Outdoor Dining Bench by Jillian Grennon for Pretty Handy Girl

If you’re looking for an outdoor furniture garden bench, this one measures 47” x 19”, but the best part is that you can totally customize it! Make it fit your style and space however you like. That’s what makes DIY so enjoyable!

How to Build a Rot Resistant Raised Garden Bed by Pretty Handy Girl

I’ve been wanting to add a raised garden bed to my yard for a few years and finally made it happen. These garden beds won’t rot on you as they are made with fiber-cement siding, also known as Hardi-Plank. To give it a nice touch, I added some lovely cedar trim around the edges.

DIY Fence Trellis by The Handyman’s Daughter

Let me walk you through making this super simple DIY fence trellis. It’s a great way to spice up a dull, flat fence during the winter and provides a nice spot for vines to flourish come summer!

How to Build a DIY Marble Toss Game by Pretty Handy Girl

I whipped up a cool marble toss game to entertain my kids during summer break. It was super simple to put together, and I just used some leftover wood I had hanging out in my workshop. This is a super fun family game that everyone can enjoy.

How to Build Adirondack Chairs by Just the Woods

Adirondack chairs can be pricey, so why not make your own? Kandice from Just the Woods built some Adirondack chairs from the ground up. Luckily, she stumbled upon some free plans online, which totally simplified the whole process! Get all the details to build your own.

DIY Washer Toss Game by Pretty Handy Girl

Here is a super simple guide on creating your own washer toss game at home! We decided to add a personal touch with a custom vinyl stencil to make ours stand out. You can customize your game however you like.

$10 Tall Picket Fence Planter by Jaime Costiglio

Here’s a fun project for you: create a stylish tall planter using affordable fence pickets and pressure-treated wood balusters! Check out these free plans to craft a chic tapered planter that’ll spruce up your outdoor area.

DIY Yard Dice by Jillian

I really enjoy planning fun activities for my family when we’re out enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. I spotted a set of yard dice while out shopping one day and immediately thought, “I’ve got to make these!” They ended up being super easy to make with basic tools.

Turning a Bed Frame into a Garden Bench by Pretty Handy Girl

I totally fell for this bench crafted from a vintage bed frame, but that $350 price was just way too steep for my wallet. Luckily, I stumbled upon a full-sized cannonball bed frame on Craigslist for just $40! Let me walk you through how I turned that bed into a sweet bench.

DIY Firepit and Seating by Pretty Handy Girl

After we had a bunch of hardwood trees removed from our yard, I asked the tree guy to chop up some of the trunk pieces into 18″ chunks so I could use them as stumps for sitting. Then, I got to work on building a DIY firepit and some seating in the backyard. You can make your own with this tutorial!

Building a Striped Porch Swing by Pretty Handy Girl

Discover how to create your very own striped porch swing with pallet wood! Just follow the step-by-step guide along with the cut list provided.

Create a Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen by Pretty Handy Girl

Let me show you how to build a living wall lattice privacy screen for your outdoor space. It will take only a few minutes and is the perfect way to add a little more privacy while creating a cozy intimate feeling. For an extra special touch, I added hanging glass bottles for flowers. This takes the privacy screen to the next level!

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed with a Cucumber Trellis by Charleston Crafted

Get ready to set up your raised garden bed, with or without a cucumber trellis, and dive into gardening tomorrow! Honestly, can you think of anything better than harvesting veggies right from your own backyard?

Step-by-Step Plans to Build a Raised Garden Bed with Arched Trellis (plus, how to make your garden self-watering)
by Pretty Handy Girl

How to Make an Air Conditioner Screen from Pallets by Decor Adventures

Here is a simple DIY project to spruce up your yard! Why not whip up a screen for your air conditioner? It’ll hide the unit and turn your back patio into a more inviting spot for chilling out.

How to Tile a Small Table Top by Decor Adventures

This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of tiling a tiny table top. It’s a lot simpler than it seems, and it’s great for outdoor use as well!

