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I’ve recently been on a mission to improve my home’s equity. Not only is Pittsburgh a rapidly-growing real estate market, but I no longer live alone -- so it’s definitely time to make some upgrades around the house. Luckily, I have the skills to do most of these project around the house. I complement all of these home improvements with some homemade furniture like this concrete coffee table, but I figured it was time to add some more furniture to the living room. My solution? A beautiful DIY side table with an inset drawer pull.
I decided to build this thing out with some oak I had in my workshop and pull out all the stops: continuous mitered edges, hand-cut dovetails, a handmade metal inset drawer pull. You’ve got to check this thing out.
This page contains affiliate links, but all ideas are my own. For more information, check out my disclosure page.
Materials:
Tools
Special thanks to Mixwax for sponsoring this build!
Breaking down the lumber is the same as any basic standard process. Rough cut, joint, and plane the material to thickness. From there glue up all 4 panels for the carcass.
When the panels are glued up, flatten and prep the panels for final glue up into the carcass. Using a hand plane, flatten each panel, sanding and scraping them until they reach the desired texture. Cut one side miter to 45 degrees on your table saw and then cut the opposite side to make sure all panels are the same size.
Before glue-up of the carcass, use a domino XL to reinforce the miters. I do recommend reinforcing them with some sort of joinery, whether its a biscuit, domino, or spline. As the wood moves it will expand and push apart due to its sheer size, so using additional joinery will make sure that your side table holds up well. I glue it up using a ratchet strap to get uniform clamping pressure.
Once the carcass is glued up and drying, begin cutting the drawer front to size. Make these cuts based on the internal measurements of your carcass. Next, cut the joinery for the inset pull. I used my Axiom CNC for this, but this can easily be done with a router. Then shape your metal handle using basic metalworking tools.
Cut a drawer box to fit the chosen slides and sizing specifications you look for. I chose to cut mine by hand. I only screwed up three times throughout the process, so let’s hope you do better than I did.
Using a flat bar, or cutting strips from plate (like I did), weld the base together and grind it flat and smooth. Prep it with your favorite primer and finish combo.
Once your base is complete, it’s time to finish her up. Final sand the piece down to 220 Grit. I chose a simple and beautiful finish with Minwax Wipe On Poly. I love this finish for projects like this because it’s highly durable and super easy to apply. Add on your base and drawer and voila -- one sweet side table with a metal inset drawer pull.
Check out some other home projects!
Want to try this build out for yourself? Download the digital plan now for step-by-step instructions, measurements, and a detailed look at how to punch this project in the face.
I used to be an offensive lineman in the NFL, Now I run my own furniture business and am completely self taught. In my videos and posts you'll see a variety of wood and metal work as well as some tips and tricks. Enjoy!
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Pittsburgh-based custom wood and metal worker. Tool Reviews, DIY Projects, and a whole lot of yinzer pride. Join the movement & punch your next project in the face.
