Pottery Barn Inspired DIY Dresser

June 28, 2012 By

Hey friends! I am SO excited to share my latest build!  This next one has been a long time coming.  This has been where my son’s tv has been resting for the last few months…

I know… Pretty shanty, right?? ;-)

I have been avoiding tackling  a dresser for sometime, because I thought it might be too hard.  Well I am happy to report that it did not kill me, and it really wasn’t too difficult at all!  The best part??  His tv and clothes now have a new home!  Here it is!  Ana gave me a great set of easy plans to follow and you can see them HERE!

DIY Pottery Barn Dresser

I will say that the Kreg Jig® is a MUST for this build.  If you need another excuse to finally go and buy one, just check our last 10-15 furniture projects.  You need one… I promise!

I will show you a few tips here, and you can get the full set of plans for my Pottery Barn Inspired Dresser HERE on Ana White’s site!

I used my Kreg Jig® on lots of parts!

The sides…

Kreg Jig Pocket Holes

pocket hole jig

The base…

pocket holes in base

The base looks like this after it is attached…

This is a picture of the top before I attached it to the dresser.

Kreg Jig

I used Gorilla Wood Glue on ALL of my joints!  LOVE!  It never fails, and it is our very favorite glue!

For this piece I was finally able to try out some PureBond Hardwood Plywood.  I have heard lots about it, and it certainly lived up to it’s hype for me!  I used 3/4″ birch from Home Depot and had the nice man at Home Depot cut it into 15 3/4″ strips as Ana calls for in the plans.  This saved me lots of time, and made it much easier to carry home!

I will be sharing later a more specific tutorial on working with metal drawer slides, but Ash gives a few tips HERE on her Pottery Barn inspired coffee table!

Here it is all finished up and ready for a good coat of stain!

DIY Wood Dresser

I used the same stain on this piece that I used on the other pieces I made for his room.  This stain is the BOMB.  It dries in less than an hour, and only requires 1 coat.  As a mommy with lots to do, this makes me super happy!

Rust-Oleum Wood Stain

Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut

For my hardware I matched what I used previously.  These sash pulls can be found at Lowe’s for cheapo!

My hubby helped me move it into his room and I took a few more pictures for you guys!

DIY Pottery Barn Dresser

Hope you LOVE it!  I do!  Sure beats the old clothes basket… just sayin!

I would love for you to share this and Pin it below!

You can also check out the other pieces I have made for his room!

DIY Nightstand

DIY Restoration Hardware Nightstand

DIY Bookcase

DIY Bookcase

DIY Platform Bed

DIY Pottery Barn Platform Bed

DIY Wood Shelves

$20 Easy Shelves!!

Thanks so much for stopping by guys!  Make sure to check Ana’s site for the full set of plans on this great DIY dresser!

~Whitney

73 Comments Filed Under: Furniture, Knock-Offs, Wood Stain Projects, Woodworking Projects

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  • noreen

    Oh My GOD I love this! It is fab, you are so talented, would love to do something like this, I need to pluck up the courage! How much did it cost to make approx? :)

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Noreen! $175… Forgot that part :-)

  • http://www.myhootdesigns.com Chrissy

    Love it!! The whole room looks great with all the elements!! I’m curious like Noreen with the PureBond plywood. Approx cost?

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Chrissy!! $175… Totally forgot to add that! :-)

  • http://technicallyorganizedmama.com Lauren H

    Beautiful job, Whitney! Thinking it would make a great console in the DR or large entry, too.

    How do you ladies do it?!? I’m going to have to stop reading your blog as I feel like a super under-achiever. Ha! Ha!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Haha Lauren… Don’t feel that way! You saw my motivation… Just put a tv on a clothes basket and you will be instantly inspired :-) )

  • http://www.diyonthecheap.com Erin @ DIY On the Cheap

    Pinned! Love this. Great job! I may have to attempt this when I get over my fear of power tools.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      You can do it Erin… Promise! :-)

  • Deanna Sutherland

    Fabulous as always….can we chat about the floors in your sons room for a sec? Are those stained concrete? Did you do them yourself and do you love them or not so much? Would love to hear your experience with them:) LOVE LOVE LOVE your site and the gorgeous stuff you girls make!!!!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Deanna!

      Stained concrete… We paid a contractor BUT I do wish I would have done them myself… I’m not super pleased with the finish because it shows lots of scratches. Hope this helps!

  • http://www.pitterandglink.blogspot.com Bethany

    So beautiful! I’ve wanted a piece of furniture to put my tv on in my living room. After seeing this, maybe I could build something myself! Thanks for the inspiration!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      You so can!! :-) Thank you!!