DIY Concrete Wood Planter by Anika’s DIY Life

Concrete planters are super trendy at the moment, and making them is a breeze! Check out this simple project given a unique look with some cute little wooden legs.

Scrap Wood Planter Box by Decor Adventures

Turn those leftover bits of wood into a cool planter box for your plants or herbs. It’s super simple to repurpose what you’ve got, and it won’t break the bank. Here’s a quick guide on how to whip up a planter box using scrap wood.

Repurposed Vintage Milk Jug Side Tables by Jaime Costiglio

Check out this awesome DIY repurpose project that’s perfect for both indoors and outdoors! It starts with an old, weathered milk jug that is given a fresh look with a splash of paint and a wooden top. Create stylish and functional pieces of furniture that you’ll actually want to use!

How to Build a Rock Solid Gate by Pretty Handy Girl

Do you have a saggy old gate that needs replacing? Here’s how to craft a sturdy gate the easy way. The frame is tailored to fit the size you need perfectly, thanks to the length of the 2″x4″ boards. Plus, the hinges are built right into the frame, which makes this one of the fastest and toughest gate kits I’ve ever put together. This is definitely a keeper!

Grown Up Swing Set by Pretty Handy Girl

Are your kids still playing on that ancient swing set in the backyard, or have they moved on from it ages ago? We had one in our yard that was such an eyesore, totally ruining the view. So, we turned it into a unique and creative swing set for adults! This is such a fun project.

Building a Pergola with Trellis Screens by Pretty Handy Girl

We wanted to hide our trash cans to add some curb appeal to our home. We decided to build a pergola with trellis screens after seeing one in a magazine.It’s a DIY job that’s going to need a bit of extra strength for certain parts. Make sure to grab a buddy to help with the heavy lifting. The good news is there are detailed instructions with woodworking plans to help make it a bit easier.

Easy Solar Light Stand by Anika’s DIY Life

Here’s a super simple and fast guide to elevate your outdoor decor using basic solar lights. This solar light stand is the perfect addition to your front porch or backyard.

How to Build a Garden Shed by Pretty Handy Girl

Want to put together an adorable garden shed? I’m sharing an easy way to do just that using a kit. Most of the parts are already cut to size for you, and it even includes detailed diagrams. This shed is just the right size to hold a lawn mower, shovels, garden tools or any other supplies that you want to keep handy.

DIY Rolling Plant Caddy Tutorial by by Brittany Goldwyn

Creating a plant caddy is a game changer when it comes to handling those big plants. Moving them around can be a real hassle! But here’s the good news: making a rolling plant caddy is super simple. This was made using some leftover scrap wood from other projects.

How to Build Flat Sawn Baluster Railing by Pretty Handy Girl

Here’s how to make flat sawn baluster railings featuring a classic diamond cut that gives off that genuine Victorian vibe. I’m including step-by-step instructions on how to create fancy cuts that bring a wow factor.

I hope these DIY outdoor woodworking projects inspire you to build a unique piece for your outdoor space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with a small project, you’ll be sure to gain the skills to tackle one of the larger projects soon. I hope you enjoy some relaxing outdoor relaxation while the warm breezes move in!

If you are looking for a bit of spring and summer curb appeal, check out these DIY front door wreaths.

March 22, 2025/0 Comments/by Michelle James

Build It, DIY, Furniture

Say Goodbye to Boring Furniture: Try These DIY Side Tables Today

Looking for DIY side table ideas? Add a personal touch to any room in your home with these easy and budget-friendly projects.

Whether you decorate in a farmhouse style, or prefer a more modern look, we have a great collection of side table ideas to get you started.

DIY Side Table Ideas

Today is all about side table projects that you can make yourself. Why settle for a boring store-bought table when you can create something truly one-of-a-kind? Take a look at these stylish side tables and get inspired to make one for your own home.

With just a few supplies and a bit of elbow grease, you have yourself a conversation starter in the form of a unique side table that shows off your creativity.

So get ready to create and enjoy the satisfaction of furnishing your home with personalized pieces that showcase your individual style.

Learn how to make a gorgeous DIY x-base side table that will look great in any space. It makes a perfect nightstand with plenty of room for your favorite book and charging station.

