Easy Way to Build 2 End Tables/Nightstands

For a tutorial on this project, check out my YouTube video below to watch me build these pieces.

In this tutorial, the material list is for 2 pieces but I show you how to build only 1.

2”x2”x8’—-4pcs
1”x3”x8’—-2pcs
1”x4”x6’—-2pcs
1”x10”x8’—-1pc
2”x10”x8’—-1pc
2’x4’x1/4” plywood—-1pc
Stain—-1pint
Polyurethane—-1pint
2” pocket screws—-50pcs
Drawer pulls—-2pcs

These will be the legs

After cutting them to 18”, trim one side of each piece down to 9” wide with a table saw or a miter saw. This will create a smooth surface for a good joint.

After making the holes, join the two boards with wood glue and 2 inch screws. Use a couple wood clamps to make sure it dries straight.

After cutting these two pieces, make two pocket holes on each short edge of one board.

Make a pocket hole on three sides of the other board,

Once you cut them down, trim each board to 8.5” with a table saw or miter saw.

Save these three scrap pieces for later.

Put 2 pocket holes on each short end and one pocket hole on one long end

Attach your trimmed 1x10s even with the top of the 2x2s using wood glue and pocket screws.

I recommend aligning the SIDE edges with the bevel (curved edges) on your 2x2s and not flush with the sides.

Use pocket screws to attach the 1x3s even with the top of the 2x2s. Once again, you’ll want to attach them at the bevel and not square with the front of the table. Remember, the 1x3 with a pocket hole in the long side goes into the top of your table.

Use glue and 4 pocket screws to join the top of the table. Make sure it’s even and square.

Once those are cut, make 2 pocket holes on each side.
Measure 3” from the bottom of the table and attach them with wood glue and pocket screws. Make sure the holes are facing down so you don’t see them when you’re finished

Set your circular saw to 1/4” deep and measure 1/4” up on the long edge of the 1x4. Cut a 1/4” deep line all the way down. Measure up 1/8” from your first cut and cut all the way down it again. Remove any wood slivers from your board.

You may need to trim this slightly later if it doesn’t fit. Trim a 1/8” off as needed each time until it does.

Cut two pieces JUST UNDER 14" (13 7/8" to fit inside as a drawer)

Cut two pieces at 12.5".

Use finish nails and wood glue to attach the 12.5" slotted boards to the back of your (just under) 14" piece and slide your plywood into the slot.

Make sure your drawer is square and slide your plywood in before joining the back with more glue and finish nails.

Drill a small hole in the center of the front and attach your drawer pull

Once you cut the 1x10s for your next end table down to 14”, trim off 1/4” and keep the three slivers. Cut them to match your 14” drawer and angle them down so the fit like a picture frame in the front of your drawer. There should be 2 14” pieces and 2 3.5” pieces. Attach them with glue and a nail gun.

Measure the inside of your table and cut 2 pieces to fit under the drawers(from front to back). Use fishing nails and glue to fit them evenly with the bottom of the drawer opening and to the back of the end table. Make sure they are level with the ground

Attach a scrap piece of wood inside your table to keep your drawer from being able to slide too deep into the table

I recommend an 80 grit sandpaper for a more rustic finish or 220 for a finer finish

Use a cloth to spread your stain onto the end table.

If it needs to coats, once the piece has dried, lightly sand with 220 grit sand paper and apply another coat as needed! If you need clarification, check out my video!