  • June

    Really gorgeous!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you June!

  • http://www.christinazimmerman.com Christina Z.

    Ok..I have to know…how much did it cost to make???????????????? :D I love it!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      $175… Totally forgot to add that!

  • http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com Jaime

    Whitney love this build, if only I had more space in my kids rooms! I’m uber jealous you all got to meet up with Ana at Haven, I had no idea I would be missing out on such a great experience, you can bet I will be there next year. Maybe we can all collaborate on a Mega-build someday.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      We would love that!! You for sure need to come! We had such a great time!!

  • http://www.villagecupcakes.com Ashley

    LOVE it! I’m a huge fan of everything you do! It’s started to inspire me to make my own things. Where did you find the wire baskets in the room?

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Hey Ashley! On Amazon! Search wire locker basket :-)

  • michele

    Wow, aren’t you so clever and talented! What a great job. Looks just like the PB catalog in his room!!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thanks Michele!! I appreciate it!

  • http://kamsmomusa.blogspot.com/ Carolyn Dodd

    I can’t even TELL you how impressed I am with this room and all the work you did. “Wow” is the only thing that comes to mind.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Carolyn!! ;-)

  • http://www.creativelittledaisy.typepad.com Autum

    Amazing! Not many boys can say their mom made all the furniture in their bedroom. I am finally working up the courage to try some build projects and you are a huge source of inspiration and encouragement. I am currently trying to build some slide out drawers for beneath my kitchen sink. I got the two drawers built today, only to realize I had not allowed enough room for the slides and the boxes were too wide to fit : ( I’m not giving up though. I have a question, do you use kreg clamps for holding your wood in place when joining? I am using kreg pocket holes, but have trouble keeping everything lined up, especially trying to get perfect 90 degree angles so my drawer boxes are square.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Hey Autum! Have you checked out some of the Kreg clamps?? They are specifically for those angles! Thanks for your sweet message!

  • http://www.rafahifamily.blogspot.com AndreaR

    WOW, I love the finiish on all of those furniture pieces! I am not as handy as I would like to be with power tools, but you have inspired me! Hopefully one day I will be there….I just finished my first makeover on a dresser for my girls’ room. (after much anxiety–for fear I would ruin it.)

    Thanks for sharing!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      You are sweet Andrea! Thanks so much… You can totally do it! :-)

  • http://www.roubinek.net Jamie @Roubinek Reality

    This looks so awesome!! I tried to make her media console last summer and it ended up being too wobbly to use. Maybe I’ll get brave enough to tackle one of her projects again soon, but I gotta have this baby first before I can get back on the DIY wagon.

    LOVE his entire room!!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Jamie! I agree… Much prefer building NOT pregnant! :-)

  • http://call-me-nif.blogspot.com Nif @ Call Me Nif

    Speechless! I LOVE all the pieces you have done for his room! What a talent you have!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thanks so much Nif!! ;-)

  • Linda P

    Hi. I was also wondering about the floor. I like it very much.

    I was also wondering about the finish on the pieces you made. The stain is a rich, gorgeous color, but do you finish it at all with poly or wax or anything?

    As always,very nicely done.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Hey Linda! It is stained concrete… I do love that I can scrape just about anything off of it! We had ours stained when we built the home.

      I did use Rust-Oleum’s polyurethane on the top of the piece to protect it from water rings and from my 5 kiddos :-) . Thank you!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/annie.livengoodwahls Annie Livengood Wahls

    Love this! where did you get the baskets that fit under? the pottery barn ones are not cheap and I was looking for an alternative for my camp style dresser that we got (before I knew how to DIY!) Also love the basket of baseballs-such a chic little room!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      I found these at Michael’s, but have also found many at Hobby Lobby. Hope this helps!
      Thanks!

  • castebner

    Great job, it looks amazing!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thanks so much!! I appreciate it!

  • Janet

    Absolutely love! Once again you amaze me! Thanks to you, I bought the Kreg jig, you guys should get commissions!!!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      You are sweet Janet! Thank you so much! I will see if I can hit Kreg up for that ;-)

  • Anne Davis

    You are freaking amazing! This looks like something I would buy in a store… new follower – found you on Pinterest :)

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you Anne!! That totally made me smile :-)
      ~Whitney

  • Mary Bradley Fritz

    My son and I are very excited (well, I’m excited but he’s willing) to tackle some of these projects over the summer! He doesn’t know that my goal is to give him a college student worthy room. I have been researching the Kreg Jig and, while it’s spendy, I know that it will go a long way. Which model/setup do you most recommend?