This fabulous farmhouse style side table adds a touch of elegance to this living room. Follow the step-by-step tutorial to make your own!

If you are looking to add a touch of nature to your home, you will love this DIY tree stump side table. It’s such a unique piece that will add that wow factor!

You can never have enough storage in your home, so this DIY nightstand with extra storage is perfect for small space living, apartments, or even a dorm room.

Get all the details for this outdoor side table DIY in a warm and rich wood finish.

This simple side table DIY project is a surprisingly easy build perfect for a bedroom, living room or anywhere you need a spot to set down a drink or hold a couple of books.

Make a statement piece of furniture for your home with a stacked side table DIY. This is such a gorgeous table!

Create your own stylish and functional DIY sofa end table. Learn how to make a custom piece that compliments your living room decor.

Looking to spruce up your living space? Create a colorful side table build with this step-by-step guide.

Build your dream side table with these free build plans. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced builder, plans will help you succeed!

Looking for a trendy and functional addition to your space? Check out this tutorial for a modern Boho side table – the perfect mix of style and utility!

Complete your room with a versatile and practical solution. This simple wooden side table combine elegance and functionality for any space.

Get the designer look for less with this unique knock-off garden table. You can make your own adorable table in no time! It will make the perfect addition to your outdoor space.

Create a super cool DIY concrete side table with this tutorial. Perfect for adding a modern touch to any space. Get started today!

Looking for a unique DIY project? Discover how to create your own upcycled DIY side table and add a touch of creativity to your space.

Enhance your patio with an easy-to-build outdoor umbrella side table. Create a functional and stylish addition to your outdoor furniture collection.

Upgrade your living space with this trendy modern side table DIY tutorial. It makes a personalized accent piece for any room.

Get creative and save money by building your own DIY nightstand. This is a beginner-friendly project that has plenty of room for basket storage too!

Learn how to make a budget-friendly accent table with just a few inexpensive pieces. This Target repurpose was made for just $12!

Check out thrift stores for unexpected materials that you can turn into tables. This round side table update was a $2 thrift store find updated with a decoupage technique!

Get ready to impress your guests with a gorgeous DIY fluted side table. Follow these steps for a beautiful addition to your space.

So what do you think? Are you ready to build your own DIY side table? Let me know in the comments below if you give any of these ideas a try. As always, thanks for reading!

Please remember to share on Pinterest to inspire others as well!

Here are even more DIY table ideas:

February 19, 2025/0 Comments/by Michelle James

DIY

25 Amazing DIY Floating Shelves With Step-by-Step Tutorials

Discover 25 stunning DIY floating shelves with easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorials. Transform your space with these creative ideas.

From rustic to modern designs, build floating shelves to fit any home decor style. All you need are a few tools and supplies and you can easily make your own.

DIY Floating Shelves

Today, we’re talking all about DIY floating shelves – the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics that can transform any room from ordinary to extraordinary!

If you’ve been looking for fantastic DIY floating shelf ideas, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned DIY expert or just getting started on your creative journey, these clever and versatile shelving solutions are perfect for any size room. Shelves will not only declutter your space but also showcase your cherished knick-knacks and decor in an organized manner.

Before we get to the inspiration projects, let’s talk about the most common power tools and supplies you may need to build your own.

Common Supplies Needed for DIY Floating Wall Shelves

Pieces of Wood for Shelves (top and bottom pieces)
Shelf Supports
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Wood Screws
Brad Nails
Drill – to drill your pilot holes
Stud Finder (optional but you can find the wall stud so much faster)
Pocket Hole Jig (makes it so easy to make pocket holes)

Now let’s take a look at this great collection of spaces with added floating shelves.

Picture ledge floating shelves built into a nook are the perfect space-saving idea! Display family photos, or other mementos.

I built these floating shelves with LED lighting and they are so cool! These shelves are super strong and have a modern black finish. Plus, you can make them almost entirely with scrap plywood.

