The Apothecary End Table Plans

Build a Stylish Piece for Any Décor

Apothecary cabinets are the cabinets with a zillion little drawers. This little cabinet, though named  “Apothecary”, will not require the building of such drawers! The Apothecary end table plans feature three drawers and a roomy top for lots of storage. The plans use straight off-the-shelf boards for construction with the exception of the panels, top, drawer boxes, and drawer fronts. The plans only look complicated but are quite easy to build!

 

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding, optional
• 3 sets of 12″ Drawer slides
• 9 – Cabinet pulls
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

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

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 30-1/4″ – Legs
• 4 – 1×2 at 11″ – Side Frames
• 2 – 1×3 at 11″ – Side Frames
• 8 – 1×2 at 4″ – Lower Trim, optional
• 2 – 1/2″ plywood at 11″ x 19-1/2″ – Side Panels
• 6 – 1×2 at 11″ – Spacers
• 6 – 1×2 at 23″ – Back Frame & Front Stretchers
• 2 – 1×3 at 23″ – Back Frame & Front Stretchers
• 1 – 1/2″ plywood at 19-1/2″ x 23″ – Back Panel
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 14-1/2″ x 27″ – Top
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 10-1/2″ x 20-1/2″ – Drawer Box Bottoms
• 6 – 1×6 (ripped to 5″ wide) at 10-1/2″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 6 – 1×6 (ripped to 5″ wide) at 22″ – Drawer Box Front & Back
• 3 – 1/2″ plywood at 5-3/4″ x 22-3/4″ – Drawer Fronts
• 6 – 1/4″ trim at 3/4″ x 22-3/4″ – Drawer Front Trim
• 6 – 1/4″ trim at 3/4″ x 5-3/4″ – Drawer Front Trim
• 6″ – 1/4″ trim at 3/4″ x 4-1/4″ – Drawer Front Trim

Step One

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly! Cut the pieces for the legs, side frames, side panels, and lower trim. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces. Drill pocket holes along one long edge and one short edge of each trim piece (note that there will be four left pieces and four right pieces). Secure the frame pieces to the legs as shown. The outside faces of the frame pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs. Set the pocket hole jig for 1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges of the panels. Position inside the side frames so that the back face is flush with the back side of the frame pieces. Secure using glue and 1″ pocket hole screws. Position the lower trim pieces under the lowest frame piece and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Set the remaining trim pieces aside. The lower trim pieces are completely optional. Cut the pieces for the spacers. Set the pocket hole jig for  3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the spacers to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the back frame, back panel, and front stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of the frame pieces and stretchers. Secure the frame pieces to the legs as shown. The outside faces of the frame pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs. Set the pocket hole jig for 1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges of the panel. Position inside the back frame so that the back face is flush with the back side of the frame pieces. Secure using glue and 1″ pocket hole screws. Position the lower trim pieces under the lowest frame piece and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Set the remaining trim pieces aside. The lower trim pieces are completely optional.

Step Three

Position the front stretchers as shown – two will be positioned vertically and two will be positioned horizontally. Secure to the legs with the front faces or edges flush with the front face of the legs 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″. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

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 box 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 legs. Take a look at this easy tutorial on installing drawer slides. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Cut the trim pieces and secure them using glue. Clamp the pieces in place until dry. 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. This tutorial on installing drawer fronts will be helpful. Finish as desired! This little table would make a great nightstand! It would also be a great addition with a weathered finish in a sunroom. Have questions about the Apothecary end table plans? Contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!