Build an Eliza Chest

Plans to Build a Grandin Road Inspired Eliza Chest

Hey there! Have you seen the plans to build a Grandin Road inspired Eliza chest? They’re like the “little sister” plans to the Chloe Chest plans I shared earlier. I think this chest would look amazing in any finish and in any room, especially if you pair it with the Chloe chest. The best part is that it’s perfect for beginners who are new to woodworking (trust me, you’ll be hooked in no time!) or for anyone at any skill level. So why not give it a try?

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Three sets of 10″ drawer slides (<– affiliate link!)
• Three drawer handles
• Edge banding for exposed edges of plywood, optional
• Glue
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• Two 2×2 at 6′
• One 1×2 at 8′
• Two 1×3 at 8′
• One quarter sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• One half sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• Four 2×2 at 30-3/4″ – Legs
• Two 3/4″ plywood at 10-3/4″ x 18″ – Side Panels
• One 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 20-3/4″ – Back Panel
• Four 1×2 at 20-3/4″ – Stretchers
• One 3/4″ plywood at 14-1/4″ x 24-3/4″ – Top
• Six 1×3 at 8-1/2″- Drawer Boxes
• Six 1×3 at 19-3/4″ – Drawer Boxes
• Three 1/4″ plywood at 10″ x 19-3/4″ – Drawer Bottoms
• Three 3/4″ plywood at 4-1/2″ x 20-1/2″ – Drawer Fronts

 

Step One

If using edge banding, it should be applied to the plywood before assembly.

Cut the pieces for the legs and side panels. Drill pocket holes as shown. Attach the legs to the panels using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the piece for the back. Drill pocket holes as shown. Attach the panel to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the stretchers. Drill pocket holes at each end. Attach to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the top. The front and sides will overhang by 1/2″. Attach using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the top into the legs, apron, and panels.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the bottom as well as each end of the sides. Assemble the drawer boxes as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them ¾” back from the front edge of the sides. Attach the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This easy tutorial on installing drawer slides will be helpful. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Mark the position for the drawer pulls and drill the holes. Shim the drawer front in the opening – there will be a 1/8” gap around all sides – then drive screws through the holes for the drawer pulls into the drawer box. Open the drawer, and secure the drawer front using countersunk 1-1/4” screws from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the drawer pull then finish drilling the holes. Install the drawer pull. Take a look at this tutorial on installing drawer fronts.

Finish as desired.

This chest would not only be perfect as an end table, but as nightstands, as well! The plans to build a Grandin Road inspired Eliza chest would be equally awesome in a variety of finishes. Any questions about the plans? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2012-10-05 08:00:23.