Anika from Anika’s DIY Life built a clever DIY Floating Ladder Shelf for her bathroom. This is another space-saver idea perfect for guest towels and toiletries.

Check out this creative floating TV shelf made specifically to hold your TV and components! It’s perfect for small spaces and has a sleek look to it. Plus, it’s a simple build done in about 2 hours.

Warm wood stained shelves are the perfect addition to a small bathroom and fit great above a toilet, which can be a difficult space to decorate. Get the easy step-by-step tutorial to make your own.

Learn how to install glass window shelves above your kitchen sink or any other window in your home. It’s the perfect way to give your favorite plants extra light and they look great in the window too. Something pretty to look at while you’re washing dishes!

DIY Picture Ledge Shelves can be hung in a living room, bedroom or any room where you want to add a bit of personality. The ledge style shelf gives a modern look to the classic wood design.

Kati from Houseful of Handmade shares her tutorial for easy floating shelves that are budget-friendly too.

Add texture and dimension to a small space with this floating shelf tutorial. These shelves would be a great addition to an office with plenty of room for books and other office supplies.

Floating shelves above a desk work perfectly in a child’s room for a dedicated homework station, or to display their favorite collectibles.

Looking for a modern idea for simple DIY floating shelves? Be sure to check out these stunning shelves from Lindi & Russ!

You can add DIY floating shelves the easy way with this tutorial from Allison with Upright and Caffeinated.

Live edge floating shelves are a unique option for any style home. The warm, rich wood tones add texture and dimension on a budget!

Check out these tips for adding floating shelves on an uneven wall. The floor-to-ceiling shelves create a stunning focal point with tons of room for storage.

Farmhouse style floating shelves are a popular option that can be decorated for any season or holiday.

Learn how to make floating shelves the easy way! Handan and Greg share their tips!

Floating window shelves bring in that wow factor and plenty of light to grow plants.

Learn how to make desk floating shelves that take up limited space and a built-in work station.

Toni from Girl, Just DIY added several office floating shelves above her desk for storage and display purposes.

Open shelving in the kitchen is a popular option for so many reasons. It makes a room appear larger and is a budget-friendly option to standard cabinets.

Plywood floating shelves are cheap and easily found at your local hardware or big box store.

Kristi from Chatfield Court shows us how she built faux floating shelves for her bathroom. A simple project that you easily build in just a few hours.

Every bathroom-or room for that matter-can use extra storage. Floating bathroom shelves are the easiest way to add storage for cheap.

Wendy from My French Twist made the coolest leather strap floating shelves for a small blank wall in the kitchen. These have a boho design that are incredibly easy to DIY.

Another unique shelf idea for a small space is to build floating corner shelves. You can get the tutorial and tips for installing them from Angela Rose with Angela Rose Home.

So what do you think? Are you ready to add some DIY floating shelves to your home? Let me know if you give any of these ideas a try. As always, thanks for reading!

Please remember to share on Pinterest to inspire others as well!

Here are even more DIY shelf ideas:

September 4, 2023/0 Comments/by Michelle James

accessories, DIY, Gift Ideas, gifts, kids art, Safety Gear

How to Make a Fir Tree Pegboard

Looking for a last-minute holiday craft you can do with your kids (or alone in your own quiet spot)? How about a fir tree pegboard! This is a festive, fun project you can make in an evening.

How to Make a Fir Tree Pegboard

There are so many fun ways to use this pegboard tree! We’ve made a dino tree, a wino tree, and have big plans for a charcuter-tree (a.k.a. a vertical tree-shaped meat and cheese tray). I imagine even the Elf will find a “shelf” or two to relax on over the next few weeks. When the holidays are over, this tree can shed its twinkle lights and function as a nature-themed table display or become a donut tree! What are your creative ideas for this pegboard? Leave a comment below!

