How to Build a Basic Dresser | Matching Modern Bedroom Set

[@auntmaryspals7978]

I'm a 67 year old woman and just started woodworking a couple years ago. Looks like I found a kindred spirit here and plan to watch as many videos as I can to catch up. This is exciting!

[@UGALEE1]

I’m always amazed when people use pocket holes and their wood never shifts. I use them and the wood moves every time if I don’t clamp it lol. This was beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I have more trouble with using clamps than just doing it without them 🙈 I guess everyone’s experience is a little different haha. I appreciate you watching and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@kylehalweg-be6mr]

You're over tightening, which makes the wood walk/move. I had the same experience for a long time. To practice, put wood glue on the two pieces and tighten slowly. You will feel and see the pieces pull together, the glue starts to come out of the joint, STOP. You don't torque until meeting firm resistance like normal screwing applications.

[@HOMEAROMAS]

​@@kylehalweg-be6mr I was literally about to post the same question, so thank you very much for that clear explanation, it's very much appreciated.

[@jeremyspecce]

That’s my problem too, I find it required pretty intense clamping force to resist the pulling force of the pocket holes. If you’re patient you can glue the pieces first and let the glue set up a bit to resist the slide.

[@randythayer8440]

Thank you Norm!@@kylehalweg-be6mr

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Shara! It turned out incredible! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you and yours have a great weekend!

[@jongolsteyn9680]

Nice project. You did a great job. Isn't it fun to create things in your head and then build it? It is a great satisfaction to build stuff. I have built a lot of things in my lifetime, but cabinets are probably my favorite thing to make. Good luck with your woodworking projects.

[@crich83baby]

Your designs are so sophisticated, yet accessible, if that makes sense. I love how all of your pieces turn out and can’t wait for the tall boy and longer dresser. Side note: I never noticed how Lucy prances when she walks. It’s so cute! And Bubby is so curious. I love that we get to see them more!

[@T_Jonesy]

Great video, super thorough. Aligning drawers correctly always intimidates me I like your method.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Hope it was helpful! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@ronnorris1504]

Words don't do this piece justice. Absolutely beautiful! and as always thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge..

[@SavannahMcIntosh-q8r]

This is beautiful - I'm redoing my bathroom and haven't been able to find a vanity I like. I'm going to use this to inform a 3 drawer dresser-style vanity. Very glad to have found this video!

[@troytaylor4588]

Great work again Shara! Red oak is perfect!!😮

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomstone2322]

Very nice work Shara! Really like your furniture design and build

[@Lutzboater]

Another lovely piece to add to the others. I enjoy the pace of your videos and your method of building drawers pieces. Well done, again. Even you shop Foremen seem to approve.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! It’s tough to pass Bubby’s inspections sometimes but he approved this one 😆 I’m glad you enjoy the videos-honestly I’m trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t so I appreciate the feedback on the pace. Thank you so much for watching!

[@robertbamford8266]

Nice. Straightforward. Easily adaptable to a fixed space.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! This design is definitely easy to modify to fit a space. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@sooome9294]

Can’t wait for the tall dresser post. I’ve been looking for a used one that will perfectly fit my space and having a hard time choosing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I think it would be a great project. I’m hoping to revisit this set and build it one of these days!

[@jpinke00]

I love the design, especially the trim details. Your pets are stealing the show, lol!

[@createful_heart]

It's so pretty, Shara! Anyone would be lucky to have these pieces in their home. It's me. I'm anyone. 🤣

[@WoodshopDiaries]

🤣 thank you so much! I hope one (or two or three) of these pieces find a way into your home at some point 😉🙌🔨

[@davidbourland8118]

You have done so many things for your own home. I would be interested in a video about what has worn well and what has not. Have you ever changed drawer hardware or brought something back into the shop to adjust in some way. A "lessons learned' subject. Thanks again for your work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea! Many of my projects from the past I’ve given away over the years, recycled the wood, left with the previous home when we moved, etc. There’s no way I can keep everything I make. Ive not ever changed drawer slides out in anything or brought it back to the shop to fix. I did refinish my first bedroom set (I still have and use daily) when I moved because the danish oil I used made it turn orange over time. Other than that, I honestly can’t think of anything else I’ve modified after the fact.

