Building a wooden dresser with a curved front requires skill, patience, and the right tools. The following is a step-by-step guide to constructing a dresser with a curved front.
Materials Needed:
- Wood for the frame and drawers (solid wood like oak, maple, or plywood)
- Curved plywood or laminate for the curved front
- Wood glue
- Screws (for assembly)
- Drawer slides and hardware
- Wood finish or paint
- Wood clamps
- Sanding materials (sandpaper, orbital sander)
- Router and jigsaw
- Table saw or circular saw
Tools Needed:
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Clamps
- Drill with bits
- Woodworking glue
- Screwdriver
- Sander
- Jigsaw
- Router
- Table saw
- Band saw (optional, for more intricate curves)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design and Plan
Start by sketching the dresser. You need to determine the dimensions for the overall dresser, as well as the measurements for the individual components. Pay special attention to the curves of the front. A curved front can be achieved by bending wood or laminating thin strips of wood together.
- Determine the size of the dresser based on the space it will occupy.
- Decide the depth, width, and height of the dresser and the individual drawers.
- Design the curved front: A typical approach is to create a template for the curve using a flexible strip of wood or by designing the curve in software like SketchUp.
2. Cut the Sides and Frame Pieces
Using your measurements, cut the vertical side panels for the dresser out of plywood or solid wood. The side pieces will determine the height and depth of the dresser.
- Cut the top, bottom, and back panels as well.
- Assemble these pieces into a rectangular frame using wood screws and wood glue. Ensure the frame is square using a carpenter’s square.
3. Create the Curved Front
You can achieve the curved front in two ways: bending the wood or laminating multiple layers of thin wood.
Option 1: Bending Wood (For a Simple Curve)
- Prepare your wood: Use a wood species that is suitable for bending, like oak or walnut. Cut thin strips of wood (1/8″ thick) to the width of your dresser.
- Soak the strips: Soak them in water to soften them. After soaking, place them into a bending jig that follows the desired curve of the dresser’s front.
- Clamp the strips: Once they are placed in the jig, use clamps to press them into the curved shape. Let the wood dry for 24 hours before removing the clamps.
- Attach to the frame: Once the curved wood has dried, attach it to the frame with wood glue and screws. Sand the edges for a smooth finish.
Option 2: Laminating Wood (For a More Pronounced Curve)
- Create a curved template: Use a flexible strip of wood or paper to create the exact curve you want on the dresser’s front.
- Cut thin strips: Cut thin strips of plywood or hardwood (around 1/8″ thick) and glue them to the curved template in layers.
- Clamp and glue: Use clamps to press the layers together and form the curve. Allow the glue to dry completely before removing the clamps.
- Shape and sand: Once the laminate layers are dry, sand the entire front to smooth the surface and ensure the curve is even.
4. Cutting the Drawer Fronts
Once the curved front is complete, you’ll need to cut the drawer fronts to match. Cut each drawer face to size, ensuring they fit within the dresser frame and align properly with the curve.
- Use a jigsaw or router to cut the curved shape along the drawer front edges.
- Sand the edges for a smooth finish.
5. Assemble the Drawers
Now that you have the curved front and drawer fronts cut, assemble the individual drawers:
- Cut drawer sides to match the width and depth of the dresser.
- Attach drawer bottoms: You can either use solid wood or plywood for the bottom. Attach the bottom to the sides using wood glue and nails or screws.
- Install drawer slides: Install the appropriate drawer slides on both the drawer box and the interior of the dresser frame.
6. Finishing Touches
- Install hardware: Attach drawer pulls or knobs to the fronts of the drawers.
- Sand the surface: Sand the entire dresser thoroughly, ensuring that the edges are smooth and the curved areas are refined.
- Finish the wood: Apply a wood finish such as a stain, lacquer, or polyurethane for protection and appearance. Allow adequate drying time between coats.
7. Assembly
- Install the drawers into the dresser frame using the installed slides.
- Test each drawer to ensure smooth opening and closing.
- Attach the back panel to the dresser frame if it wasn’t done earlier.
8. Final Inspection
Once everything is assembled, check the dresser for any rough spots or inconsistencies. Sand or adjust as needed, then apply any final coats of finish.
Building a wooden dresser with a curved front adds a touch of elegance to any space, but it requires time and precision. Take your time to ensure each step is done carefully to get the best result.
If you are interested in gaining more woodworking skills and access to detailed plans, consider exploring Teds Woodworking Course for step-by-step guides and projects: Teds Woodworking Course.