Changing Table - Brookstone

Hi everyone!!!! Remember our Brookstone collection of plans? [2] It started with the headboard .... love this one from Angeladrose ... [3] And there's a desk with hutch. And you didn't hear this from me ... but on our Facebook Page [4] I did see a lovely crib made from two full sized headboards (complete with matching sibling twin bed) made in the same style ... So when the super talented Patrick Hosey (who with his wife Crystal is due a second big round of congrats soon) wanted to make a matching changing table, I couldn't be more happy to design one! Isn't it lovely? To make changing diapers a little less dirty ... or at least easier, Patrick opted for the pull out wings on the sides for extra storage and pull out drawers instead of shelves. To make this plan easier, omit these and just go with fixed shelves. Here's from Patrick: I think it would be a cool idea to have an "Avoided Mistakes" section in every plan. I have a couple things to consider with this project. If you want to make drawers for this, be aware that normally you make your drawer 1 inch shorter in length than your face frame. It's totally not the case in this one. Because the doors are 1 1/2'' thick, you have to beef up the inside of the case in order for the drawers to clear the thick doors. Then you have to measure the drawers afterwards. This was a pain because I made the cabinet, then the drawers, and the doors last. As soon as the doors got installed I realized holy crap my drawers are way too long. I'd hope others don't make this mistake. So on the inside of the case wall, you have to stack 2 boards on top of each other to make a 1 1/2'' board and then attach it to the inside wall. I didn't use knobs on the pull out wings. Instead I used a spray paint cap to curve out a piece that you can pull. I drilled a 3/4'' hole in the bottom of the curved piece to be able to get your finger under to pull it out. Be extremely careful to get an exact 1/8'' gap for your pull out wing. Mine was a bit too wide so I had to use "L" brackets to attach my table top instead of pocket holes. Keep in mind these are 1 1/2'' doors so you have to buy longer bolts for the knobs instead of using what comes with them. That's an extra trip to the store that no one wants. One last thing. I had to use 1x6s for the door panel cause Home Depot was out of flooring. I chamfered the edges and then glued it up. Make sure to recess the inner panel about a half inch from the outside edge of the outer part of the door. This is the only way you'll be able to close your doors. I hope that helps people save time and frustration. Nice to know that even super advanced builders have challenges they work through too, isn't it? Thank you Patrick for all the tips and advice - it will really help out! If you are not an advanced builder, simply build without the pullout leaves or drawers - it will be an easy peasy project then!