3 Drawer Dresser or Baby Changing Table

Difficulty

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Free plans to build a dresser or changing table (with topper!) from Ana-White.com - this beautiful little dresser is perfect as a changing table too. Step by step plans with diagrams, shopping list, cut list and lots of reader submitted photos.

Why We Built This Dresser

My friend Whitney from Shanty2Chic needed a baby shower gift. Since buying a $1000 changing table was just too much, Whitney DIYed a new changing table with three large drawers!

Here's from Whitney from Shanty2Chic:

"I love my latest furniture build I am sharing today. My first babysitter I used with my oldest three girls has grown up and is now having a baby of her own. I thought it would be so fun and very full circle to make her a changing table for the baby! She wanted drawer space and something that would work as a dresser after she was out of diapers. I found great inspiration on Pottery Barn Kids and teamed up with my sweet friend Miss Ana White to build her this changing table! The cost was just around $200 which is way better than the $1000 they were asking for theirs!"

Free Plans to Build 3 Drawer Dresser or Changing Table

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x10 @ 10 feet long (for drawer faces)
26 feet (I'd buy a little more to be safe) of 1x6 for drawer boxes
1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x3s @ 8 feet long (for topper - can also use 1x4s here)
1 sheet of 3/4" plywood
1 sheet of 1/4" plywood
36 feet of moudling for drawer faces/top edge and bottom edge
3 sets 16" euro style drawer slides
6 knobs
1-1/4" pocket hole screws
1" and 1-1/4" brad nails
wood filler or edge banding to finish plywood edges

Cut List

2 - 3/4" plywood 18" x 32 3/4" (sides)
1 - 3/4" plywood 18" x 40" (top)
2 - 1x4 @ 38 1/2" (footers)
4 - 1x2 @ 38 1/2" (top supports and between drawer face supports)
1 - 1/4" plywood @ 40" x 33 1/2"

DRAWERS

6 - 1x6 @ 16" (sides)
6 - 1x6 @ 36" (front/back)
3 - 1/4" plywood @ 16" x 37 1/2" (bottoms)
3 - 1x10 @ 38 1/4" (drawer faces)

TOPPER

3 - 1x3 @ 16"
2 - 1x3 @ 39"

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by attaching the sides to the top. I definitely recommend 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws here - the joint is just so much better and is hidden and so much easier to make - and since this project doesn't have a face frame, it will help keep the project square. If you are cutting out the base, take a second to jigsaw the sides out now. NOTE: For a stained finish, you will want to add edge banding to the front edges of the sides before assembly.

Step 2

Then add the front and back supports along the base. We could have done a bottom shelf instead, but that adds a ton of weight and extra material, so I went this route with the plans.

Step 3

Now attach the top trim - this one just adds a little decoration and a little extra support on top.

Step 4

These guys go between the drawers so when you look at the project from the front, there's no air gaps in between. Also, they hold the drawers in place when installed.

Step 5

Build the drawer boxes and install - here is a video tutorial showing how

Step 6

Drawers need to be installed inset 3/4" to allow for the drawer face, installed in the lowest possible position above the 1x2s. Use a square to help you install the cabinet members.

Step 7

Attach drawer faced to fronts of drawers, allowing for a 1/4" gap in between drawers. You can use a nailer and 1-1/4" finish nails to attach, then open the drawer and add a few screws from the inside. Another tip is to install the knobs first so you don't have to drill through double thickness for the drawer fronts (as most knobs only have a bolt designed for 3/4" thick drawer faces). Dress the drawers up with trim or moulding if desired.

Step 8

The back could have been installed at any time, but I like to leave it off until after the drawers are installed just to make reaching inside easier. The down side is the back does help keep the project square - so if your project is not square, it may make sense to put the back on earlier (around step 3).

Step 9

Trim the top and bottom edges out to add interest and cover exposed plywood edges on bottom. If you are using a shaped moulding, you will need miter the corners.

Step 10

The topper is a piece of cake! Changing pads can vary in length, so make sure you build to suit your topper.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Dresser Plans