Build a Blaire Storage Cabinet System

April 26, 2022 Cher-Ann 0 Cabinets, Plans, Pottery Barn Teen Inspired, Retailer, Storage,

A Storage System to Build in Any Combination

This fabulous knock-off storage system can be built in a combo to fit any storage need. The plans to build a Blair storage cabinet system, inspired by Pottery Barn Teen, feature a cabinet with a shelf (or two!) and a cabinet with three drawers. Both have the same outer case and base.

At the end of the plans, I have shared a few combo ideas, and the plans and material lists are for one of each type.

To Build the Bookcase:

Materials:

1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
2″ brad nails
Edge banding
Wood glue
Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
Finishing supplies

Lumber:

1 – 2×2 at 8′
1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 25-1/4″ – Sides
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 23-1/4″ – Bottom
2 – 2×2 at 12″ – Base
2 – 2×2 at 22″ – Base
4 – 2×2 at 4″ – Legs
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 25″ – Top
1 – 1/4″ plywood at 24-1/4″ x 25-1/4″ – Back
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 23-1/2″ – Shelf

For the Drawer Cabinet:

Materials:

1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
2″ brad nails
1-1/4″ screws
Edge banding
3 sets of 14″ drawer slides (<– affiliate link!)
3 – drawer knobs or handles
Wood glue
Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
Finishing supplies

Lumber:

3 – 1×6 at 6′
1 – 2×2 at 8′
1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 25-1/4″ – Sides
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 23-1/4″ – Bottom
2 – 2×2 at 12″ – Base
2 – 2×2 at 22″ – Base
4 – 2×2 at 4″ – Legs
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 25″ – Top
1 – 1/4″ plywood at 24-1/4″ x 25-1/4″ – Back
2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 23-1/2″ – Shelf
6 – 1×6 at 14″ – Drawer Box Frame
6 – 1×6 at 22-1/2″ – Drawer Box Frame
3 – 1/4″ plywood at 14″ x 24″ – Drawer Box Bottom
2 – 3/4″ plywood at 7-1/4″x 23-1/4″ – Upper Drawer Fronts
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 7-3/4″ x 23-1/4″ – Lower Drawer Front

Notes About the Project:

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood
Sand all of the pieces prior to assembly

For Both Cabinets:

Step One

Cut the pieces for the sides and bottom. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the bottom piece. Secure the sides to the bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the base. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the base pieces. Assemble the base using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Secure the base to the sides and bottom using glue and 2″ brad nails through the bottom.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the top. Secure the top to the sides using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the back. Secure using glue and 2″ brad nails.

For the Bookcase Only:

Step Five

Cut the piece for the shelf. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the shelf to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Finish as desired.

For the Drawer Cabinet Only:

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the drawer shelves. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the shelves to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the drawer box bottoms. Secure to the drawer box frames using glue and 2″ brad nails. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check out this easy tutorial on installing drawer slides. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. There will be a 1/8″ gap around all sides of the drawer fronts in the opening. Secure the drawer front to the drawer box with hot glue. Open the drawer then secure the front from the inside using 1-1/4″ screws. Install the drawer hardware.