ADVANCED

DRESSER WITH DRAWERS

35 hours

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A six-drawer dresser with dovetailed drawers and a solid wood top. This comprehensive project incorporates advanced joinery and drawer-making skills.

MATERIALS

▪Hardwood for case: 4/4 stock, 50 board feet
▪Hardwood for drawers: 1/2" stock, 40 board feet
▪Plywood for drawer bottoms: 1/4", 2 sheets
▪Drawer slides (6 pairs)
▪Knobs or pulls (6)
▪Wood glue
▪Finish

TOOLS REQUIRED

▪Table saw
▪Router table
▪Dovetail jig or hand tools
▪Jointer and planer
▪Drill press
▪Clamps

CUT LIST

PIECE	QUANTITY	DIMENSIONS
Case sides	2	3/4" x 18" x 48"
Case top/bottom	2	3/4" x 18" x 36"
Drawer dividers	5	3/4" x 18" x 34-1/2"
Top	1	1" x 20" x 38"
Drawer fronts	6	3/4" x 7" x 16"
Drawer sides	12	1/2" x 7" x 18"

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Mill all lumber and cut case components.

Cut dados in case sides for drawer dividers.

Assemble case with glue and clamps.

Build six drawer boxes using half-blind dovetails on fronts and through dovetails on backs.

Cut grooves in drawer sides for bottoms.

Install drawer slides in case.

Fit drawers to openings.

Glue up solid wood top and attach to case.

Apply edge banding or solid wood edging to plywood edges.

Sand entire piece thoroughly.

Apply finish.

Install drawer pulls.

EXPERT TIPS

✓Use a dovetail jig for consistent, strong joints.
✓Drawer sides should be 1/2" thick for durability.
✓Fit drawers carefully—they should slide smoothly without binding.
✓Use quality drawer slides rated for the weight.
✓Consider adding a dust panel between drawers for a refined look.

FINISHING

Sand to 320 grit for a furniture-quality surface. Apply stain if desired, then 4-5 coats of wipe-on polyurethane or pre-catalyzed lacquer. Sand between coats with 400 grit. The finish should be smooth and durable.