[@irawardofficial]

Wow Shara, that was an awesome build !! Your eye for design is astonishing too. Nice to see Danny in there helping you lift it :). Keep up the good work !!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! The details were subtle but I think it tied in well. This thing was way heavier than I expected so I’m glad he was there to help too 🤣 Lucy provided moral support as well haha. I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend. Happy building!

[@irawardofficial]

@@WoodshopDiaries That was a blast watching your pets getting in on the action, especially Bubby LOL.🤣Always a pleasure my friend :). Thanks and you too !! God Bless !!

[@anonymoususer4376]

Love starting my Saturdays watching another one of your builds.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I truly appreciate you watching and I’m glad you enjoy them 😊 have a wonderful weekend!

[@karenmitchell6814]

You could always add a “hutch” type unit to the top of the 6 drawer and end up with a sort of wardrobe. And then build your 9 drawer. 🤷‍♀️. Love the series.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea! I’ll have to give that one some thought! A wardrobe would be a fun addition to the set as well. I appreciate you watching the series and so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it. Hopefully I’ll be back to revisit this soon! Have a great weekend 🙌

[@mellymel1100]

Ooh! Good idea for a build video, too!

[@RG-ce5hj]

Love the video. Your narrative/explanation is smooth and really adds to the enjoyment factor!👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate you watching 😊

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I finally got to watch this. Looks great. I really like all the dimension that you added.

[@joelcopeland3018]

Great dresser... I really love watching your videos... God bless...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that so much! Thank you for following along!

[@ftnirish74]

Another unbelievable build. I love when you have project builds that are complete sets. Question: Why do you prefer full extension slides over soft close slides?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

thank you. It’s just a personal preference. I don’t think they’re worth the extra money and the plastic pieces on the soft close mechanism break easily. So I just grab the regular slides.

[@lynjermey6423]

Absolutely gorgeous bedroom set.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I so appreciate you watching and following along. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

That's a beautiful addition to your bedroom set! It ties everything together. I thought Bubby was going to lick the glue there for a moment. He's such a sweet cat and always likes to be near you. Lucy looked like she was dancing as she pranced around. She's got beautiful markings. I just got your "Modern Console Cabinet" plans and look forward to building it to use as a TV stand. Your plans are very detailed and professionally done!

[@asuhayda1]

I have been looking for simple plans for a wide dresser along with a matching chest of drawers for months now. I would absolutely love to see those plans from you in the future. Please do it!!!

[@mykehoole5787]

Every video of yours adds another project to my woodworking “Bucket list”. Your explanations/instructions are very clear and your reasoning always justifies your methods. I’m still in the process of setting up my workshop and dust collection system but space is a problem as I only have about a third of my European double garage to work in. Another problem we have in England is the lower quality and higher cost of the timber and plywood available. Thanks for your inspiration. Myke

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m so happy you enjoy the projects and the videos! Good luck with setting up your shop space 🙌 I hope you can get it how you like it in the space you have available. I appreciate you watching and hope it’s helpful in some way. Happy building!

[@brookesenfrance3852]

Really love this bedroom set❤ so nice decorative, simple and homely. Bravo. I will be recreating these soon😎

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, I find the dresser absolutely beautiful. It's as elegant as it is simple. Hopefully simplicity and elegance makes it's way into my workshop as well. While the plans for each piece are an incredible value by themselves the bundle package is really nice and the one I'm rolling around in my brain right now. It's so much fun seeing your projects come to life. Hugs to the critters. Thanks for Sharing!

[@Jdmsword14]

big fan of the simple yet elegant designs and the trim work makes a great difference! these series of videos has been amazing to watch and learn and get ideas and I hope to create my first nightstands soon thanks to you

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Soooo happy you enjoy the simplicity of the build and designs! Thank you so much for watching-I hope you have been helpful. Good luck with your build! You got this 🙌🔨

[@timothycreasy2161]

Very well done. The dresser looks really good, and the trim from the cut offs is a nice touch . Very nice Ms. Shara ✌️

[@espnmk]

Love the flare to your basic dresser, nothing basic I see quality work plus your drawer assembly and slide placement nothing but amazed, Thanks for Sharing...

