Build an Ashworth Nightstand

A Beautiful Nightstand to Build

I just have to say, I absolutely adore Pier One (remember when I shared the plans to Build a Caddy Inspired by a Magazine Holder?). The only little issue I have with the store is that some of their furniture is made with lower quality materials and can be quite pricey. But you know what? That actually makes them perfect for some fun and affordable DIY projects! On a positive note, they have some truly amazing furniture collections that have sparked my creativity and inspired me to come up with some new furniture plans.

The free plans to build a Pier One inspired Ashworth Nightstand are part of a really attractive collection and I will post plans for each piece. The nightstand features a pullout shelf, as well as three large drawers perfect for storage!

For these plans in particular, I am providing directions for assembly using the pocket hole method or countersunk screws. Everyone has their own construction method! (I personally prefer the Kreg jig for pocket holes!) Always do what you are comfortable with and do it safely!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws OR 1-1/2″ screws
• 1/2″ and 1-1/4″ brad nails OR 1/2″ and 1-1/4″ regular nails
• Edge banding for the exposed edges of the plywood
• Four 2-1/2″ tall furniture legs & screw-on hardware
• Three sets of 16″ drawer slides
• Three sets of drawer knobs or three drawer handles
• One small drawer knob with attached screw for pull-out tray
• Paste wax and other finishing supplies

Lumber:

• One full sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• One half sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• One 2′ x 2′ sheet of 1/2″ plywood
• One 2′ x 2′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• Two 1×6 at 10′
• One 1×8 at 10′

Cut List:

• Two – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 28″ – Base & Top
• Two – 3/4″ plywood at 17-1/2″ x 25″ – Sides
• One – 3/4″ plywood at 25″ x 25-1/2″ – Back
• Five – 3/4″ plywood at 16-3/4″ x 25-1/2″ – Shelves
• One – 3/4″ plywood at 16-3/4″ x 25-1/4″ – Pullout Shelf
• Three – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 23″ – Small & Large Drawer Bottoms
• Four – 1×6 at 12-1/2″ – Small Drawer Sides
• Four – 1×6 at 24-1/2″ – Small Drawer Front & Back
• Two – 1×8 at 12-1/2″ – Large Drawer Sides
• Two – 1×8 at 24-1/2″ – Large Drawer Front & Back
• Two – 1/2″ plywood at 5-3/4″ x 24-1/4″ – Small Drawer Fronts
• One – 1/2″ plywood at 8-1/8″ x 24-1/4″ – Large Drawer Fronts
• Six – 1/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 22-1/4″ – Drawer Front Trim
• Four – 1/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ – Small Drawer Front Trim
• Two – 1/4″ plywood at 1-1/2″ x 8-1/8″ – Large Drawer Front Trim

 Click on the drawings to enlarge them!

Notes about the project:

If using edge banding, it should be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly. Use glue at all joints in addition to the screws.

Step One

Cut the piece for the base. The legs and hardware will be attached once the nightstand has been completed.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the sides. The sides will be located 1/2″ from the sides and front of the base, and flush with the back edge. Secure to the base using pocket holes drilled in the sides or by using countersunk screws through the underside of the base into the sides.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the back. Attach to the sides and base using pocket holes drilled into the side and bottom edges of the back or using countersunk screws through the sides and underside of the base.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the shelves. Attach to the sides and back at the spacing shown using pocket holes through the ends of the shelves or countersunk screws through the sides into the ends of the shelves.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the top. Secure to the sides and back using 1-1/4″ brad nails and an air nailer, or regular 1-1/4″ nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the pullout shelf. The shelf will be 1/8″ smaller at the sides and top in order for it to fit into the opening.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the smaller drawer boxes. If using the pocket hole method, drill pocket holes in all four edges of each drawer bottom, as well as the shorter edges of the sides. Attach the sides to the bottom, then attach the front and back.

If using the countersunk screw method, drill holes at the lower edge of the sides, as well as the side and bottom edges of the front and back. Attach the sides to the bottom, then attach the front and back.

Install the drawer slide hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check out this easy tutorial on attaching drawer slides. Make any necessary adjustments.

The drawers can also be assembled using a brad nailer and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the larger drawer box and assemble in the same manner as the smaller drawer boxes.

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Cut the trim pieces as well and attach to the fronts as shown. The trim can be glued and clamped in place, or they can be glued and fastened in place using 1/2″ brad nails or regular nails.

There will be a 1/8″ gap around all sides of the drawer front. This easy tutorial on installing drawer fronts will be quite helpful!

Step Ten

Finish the nightstand as desired. Install the hardware for the legs according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottom of the base.

Attach the knob with the attached screw to the pullout shelf. Apply a coat of paste wax (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) to the bottom. This will help the drawer slide smoothly! Thumbtacks can also be positioned on the bottom of the shelf.

Have any questions about the free plans to build a Pier One inspired Ashworth Nightstand ? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2012-10-15 08:00:44.