Materials:

1/2” plywood (only need a 2X2-foot piece)
1/2” dowel at 5 feet long
2×6 at 7 inches
Paint (optional but not recommended)

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Tools:

Jigsaw
Miter saw or hand saw
Table saw or circular saw
Orbital sander and/or sandpaper
Drill
1/2” forstner bit
Yard stick or tape measure and a straight edge

Instructions:

Step 1: Determine the desired size of your fir tree peg board. I wanted something 2 feet tall and approximately 2 feet wide at the base with a 7-inch stump at the bottom. Using a table saw or a circular saw, trim down your plywood to a square or rectangular that will fit the outline of your tree. If you purchase plywood from your local hardware store, you can ask them to cut it down to your specifications.

Step 2: With your plywood cut, determine how far apart you want your peg holes. Mine are spaced 2 inches apart from the center of each hole. Unpro tip: If you make the dimensions of your plywood section evenly divisible by the distance between the holes (for example, 24 inches wide with 2-inch hole spacing, or 21 inches wide with 3-inch hole spacing), this process is a breeze. If not, be prepared to do some 8^thgrade level math. Use a pencil to mark the hole spacing along each edge of the plywood, then use a straight edge to connect the marks from side to side.

Step 3: You should have a grid on your 1/2” plywood. If you are artistically inclined, use a pencil to freehand sketch the shape of a tree, starting from the center point at the top. The intersection of each grid line is where you will place a 1/2” hole, so plan the edges of your tree accordingly. Of course, you always have the option of omitting holes too close to the edges. If you aren’t artistically inclined, make a guide by drawing a triangle from the center at the top and down to each bottom corner.

Then sketch the tree branches following the lines on each side. I made a stump at the bottom because my son couldn’t fathom a flat bottom tree (dramatic gasp!). I am NOT a gifted sketcher, but doing it this way was nearly foolproof. Alternatively, a simple triangle pegboard could make a stunning minimalist tree and I love that for those of you who are overwhelmed by the thought of drawing and then cutting fir tree branches.

Step 4: Now for the tools. Both of my kids are notorious for following me into my workshop dungeon and I encourage it! But we have strict rules to keep everyone safe.

Rule number one is that no matter which tools we are using, everyone wears properly fitted (i.e. kid-sized) ear and eye protection. This creates good habits from an early age and prevents those “whoops!” moments when you use the miter saw for “just a quick second” and now everyone’s ears are ringing. A quick hearing fact for the DIYers with kiddos: 1 in 6 school-aged in the children in the US suffers from noise-induced hearing loss. This is permanent hearing loss that can impact their social development and academic success and will ultimately need to be treated with hearing aids to offset the increased risk of early on-set dementia. Take a moment to let that sink in. This is why I am so cautious with my kids around loud tools (not to mention at loud events and on airplanes). My kids wear hearing protection made specifically for children. We use Wise Little Ears hearing protection from an audiologist and educator-owned company. In full disclosure, I am the educator half of this mom-owned business! We assure each pair is high quality and comes with guidance for how and when to use them. If you have children, I hope you’ll look into our Wise Little Ears protective products for your little ones.

Now, with your safety gear on, clamp the plywood to a sturdy surface and use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the tree on one side, then on the other side. Go slowly and make extra cuts to get into tight turns. Save the scraps, you’ll use them for branch-looking shelves later.

Step 5: You should have the outline of your tree with gridlines. Using a pencil, make a mark at all the intersections that are not close to an edge. Remember that the peg holes will be a 1/2” in diameter, so they need a little space. Skip any hole that is too close to the edge. Using a drill, make small pilot holes at each mark. Pilot holes are optional, but they help guide the forstner bit.

(Drill press not necessary, a hand held drill would work fine.)

Then, using a sharp 1/2” forstner bit, place the center of the bit into the pilot hole, drilling slowly at first, then speeding up through the plywood and out the back. When all the holes are drilled, lightly sand both sides of the plywood with 180-220 grit sandpaper to clean up and remove the pencil lines. Then lightly sand the edges and the bottom to remove splinters or sharp edges.

Step 6: To make a stand for your pegboard, cut a 2×6 the length of the bottom of your tree or stump and make a deep groove (also called a dado) through the middle of the 2×6 that is the same thickness of the plywood. You can do this with a router and a 1/2” strait bit (be sure to clamp your wood for a hand held router. Alternatively, you can use a table saw.

