This simple nightstand is a great project for the beginning DIYer. It only requires a few simple tools, all of the cuts are square, and all of the joinery is done via pocket hole screws or regular screws. Plus, building the entire simple nightstand should only take a few hours from start to finish. In one afternoon you can build two of these and have a brand new look in your bedroom before the day is done!
If you have any questions about these plans, or need some tweaks for your own design, reach out to us using the comments section below. And if you use these plans to build your own simple nightstand, show us how yours turned out.
Materials Required
- 1 – 2×4 sheet of 1/2″ plywood
- 5 – 2×2 @ 4′
- 1 – 1×3 @ 6′
- 1/2″ edge banding tape
- Wood glue
Tools Needed
- Miter saw
- Circular saw or table saw
- Kreg jig
- Drill / Driver combo
- Sander & sand paper
Step 1: Cut the legs
The legs on this simple nightstand consist of four 2×2 pieces cut to 27 1/4″ in length, which creates an overall height of 27 3/4″. If you need or want to adjust the height of your nightstand, this is the step to do it, as you can easily cut your legs shorter or longer to modify the height as you choose.
Step 2: Cut and install the stretchers
The next step is to cut your upper and lower stretchers. All of these are also cut from 2×2 stock. Cut four pieces to 14″ long, and four pieces to 10″ long. Then drill two pocket holes in each end of each of the pieces.
Use wood glue and the pocket holes to attach the four top stretchers first, ensuring the tops of all of the pieces are flush. If you assemble this simple nightstand on a flat surface, it should be easy to get the tops even. Then, flip the unit over and attach the lower stretchers 2″ from the bottom of the piece. Again, keep the pocket hole hidden on the bottom.
Step 3: Install the bottom shelf
Now it’s time to install the lower shelf. You can use a single sheet of 1/2″ plywood cut to 10″ x 14″, and then attach using three pocket hole screws on each edge. Or, as we lay out in the diagram below, you can use the same plywood cut into 2″ wide strips and use two pocket hole screws on the end of each strip. The choice is yours, and it’s really a matter of which look you prefer.
Step 4: Add the trim
Next, cut your 1×3 board into two 18″ pieces, and two 13″ pieces. If you have a brad nail gun, use it to attach these trim pieces. If not, you can use two 2″ wood screws from the inside of each of the upper stretchers to attach these; just make certain to pre-drill the holes first. Or, if you have clamps, you can just use wood glue and the clamps if you want to wait 24 hours for the glue to dry. No matter which attachment method you choose, use a liberal amount of wood along the entire connecting surfaces to ensure a strong bond.
Step 5: Top off this simple nightstand
The last step in the construction of this simple nightstand is the plywood top. This is single piece of 1/2″ plywood cut to 20″ x 16″. Position the top with a 1″ overhang on all four sides. Then use 2″ wood screws up through the stretchers (pre-drilling fist) to attach it. You should only need four screws to hold it securely in place.
Now it is on the finishing work to complete this simple nightstand. Since we used plywood for the top, you’ll want to add the edge banding tape to hide the plywood edge even if you’re planning on painting the piece. Plywood edges just don’t finish nicely without it.
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