Easy DIY Wood Nightstand Plans for Beginners

Learn how to build this DIY Wood Nightstand with free plans and detailed instructions by Shanty2Chic!

I’m adding another beautiful piece to the guest room makeover! After building the DIY full-size bed to start transforming my son’s old room into a welcoming guest space (now that he’s moved into a place of his own), I knew the next step was a nightstand. One nightstand felt like the perfect amount of storage for this room—and it fit just right alongside the bed. I had a vision in my head for a design that felt timeless and classic, with a touch of charm to match the turned legs on the bed, but nothing too ornate. So I got to work bringing that vision to life!

This is an incredibly simple build—perfect for anyone new to working with drawers and learning how to install them. Best of all, I was able to build the entire nightstand for around $75 in lumber and other materials!

You can watch the how-to video of the full build on our Instagram channel, and be sure to download the free printable plans with a shopping list to make your own.

Now, let’s get to building!

DIY Modern Farmhouse Nightstand

Materials

Tools:

• Miter Saw
• Kreg Jig
• Drill
• Brad Nailer
• Stapler (optional)
• Sander
• Table Saw (optional)

Supplies:

• 1 – 3/4″ x 16″ x 96″ Laminated Pine
• 1 – 1x6x8
• 1 – 2x4x8
• 1 – 1/4″ x 24″ x 24″ Hardwood Plywood
• 1 Set of 2 Drawer Slides
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
• ​1 1/4″ Wood Screws
• ​1″ Staples (or brad nails)
• 1 Drawer Pull
• Stain
• Protective Finish

Building the Frame

Step 1: Building the Top Frame

Start by cutting the top, bottom, and side pieces to size. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on one side of each side piece.

• You can find our favorite Kreg Jig model the 720Pro here

Use 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue to attach the bottom board between the side panels. That’s your drawer frame started!

Step 2: Adding the Shelf

Cut your shelf board to size and drill 3/4″ pocket holes at the ends. Position the shelf where you want it inside the frame and secure it with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. This shelf gives your DIY nightstand a perfect spot for books or bedside essentials.

Step 3: Attaching the Top

Now let’s add the top of your nightstand. Use 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue to attach it to the sides. This completes the main frame—and it’s already starting to look like something you’d see in a boutique furniture store!

Building the Base

Step 4: Nightstand Legs

Cut your legs and bottom support pieces to size. Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes at both ends of the support pieces.

Attach them to each leg using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Now your nightstand has a sturdy foundation!

Step 5: Top Supports

Cut the top supports and drill 3/4″ pocket holes at each end. These help connect the top of the legs to the frame. Secure them with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Assembling the Nighstand

Step 6: Stacking the Frames

Flip the drawer frame upside down and line it up with the base. Attach the base to the bottom of the frame using 1 1/4″ wood screws and wood glue. Now your DIY wood nightstand is standing tall and strong!

Building the Drawer

Drawers can feel intimidating, but this simple method breaks it down into just a few easy steps.

Step 7: Assembling the Drawer

Cut the drawer pieces to size and attach them together with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.

Measure for an exact fit for for the bottom plywood piece and attach it to the drawer frame with 1″ staples (brad nails will work too) and wood glue.

Step 8: Drawer Installation

Install the outside half of the drawer slides according to the instructions manual. I used 1/4″ scrap to rest the drawer slide on and secured it inside the drawer cabinet.

• You can find the drawer slides that I used here

Follow up with the inside part of each drawer slide, attaching it to the sides of the drawer. I used the bottom 1/4″ plywood as my marker for placement.

Step 9: Drawer Front

Measure and cut your drawer face so it fits evenly in the opening. Attach it to the drawer box from the inside using 1 1/4″ brad nails (or wood screws – I used 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws) and wood glue.

I used my Kreg Drawer Front Mounting Jig to attach the drawer face. This little guy is a MUST for aligning and installing drawer fronts. It’s like an extra set of hands!

You can watch how we use the Kreg Drawer Front Mounting Jig here on our Instagram!

• Find the Kreg Drawer Front Mounting Jig here

The Finish

Step 10: Filling Nail Holes

Start by filling any visible nail or screw holes with wood filler. This gives your nightstand a smooth, professional-looking finish.

• You can find the wood filler we use here

Step 11: Sanding the Nightstand

Sand the entire DIY wood nightstand, starting with 80-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough spots. Follow with 120-grit, then finish with 220-grit for a silky surface. I used my circular sander to make this step quick and easy.

Step 12: Apply the Wood Stain

For a soft, timeless look, I mixed Rustic Brown and White Pickling stain 1:1.

• You can find the rustic brown stain here

• You can find the white wash pickling stain here

I used my Kreg Project Blocks to prop the nightstand up off the ground, which made staining so much easier. These things are a game-changer for any workshop. I really like the retractable painting points!

Find the Kreg Project Blocks here

I applied one even coat to the entire nightstand. Wipe away any excess and let it dry fully.

Step 13: Seal It Up

Protect your hard work! I sealed the wood with two coats of Triple Thick in a satin finish. This keeps the nightstand looking fresh and holds up against everyday use. Let the first coat dry completely then apply the second coat.

• You can find the Triple Thick polyurethane here

Step 14: Hardware

I ued the new Kreg KHI-XLPULL Cabinet Hardware Jig Pro to drill the holes for my pulls!

I absolutely love this new tool! It allows for up to 12″ pull installation and makes marking for each of the handles so simple.

• Find the Kreg KHI-XLPull here

I finished the drawer with a modern 7″ pull, but you can get creative—leather tabs, vintage knobs, or even a modern brass handle would all look great!

That’s a Wrap!

And that’s it! This easy DIY wood nightstand build came together in no time, cost me about $75, and gave me the perfect, timeless piece to complete the guest room. Whether you’re new to woodworking or just want a satisfying weekend project, this is a great place to start—especially if you’re ready to try your hand at building and installing a drawer.

Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!

Happy Building!