Build a Grace Side Table

Catalog Inspired Side Table with Drawers

This easy to build end table has plenty of storage! The plans to build a Grace Side Table (inspired by Ballard Designs) features two narrow drawers, a shelf between the legs and trim detail on the top. The table is mainly constructed using plywood with the exception of the legs, front stretchers, drawer boxes and trim.

 

This table would be a fabulous piece in any area: as a nightstand, an end table by a sofa or upholstered chair, or even in an entryway! This plan is suitable for all skill levels and can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<–affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 2″ brad nails
• 1-1/2″ screws
• Two sets of 16″ drawer slides (<–affiliate link!)
• Drawer knobs or handles
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• Narrow 1/2″ wide trim
• Decorative 1-1/2″ trim
• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 2 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 28″ – Legs
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 8-3/4″ x 15″ – Sides
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 8-3/4″ x 29″ – Back
• 2 – 1×2 at 29″ – Front Stretchers
• 1 – 2×2 at 29″ – Front Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 32″ – Shelf
• 1 – 1×2 at 15-3/4″ – Lower Brace
• 4 – 1×2 at 15″ – Drawer Slide Spacer
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 32″ – Top
• 4 – 1×2 at 16″ – Drawer Box
• 4 – 1×2 at 26-1/2″ – Drawer Box
• 2 – 1/4″ plywood at 16″ x 28″ – Drawer Box Bottom
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 2-1/2″ x 28-3/4″ – Drawer Fronts
• Trim cut to fit

 

Notes About the Project:

• Edge banding is not necessary for this project as the exposed edges of the top will be covered with trim.
• The trim will be finished after the table has been finished, and will be cut to fit then secured with brad nails.

 

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs. The legs have a taper that can be created using a tapering jig on a table saw or with a jigsaw.

 

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the sides. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the side pieces. Secure the sides to the legs (with the taper facing to the inside) using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the side pieces will be flush with the outside face of the legs.

 

Step Three

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the back to the legs and sides using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The outside face of the back piece will be flush with the outside face of the legs.

 

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the front stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×2 pieces, then set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×2 stretcher. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and the appropriate pocket hole screws. On the 1×2 pieces, the pocket holes will face up on the upper stretcher and down on the lower stretcher so they won’t be seen.

 

Step Five

Cut the piece for the shelf. Cut the notches using a jigsaw, then drill pocket holes in the notches. Secure the shelf to the legs as shown, positioning it 4″ up from the bottom of the legs.

 

 

Step Six

Cut the piece for the lower brace and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure it to the lower front stretcher and the back using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

 

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the drawer slide spacers. Secure the spacers on the inside between the legs above the front stretchers using 1-1/2″ screws.

 

Step Eight

Cut the piece for the top. The top will fit flush on all four sides. Secure the top in place using glue and 2″ brad nails.

 

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes and drill pocket holes in the shorter pieces. Assemble the drawer boxes using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

 

Step Ten

Cut the pieces for the drawer box bottoms. Secure the bottoms to the boxes using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This easy tutorial on installing drawer slides will help!

 

Step Eleven

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Drill the holes for the drawer knobs then position the drawer fronts in the opening with a 1/8″ gap around all sides. Drive screws through the holes for the knobs into the drawer box to hold the front in place. Open the drawer and secure the drawer front from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the knobs. Refer to this easy tutorial on installing drawer fronts.

 

Finish the table as desired.

Step Eleven

Stain or paint the trim pieces as desired. Cut the trim pieces to fit around the center front of the side table and secure in place using 1-1/4″ brad nails. Cut the wider trim pieces to fit around the exposed edges of the top, securing in place using 2″ brad nails.

Have questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Grace Side Table inspired by Ballard Designs? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2019-12-17 08:00:16.