  • JenWoodhouse.com

    Seriously impressed here. I love the build, but love the finish even more! Great job! I’m putting this on my to-do list and will come back and share once I get ‘er done!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      We would love to see it!! Thank you Jen :-) !!

      • JenWoodhouse.com

        Quick question… for your Kentwood nightstand and bookcase: did you use pine? And for this wide dresser project, you used birch?

        • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

          I did use pine for those. I just recently learned about PureBond plywood and it’s benefits. The birch stains almost exactly the same as pine boards do, which is why I went that direction with the dresser. You can get the PureBond at HD. Let me know if you have any other ?’s! :-)

          • JenWoodhouse.com

            Thanks for the replies! I’m excited to get started, I’m so inspired. And next, methinks a how-to post about your finishing techniques is in high demand, judging from all the questions!

          • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

            Good call Jen… I’m on it! Send some pics of the pieces you build when you get them finished :-)

  • Guest

    Wow. You are amazing, really! I’m not sure where you stead located, but I would be happy if you would teach a tutorial. Eh? :) I want to build similar idea, but for our front room. I feel so overwhelmed! Can you help me?! :)

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Haha you are sweet! You can totally do it!! :-)

  • Emma

    You are amazing! All the furniture is beautiful.

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      Thank you so much Emma!

  • Felicia Smith

    Love, love, love all your projects! Just trying to get the plans for the dresser and the website is down. Does this happen often or will it be back up again shortly? I can’t wait to make something:)

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      It does happen sometimes, but usually only for a few hours! Print them next time you are on there in case it happens again! Good luck!

  • l.fightmaster.

    I just love all of your work!!! My husband and I are planning on building this entire set! LOVE IT!!!

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      That is so awesome!! I can’t wait to see pics!

  • Pingback: Open Bottom Dresser

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  • csterndster

    Hey! I love the blue in your room, can you tell me what paint color it is?

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      The blue is a Valspar color called Blue Twilight. Hope this helps!!

  • confused

    working on building the dresser and the plans call to mark out all PH’s and drill 3/4H’s… what is a PH and the H???? sorry I don’t know but this will be the first thing I ever attempt to build!

  • carinb

    Starting this dresser and have a few ?’s about purchasing the wood. What type of wood did you use for the 1×2, 1×6, 1×8, 2×2 strips? We found the birch plywood, but can’t get birch in these sizes? Did you use a different species or am I missing something?

    • http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/ Shanty2Chic

      I used pine for all the boards… It stains the same as the plywood and it’s the cheapest. I also like that you can see the wood grain. Hope this helps!

  • Eva

    I really need a new dresser for my bedroom and can’t find anything anywhere that I love AND can afford. I’m a beginner builder and have only tackled some small projects BUT just got a miter saw for my anniversary, yay!! So excited.
    My question would be: instead of the open bottom, could I add two more dressers? If yes, would I still need the bottom?
    Silly questions, I know. I’m really kinda scared of attempting to make a dresser, I’ve had some issues building square….oops, not good when dealing with drawers.
    So, if you guys have any tips of keeping things square..that would be greatly appreciated as well.
    Love your blog, you guys are incredibly inspiring.
    Eva

  • Nina Hibbler

    How awesome. I wish I were are great working with wood as I am with my other projects. Working with wood will have to be my next step… I’ll need some power tools first outside of my drill.

  • orangesugar

    Where does one find high grade 2×2′s? I have only ever seen hobby stock that is max 36″ tall and cheap furring strips that are full of knots and most if not all are twisted/warped etc..

  • http://www.facebook.com/charlie.ries.5 Charlie Ries

    Did you achieve that rustic look with just one solid coat of the stain you showed? It’s inconsistent and “rugged looking” by nature?

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharonbrownberry Sharon Berry

    That is FABULOUS! I’m seriously inspired by everything you do. I just found your blog a month or so ago and am loving it. Really wonderful!

    Sharon @ http://www.lilikoijoy.com

  • http://www.facebook.com/caren.h.freeman Caren Henderson Freeman

    Love it! I just bought a Kreg Jig day before yesterday so I can start making some of these wood projects. My husband is a bit surprised! LOL! Thanks, I love your site.

  • Ericka

    would you mind letting me know exactly which Kreg Jig is the one you own?? I really am interested in doing th dresser for my room!.. Its amazing!

  • D Davis

    You are absolutely incredible…to be able to make this with little to no help. I’ve always wanted to make and furniture pieces, but also way too scared. it doesn’t sound impossible at all, but I’m still hesitant. This may have been the boost I needed.