Go Back

Free Printable Plans - 8 Drawer Dresser

Learn how to build this DIY 6 Drawer Dresser with free plans by Shanty2Chic. To download the full set of printable plans, including the supply list click here.

Equipment

  • Kreg Jig
  • Drill
  • Miter Saw
  • Brad Nailer
  • Kreg AccuCut and/or Table Saw Will need Circular Saw with AccuCut
  • Pin Nailer (optional) Can sub with Brad Nailer

Ingredients

  • 2 48" x 96" x 3/4" Hardwood Plywood
  • 1 48" x 96" x 1/2" Hardwood Plywood
  • 1 48" x 48" x 1/2" Hardwood Plywood
  • 1 48" x 96" x 1/4" Hardwood Plywood
  • 2 1x3x8 Whitewood or Pine
  • 1 1x4x8 Whitewood or Pine
  • 1 1x6x8 Whitewood or Pine
  • 3 2x4x8 Framing Lumber
  • 1 1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
  • 2 1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
  • 1" Pin Nails (can use Brad Nails)
  • 2" Brad Nails
  • 1" Brad Nails
  • 1 1/4" Brad Nails
  • 1" Wood Screws
  • 8 Pulls
  • 8 Pair 16" Drawer Slides

Instructions

Cut List

  • Cut List 1
  • Cut List 2
  • Cut List 3

Building the Dresser Frame

  • Cut the dresser frame panels to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes into both ends of the vertical panels. Attach the top and bottom panels to the vertical panels with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Cut the bottom frame pieces to size. Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes on one edge of all the boards and both ends of the short boards. Attach with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Attach the bottom frame to the bottom of the dresser with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Adding The Side Trim and Drawer Spacers

  • Measure and cut the vertical stick trim to size. Attach it, flush with the edges of the plywood side panels, using 1" pin nails and wood glue. You can purchase a 1/4" lattice trim instead of ripping your own.
    Measure and cut the horizontal trim to size and attach the same way.
  • Cut the outside drawer spacers and attach them to the outside dresser panels with 2" brad nails and wood glue.
  • Cut the inside drawer spacers to size and attach them with 1" brad nails and wood glue.

Building the Drawers

  • Measure the space between each outside and inside drawer spacer. Subtract 1" to allow for the slides and cut the front and back drawer frame pieces to size. Cut the side drawer frame pieces to size and attach them together with 1" brad nails and wood glue.
    Cut the bottom plywood piece to size and attach it to the drawer frame with 1" brad nails and wood glue.

Installing the Drawers

  • Install the drawer slides, according to the instructions and install the drawers.

Back Supports

  • Measure and cut the back support pieces to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes on both mitered edges of the boards. Attach them to the inside, back of the dresser with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Building the Face Frame

  • Measure and cut the face frame pieces to size. Drill 3/4 pocket holes at both ends of the vertical face frame pieces. Attach them to the top and bottom face frame pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Measure and cut the horizontal face frame pieces to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes on both ends of each piece. Attach them to the face frame with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Attach the face frame to the front of the dresser with 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue. The outside of the face frame should be flush with the outside edges of the dresser.

Adding The Drawer Faces

  • Measure and cut the drawer faces to size and subtract 1/4" from the width and length of each drawer opening to allow for the 1/8" spacing around each drawer. Attach each drawer face to the front of each drawer frame with 2, 1 1/4" brad nails to hold in place, then follow with 1" wood screws from the inside of the drawer into the drawer face

The Finish!

  • Fill any nail holes and sand the entire piece down. Add a finish and pulls and you're done!
    You can add a 1/4" plywood panel on the back, if you prefer. Make it your own!
    Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!
    Happy Building!