Making a wooden nightstand with a tambour door can be a fun and rewarding woodworking project. A tambour door, which is made of thin strips of wood that slide on a track, adds a unique aesthetic and functionality to the design. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own wooden nightstand with a tambour door.
Materials Needed:
- Hardwood boards (oak, maple, or pine) for the structure and door
- Thin wooden strips for the tambour (you can purchase pre-made tambour strips or cut your own from a thin sheet of wood)
- Wood glue
- Nails or screws
- Drawer slides
- Wood finish or paint
- Hinges for the door
- Wood dowels or small screws for tambour track
- Sandpaper
- Wood filler (optional)
- Saw (circular saw, miter saw, or jigsaw)
- Drill with bits
- Clamps
Tools Needed:
- Saw (for cutting the wood)
- Drill with bits
- Sandpaper or electric sander
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wood glue
- Wood clamps
- Hammer or screwdriver
- Wood dowels or screws for tambour door track
Instructions:
1. Cut the Pieces for the Nightstand Frame:
- Measure and cut the following pieces:
- Top Panel: 1 piece, size depends on your design (e.g., 18″ x 18″)
- Side Panels: 2 pieces (e.g., 18″ high x 15″ deep)
- Back Panel: 1 piece (size based on the width and depth of the nightstand)
- Legs: 4 pieces (e.g., 4″ high)
- Shelf (Optional): 1 piece (if you want a shelf inside)
- Cut the pieces for the tambour door, making sure to leave space for the track and hinges.
2. Assemble the Frame:
- Attach the legs to the side panels using wood glue and screws or dowels.
- Attach the top panel to the sides, ensuring everything is square.
- If you’re including a shelf, attach it inside the side panels using wood screws or brackets.
- Attach the back panel to complete the frame. Use clamps to hold pieces in place while the glue dries.
3. Create the Tambour Door:
- Cut the Strips: Cut thin strips of wood for the tambour slats (around 1/4″ wide and about 1/16″ thick). Ensure all the strips are of equal length and width.
- Lay Out the Strips: Lay the strips down side by side on a flat surface and glue a fabric backing material to the strips. This fabric will allow the door to bend and roll up. Leave about 1/8″ between each strip.
- Attach the Fabric: Once the strips are glued to the fabric, let the assembly dry for a few hours.
- Trim the Edges: Once dry, trim any excess fabric.
4. Build the Tambour Door Track:
- Create a top and bottom track that will allow the tambour door to slide in and out. You can build this track by creating two rails that the door will slide on.
- The top rail should have a groove where the tambour strips will sit, and the bottom rail should have a slightly deeper groove for support.
- Ensure that the track is wide enough to accommodate the tambour door, allowing it to slide freely.
- Attach the track to the frame of the nightstand.
5. Install the Tambour Door:
- Slide the tambour door into the track. The top part of the door should fit snugly into the top rail and the bottom part into the bottom groove.
- Make sure the tambour door slides smoothly and easily within the track.
6. Add the Hinges:
- Attach the tambour door to the nightstand with a set of hinges. Position the hinges on one side of the door and attach them to the frame of the nightstand. This will allow you to open and close the tambour door easily.
7. Finish the Nightstand:
- Sand the entire nightstand, including the tambour door, to smooth out rough edges and surfaces.
- Apply your choice of wood finish, stain, or paint to complete the look. Be sure to allow adequate drying time between coats.
8. Add Drawer Slides (Optional):
- If your nightstand includes a drawer, install the drawer slides in the appropriate locations on the inside of the frame and on the sides of the drawer.
- Slide the drawer into place and test to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
9. Final Assembly:
- Make any necessary adjustments to the door or drawer slides to ensure smooth operation.
- Touch up any areas that need extra finish or sanding.
Conclusion:
You’ve now made a beautiful wooden nightstand with a tambour door! The sliding door adds a unique and functional touch to your furniture. You can personalize this project by adjusting the dimensions or finish to suit your taste.