Build your own end table or nightstand with drawer, for about $50 using 2x4s and 2x6 lumber. Beautiful, solid wood design is substantial in size and sturdy. Features a large, roomy drawer and planked wood top. You just need a few basic power tools and our easy, beginner plans with step by step diagrams, video tutorial, detailed shopping list and cut list.
Build the matching Modern Farmhouse Bed with our free plans.
End Table with Drawer Features
With a simple, solid wood design that can be painted or stained, this DIY end table fits almost any decor and is super functional.
- Easy to build design
- Basic tools (no pocket holes)
- Roomy drawer
- Easy to vacuum underneath
- Paint or stain - all wood
- Substantial size - like something you'd find at Pottery Barn!
Use as a Nightstand
This end table can also be used as a nightstand to match any of our beds, I have it paired with our Modern Farmhouse Bed (plans here).
See it Get Built - Video Tutorial
If you are interested in building this nightstand, please take a moment to watch the build video - HOW this nightstand is built is everything.
Easy Build End Table with Drawer Plans
We are happy to share with you our free step by step plans below. If you build, we very much appreciate brag posts so others can see how your project turned out.
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Preparation
- 1 - 2x4 @ 104-5/8" long (or longer
- 1 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 2x8 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 20-1/2" x 19"
- 18 white euro style drawer slides
- 4 - 2x4 @ ~7-1/4" - cut to match the width of the 1x8 boards
- 2 - 1x8 @ 18-1/4" - sides
- 4 - 2x4 @ 18-1/2" - legs
- 1 - 1x8 @ 23" - back
- 1 - 1x8 @ 22-3/4" - drawer face
- 3 - 2x8 @ 30" - top
DRAWER - Do not cut until you can measure the opening and adjust to fit if needed
- 2 - 1x4 @ 18"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 19"
- 1 - 1/4" plywood @ 20-1/2" x 19"
1-1/4" nails can be used for the 1-1/2" nails, if you don't want to buy both
Instructions
Step 1
Use glue and the 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" brad nails to attach the 1x8 sides to the shorter 2x4s.
Line outside edges up carefully.
Hold flush to top, leave any discrepancies at the bottom.
Repeat to build two of the same.
Step 2
Apply glue where legs overlap the sides.
Attach with 2" brad nails and glue, keeping outside edges and top edges flush.
Step 3
Install drawer slide cabinet member on the shorter 2x4s.
Make sure the two drawer slides are installed exactly the same location so your drawer slides evenly.
The front of the drawer slide (wheel side) is flush to the front edge of the shorter 2x4. The back edge may end short of the back shorter 2x4 depending on your drawer slides.
Repeat for opposite side (but in mirror).
Step 4
Attach back with 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" brad nails and glue.
Step 5
Measure the opening for the drawer cavity.
Read the instructions with your drawer slides. Common drawer slide clearance is 1" overall (1/2" on each side).
Figure your drawer size and build to fit.
If ALL of the following are TRUE, you can proceed with measurements shown in diagram and given in cut list -
- Inside width is 21-1/2"
- 1x4 thickness is 3/4"
- Drawer slide clearance is 1/2" per side (1" overall)
Cut bottom plywood and nail and glue to bottom with 3/4" brad nails.
Install drawer members on the finished drawer.
Test drawer inside the nightstand.
Step 6
With drawer opening and closing smoothly, nail top boards to the top of the nightstand.
I kept everything flush to the front to match the look of our modern farmhouse bed, but you can overhang the front (or even cut longer to overhang on the sides) if trying to match our classic farmhouse bed.
Step 7
Cut the drawer face about 1/4" smaller than your front opening.
Apply glue and nail the drawer face to the front of the drawer, leaving an even gap at top and sides, use 1-1/4" brad nails.
Avoid nailing where the hardware will be placed.
Comments
andrew14321
Wed, 10/16/2019 - 04:04
Hi Ana, Would you mind…
Hi Ana,
Would you mind telling me what stain and wood you used on the Modern Farmhouse Bed picture above, below the first nightstand picture with the gray and white pillows?
Thank you,
Andrew
Emo Wood Works
Mon, 04/13/2020 - 18:14
Help with measurement
Hi Anna I love this nightstand I would love to make 3 draws I was going to make it 30" high. I do want my draws deep so I will use 1x6 draws and 1x8 face front I just want to know how many inches will the back 1x8 piece should be. Please let me know. Thank you
Emo Wood Works
Mon, 04/13/2020 - 18:17
Sorry I forgot to mention…
Sorry I forgot to mention that my draws will be 25" long and 18" depth
were4cs
Thu, 06/04/2020 - 12:41
15 year old daughter built this.
My 15 year old daughter built this. Super easy. She went with me to get the wood. She would not let me do anything but sand. She did it all. Even stained it.
hdan450
Sat, 04/10/2021 - 15:09
In progress and good learning
I am currently making this, it is a really good blueprint with great details used alongside the YouTube video
This is my first woodworking project and it looks great, just need to sort the top out and attach the drawer face
Some good lessons learned - the width I required needed to be shorter than this, and I realised that the 2x4s here too wide, along with the wood for the drawer. I have successfully managed to scale both down to get a nice drawer in there
If there is a way to upload images here I'm happy to share :)
Overall pleased with this and how it is progressing for a first attempt :)
s@flores
Tue, 06/01/2021 - 07:34
Length of nightstand top
Hi Ana,
Quick question regarding the top of this night table, is it really 30 inches? The one you made on the video does not look like that long? We are in the process of making the matching king bed and eventually make the matching night stand but with the length of 30 inches it won’t fit in our room. I hope you will notice my comment.
Thank you very much