To use a table saw, set the blade depth to about one inch so that when you pass the 2×6 flat over the blade, it cuts a channel instead of cutting all the way through the wood. Set the saw fence to the middle of the 2×6 (this doesn’t have to be exact) and make your first pass over the blade. Turn the saw off, move the fence over slightly less than the width of the blade (typically 1/8”), then run your board in for another pass. Continue this process, checking the width of the groove after each pass with a scrap piece of the tree cutout, until the channel is the same thickness as the plywood. It is important that the tree fits snugly into the base, otherwise the tree will tip to one side or the other.

If you went big with the size of your tree, like REALLY BIG, you will need to modify the base to make it sturdier. For example, if your tree is in the 2-to-3-foot range, a 2×6 will work. Tree peg boards that are larger than 2-3 feet wide will need a larger base or create additional feet on the front and back.

Step 7: Now it’s time to make your shelves and cut your pegs! Collect your leftover plywood scraps and determine which pieces would make good shelves. A good shelf must be longer than the distance between at least two peg holes and have a flat side that will sit flush against the tree. I picked the longest sections with interesting, branch like curves. If you didn’t manage to get anything that fits this description, you can use your jigsaw to create a shape in any piece with at least one flat side. Or, if you prefer, you can cut standard 90 degree shelves.

Cut your pegs according to the depth of your shelves. The pegs should extend to the edge of the shelf for more stability. Cut a few long pegs to hang wine glasses and short pegs to hang coffee mugs, ornaments, or to string lights.

Optional step: Paint. Here’s the thing about paint and peg boards. Painted surfaces, especially with sheen, will stick together. There is also a good chance that a painted peg will fit not fit into painted hole because paint adds thickness to both surfaces, making the pegs slightly bigger and the holes slightly smaller. The easiest solution is to leave the tree and pegs completely unfinished. But if that’s not an option for you, your kids, or your wine glass, here are a few suggestions:

Pick a paint with a matte finish so there is less stick.
Don’t paint the pegs OR the inside of the holes. Unpainted pegs and hole edges would look fun!
Thin out the (matte) paint and do a paint wash.
Sand the pegs and the holes. This is a risky option because if you sand too much, the pegs won’t be tight in the holes and if you don’t sand enough, they won’t fit.
Use a sponge to make a textured accent rather than a solid coat of paint.

And there you have it! A fun festive project with endless options. Remember to check out Wise Little Ears for more information on protecting your little builder’s ears.

Build scrappy and be safe!

~See More of Lara’s Tutorials~

December 15, 2022/1 Comment/by Lara the Unprofessional

Learn the simplest and most accurate way to build drawer boxes with this easy tutorial.

Drawer Box Build

Welcome back, this is Kristen from In Her Garage Woodworking here with another build plan for you. When I first began my DIY woodworking journey over 5 years ago I was most intimidated by building drawers. I avoided them because I thought there were too many measurements and too much room for error. But, with a simple plan and a lot of practice, I now make drawers consistently and accurately. These are the exact plans I use to this day to make drawer boxes for all of my commissioned furniture pieces because when you’re able to make something quickly and easily that is solid and looks great, why would you ever change it?

Materials

3/4” thick board (or plywood) (purchase the width of your choice at the circumferential measurement of the drawer box needed)
1/4” plywood panel
1 ¼” pocket screws
Titebond 3 wood glue
Drawer slides

Tools

Miter saw or circular saw
Table Saw (or use your circular saw and this jig)
Kreg Jig
Brad nailer

Instructions:

Your drawer can be any depth you wish, but before building the drawers, rip your 3/4″ material to the drawer height you desire (if you are using plywood or if your 3/4″ material is wider than your finished drawer.

Step #1: Cut drawer box sides

Using your miter or circular saw, cut two identical 3/4” boards to the same length of the drawer slides you’ll be using.

