Making a wooden floating nightstand with a single drawer is a fun project that requires some basic woodworking skills, tools, and materials. Here’s a general guide to help you create one:
Materials and Tools:
- Wood (for the top, sides, and drawer): Hardwood like oak, walnut, or plywood for the frame, and possibly a veneer for the drawer front.
- Drawer slides: For the smooth operation of the drawer.
- Screws or wood dowels for assembly.
- Wood glue.
- Finish: Wood stain, polyurethane, or paint depending on your preference.
- Hinges (if you want a hinged drawer front).
- Floating shelf brackets (or a mounting system).
Tools:
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Wood clamps
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Woodworking square
- Jigsaw (optional for curved edges)
- Router (optional for decorative edges)
Steps:
Step 1: Plan and Measure
- Decide on the size of your nightstand. A standard floating nightstand might be around 18–24 inches in height and 12–16 inches deep.
- Design your drawer and how it will fit into the front of the nightstand.
- Draw a rough plan to map out the measurements, including the drawer compartment and side supports.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
- Top piece: This will be the surface of your nightstand. Cut a piece to your desired dimensions (typically 18” x 12” or based on your design).
- Side pieces: Cut two pieces for the sides. These will support the drawer and the top, so they should be the same height as your desired nightstand height.
- Back piece: Cut a piece for the back. It should be the same width as the top and side pieces combined.
- Drawer front, sides, bottom, and back: Measure the dimensions of your drawer opening and cut the front, sides, bottom, and back to fit.
Step 3: Assemble the Box Frame
- Start by attaching the side pieces to the back piece using wood glue and screws. Ensure everything is square and level as you go.
- Attach the top piece to the frame, making sure the joints are tight and secure.
Step 4: Make the Drawer
- Assemble the drawer by attaching the drawer sides, bottom, and back. Make sure the sides are square to the bottom piece, and glue the joints for a stronger hold.
- If you are using drawer slides, install them on the sides of the drawer and inside the nightstand frame. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific slides.
Step 5: Install the Floating Brackets
- The floating aspect means the nightstand won’t touch the ground but will hang on the wall. Install floating shelf brackets or a mounting system onto the back of the nightstand.
- These brackets should be securely anchored into the wall studs to support the weight of the nightstand. Be sure to check that your wall can handle the load.
Step 6: Sand and Finish
- Sand all surfaces of the nightstand to remove any rough spots.
- Apply a wood finish or paint of your choice. Staining and then applying polyurethane can give the nightstand a polished, durable finish.
Step 7: Attach the Drawer and Install
- Once the finish is completely dry, slide the drawer into place.
- Finally, mount the nightstand on the wall using the floating brackets.
Tips:
- Drawer Handle: You can create a simple handle using a piece of wood or a metal pull, or even cut a small groove in the drawer front.
- Customization: You can add decorative elements such as edge routing or inlays to personalize the look of your nightstand.
- Tools: If you don’t have a router for edges, you can achieve a similar effect with sandpaper or a jigsaw to round off sharp corners.
This project is customizable, and you can modify the design based on your style preferences. What type of wood are you thinking about using, and do you want to stain or paint it?