Build an Open Shelf Sideboard

DIY Furniture Plans – An Easy to Build Sideboard with Open Shelving

This sideboard is the perfect piece to stack dishes or display a collection. The DIY furniture plans to build an Open Shelf Sideboard feature two shelves with a large top. The plan can be easily adapted to make the sideboard longer or shorter to fit the space. As always, it can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/2″ screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 2″ brad nails
• Edge banding
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw or Circular saw
• Table saw
• Iron for edge banding
• Drill
• Pocket hole jig
• Pneumatic brad nailer with compressor
• Sander

Lumber:

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

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 29-1/4″ – Legs
• 6 – 1×3 at 15″ – Side Framing
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 25-1/4″ – Side Panels
• 6 – 1×3 at 27″ – Front & Back Stretchers
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 24″ x 28-1/2″ – Back
• 9 – 1×3 at 16-1/2″ – Shelf Supports
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 27″ – Shelves
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18-1/2″ x 31″ – Top

 

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and side framing. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the side framing pieces. Secure the pieces to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside faces of the framing pieces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side panels and secure them to the side framing (between the legs) using glue and 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front and back stretcher, and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside faces of the stretchers will be flush with the outside faces of th legs.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the back. Secure the back to the back legs and stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the shelf supports. Drill pocket holes in each end of three of these pieces – they will be the center supports and will be secured to the front and back aprons. Secure the side supports to the side panels between the front and back aprons using glue and 1-1/2″ screws.

Secure the supports with the pocket holes to the center of the front and back aprons using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the shelves. Slide the shelves on top of the stretchers and supports securing in place using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the top. The top will overhang the sides and front by 1/2″. Secure the top in place using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

This sideboard is a great piece for any room, in any finish… It would also be a great piece to use different species of wood – for example, the top, side panels and shelves (the plywood pieces) could be oak and the remaining pieces could be something different. Have any questions about the DIY furniture plans to build an Open Shelf Sideboard? Leave a comment below!