Step #2: Cut drawer box front and back

Cut two pieces of the 3/4 inch material for the front and back of the drawer box. If you’re using ¾” material to build the drawer box then the length of the front and back can be calculated as follows (see equation and picture below):

Width of drawer box – 1½” = width of front and back drawer box boards

Step #3: Add groove for drawer bottom (optional)

Taking all four 3/4″ boards to the table saw cut a groove 1/4” from the bottom of all sides that is 1/4” deep. Run the 3/4 board through one time, then adjust the fence (or your saw) to cut another groove next to the first. (A standard saw blade is 1/8” wide so you will need to make two passes in each board to achieve a 1/4″ groove for the 1/4″ drawer bottom material.

Dry-fit the plywood to check for fit.

Step #4: Create pocket-holes

Using your Kreg jig make 2 pocket-holes at either end of the front and back boards on the opposite side as the plywood bottom groove if you chose to do this step. Be sure to avoid the groove.

Step #5: Assembly

If you DID NOT cut a groove to accept the plywood bottom, then you can assemble the drawer box using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.

Then, you will cut your bottom 1/4″ panel to the length and width of the drawer box and simply glue and nail it to the bottom of the drawer box

If you DID create a groove for the bottom panel assemble the front and both sides using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.

Next, cut the ¼” plywood to fit into the bottom of the drawer box groove dry fitting the back panel to check for fit.

Once you have the correct size for the plywood bottom then slide it into the groove and attached the back piece of the drawer box using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws. There is no need to apply glue into the panel groove. The plywood bottom will “float” in place.

No need to worry about filling the pocket-holes because you will be applying a drawer face directly over them.

Be sure to check for square by measuring both diagonals of the drawer box. If one measurement is longer simply squeeze the longer diagonal until both are the same.

Allow drawer box to dry.

That is the basic drawer box build that I use and it is strong and easy to put together. I hope this tutorial gives you the confidence to tackle that project you’ve been putting off. Next, I will teach you my favorite method for installing drawers and how I troubleshoot drawer boxes that just aren’t quite the right fit!

Finishing Tips:

If you are making your drawer boxes out of plywood then check out Brittany’s Edge Banding Tutorial and learn how to cover that unsightly plywood edge.

Wondering how, or if, you should apply a protective finish to the drawer box? If I am working with solid wood for the drawer sides then I will give the material a quick finish sanding and that’s it. But, for plywood, I typically do one of two things, depending upon what I have on hand at that time.

Option 1: Apply 1 or 2 coats of sanding sealer to raise the grain of plywood and sand smooth. Sanding sealer is clear, easy to apply, and dries quickly. If I have the time and patience I may also apply a quick spray of clear, semi-gloss, water-based topcoat to give it a little shine but it isn’t necessary.
Option 2: Apply 2 to 3 coats of spray shellac to seal the plywood. Spray shellac dries quickly and won’t leave any chemical smell behind. But be aware that it will give the plywood a slight amber tone which typically isn’t big deal. Remember to lightly sand between coats.

Hi! I’m Kristen, from In Her Garage, and I am a self-taught woodworker and DIY fanatic from Minnesota where I live with my husband and our two daughters. Between being a wife, mom and, registered nurse, I try to make as much time for DIY as possible. My love for building came after our family built our current home in 2015. After we moved in, we needed furniture and instead of spending massive amounts of money to order the pieces we wanted I decided that I would build them myself. I started with a buffet table plan from the fabulous Ana-white and quickly set out to remodel my entire home office.

Since then I have started a side business building furniture for the people in my community. I love hearing my clients talk about the pieces they wish they had whether it be a rustic buffet table, a one drawer side table, or a toy box, and then making it a reality for them. While starting my small business it made perfect sense that I would document my building journey so I simultaneously launched the In Her Garage blog and I love sharing my plans, tips, and tricks.

Making something beautiful with your own two hands through a little preparation and determination is an amazing feeling and I hope to bring inspiration and know-how to those looking to tackle a big or small project.

I am so glad that you found me here and please feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to see what I am working on right now. And check out the brand new In Her Garage Etsy shop for other plans or to have a furniture item made especially for you!

February 17, 2021/0 Comments/by In Her Garage