DIY Plans to Build a Single Door Armoire

An Armoire for a Narrow Space

This armoire is perfect for those that have a narrow space but need more storage, know what I mean? The DIY plans to build a Single Door Armoire feature a drawer and three shelves behind a single door. This armoire is a project that is perfect for those new to woodworking. The width is completely customizable by lengthening the shelves, top, stretchers, and back.

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 5/8″ brad nails
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding, optional
• 1 set of 14″ drawer slides
• 2 sets of hinges
• Cabinet pulls
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×2 at 6′ (can also be cut from plywood)
• 1 – 1×3 at 6′ (can also be cut from plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of plywood
• 3 – 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood
• 3 – 1/4″ thick x 1″ wide stop or lattice strips at 6′
• 2 – 2″ wide trim (or make your own with 1×3 boards) at 6′

Cut List:

• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 79-1/4″ – Sides
• 2 – 1×2 at 33-1/2″ – Lower Stretchers
• 2 – 1×3 at 33-1/2″ – Lower Stretchers
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 16″ x 33-1/2″ – Lower Shelves
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 33-1/2″ – Upper Shelves
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 17″ x 37″ – Top
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 34-1/4″ x 79″ – Back
• 4 – 2″ trim pieces cut to fit – Side Trim Pieces
• 2 – 2″ trim pieces cut to fit – Front Trim Pieces
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 33-1/4″ x 65-3/4″ – Door Panel
• 2 – 1/4″ x 1″ stop at 33-1/4″ – Door Trim
• 2 – 1/4″ x 1″ stop at 65-3/4″ – Door Trim
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 31″ – Drawer Box Bottom
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 6″ x 12-1/2″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 6″ x 32-1/2″ – Drawer Box Front & Back
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 7-1/2″ x 33-1/4″ – Drawer Front

Step One

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

Cut the pieces for the sides and the stretchers. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the stretchers. Secure the the stretchers to the top and bottom of the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The 1×3 stretchers are positioned at the top while the 1×2 stretchers are positioned at the bottom.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the lower shelves and drill pocket holes in each shorter end. Position one shelf on top of the lower stretchers and secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Secure the shelf to the stretchers using 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Secure the next shelf to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the upper shelves. Secure the shelves to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The shelves will be located 1″ back from the front edge of the sides (they will be flush with the back edge).

Step Four

Cut the piece for the top. The top will overhang the sides and front by 1″. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Five

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

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the trim. There are no dimensions given because it will depend on the type of trim chosen and the type of join at the side – miter or butt joint. Secure the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails, then secure the front. This applies to both the top and the bottom.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the door and the door trim. Cut 45° miters in each end of the door trim pieces, then secure the trim to the edges of the door panel using glue and 5/8″ brad nails.

Install both sets of hinges on the door (they can be installed on either side). All four hinges will need to be installed on the door because of the weight. Install the door in the opening. There will be a 1/8″ gap around all sides.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the drawer box. 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 sides. Take a look at this easy tutorial on installing drawer slides. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the drawer front. 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 quite helpful!

Finish as desired.

The armoire can be finished in a variety of ways with stenciling, wallpapering, or a mirror added to the front of the door. The door would also look really cool with lots of little round mirrors glued to the front! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Single Door Armoire? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2014-12-12 08:00:18.