[@philshock3805]

That's a really nice, clean design. The trim pieces makes all the difference.

[@christophermckinney984]

Love the beginning! And I’m a real big fan of the whole bedroom suit that you completed. I’m not sure how or why I went so long without watching any of your videos, but I was happy to see this one pop up for me to watch this morning. Actually, I’m pretty sure I know why I missed your videos for so long. My daughter (a wonderful ten year, going on 30, old) has watched so many crazy videos, and so many of her favorites, it has pushed my preferences way back! Anyway, happy to be back! Hope you have a good weekend, and I’m already looking forward to your next project, whatever it may be! 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m happy you found your way back to the channel and I hope it’s even better than you left it 😅 (as in, I hope I’ve improved…but no guarantees ha!) I was once a ten year going on 30 year old daughter, so I understand 😆 I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!

[@davidguinta4550]

Shara you are just amazing...keep it up, really enjoy your videos and knowledge!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind. Thank you so much for cheering me on and for following along. I truly appreciate you watching. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@janellecorbett6349]

Thanks for your great step by step guides. I’ve purchased the dresser plans and will start cutting today. Plan to do night stands after for guest room. I appreciate what you do! Thank you.

[@jimrosson6702]

Shara what an amazing looking dresser love the way it turned out. Great job

[@stevedockery3534]

That's definitely a nice matching set of bedroom furniture. You always make it look simple, but I'm sure it's just a little time consuming and worth every bit of it. Awesome job and very beautiful. Have a great weekend Shara. Steve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m so happy with how this turned out and excited to add it to our guest room! It does take a little patience, but I’m slowly learning that virtue as I get older haha. Thanks again for watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@athomewithjenny]

I seriously love your channel. You are so talented!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind! I so appreciate you following along and hope the content is helpful!

[@johnkelley9877]

Another great build! The dresser looks beautiful and I like the stain color as well. Thanks for sharing this.

[@elizabethrogers6897]

Shara...I have been looking for a tall chest of drawers build for about a year now. I had one when I was in my 20's. The drawers sides were 10in deep by 28in wide by 18 in depth (front to back) plus the drawer front. I loved it because it held my heavy clothes, jeans, sweaters etc without bunching and wrinkling. I am requesting a simple build of that nature. Your plans are wonderful and relatively easy to size up or down a bit. Thank You for sharing your skills with the rest of us❤❤❤

[@brodrick3164]

I enjoyed watching you build this piece. Nice looking dresser.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Very nice Shara! This is a beautiful furniture set. The extra 1/4” inset is nice and adds another dimension. You definitely make drawer build and installation look easy. Glad that Bubby and Lou were so much help … lol…. They’re the best! Have a great weekend and keep on building!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Bubby and Lou were definitely “helpful” for this build 😆 they’re such good company when they’re not getting into trouble together ha! Anyway, thank you so much for watching and following along-truly. I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. Happy building!

[@mikecolo2158]

That is a fine addition to the bedroom set. Thanks for all the simple tips and technique. I keep telling my daughter to subscribe to your channel for projects and ideas as she furnishes her new home on a budget.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the video and the simplicity of it. Thank you for sharing my channel with your daughter…I hope if she checks it out, she finds it helpful. Furnishing a new home is exciting-I hope she’s enjoying it!

[@AB-C1]

Excellent job and great looking bedroom furniture set.. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@timdyer7692]

As usual, great job! The dresser looks very nice, Shara!

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Nice dresser build. Nice to bee Bubby "inspecting" your work. 😆

[@Joshua.zero29]

Im starting to think that Bubby has been promoted to shop supervisor. If not, he should be because the quality of the items coming out of that shop is top tier! ❤

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I’ll take that as a compliment for Bubs and for me 😉😅 He’s definitely stepped up his game lately in his inspections…he’s getting pretty nit picky 🤣 I do enjoy his and Lou’s company out there and they’re funny when they get along. Thanks so much for watching and following along. I truly appreciate it. Have a great weekend!

[@pteddie6965]

The set is beautiful. Thanks for the video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much for watching and following along! Have a great weekend!

[@stephenross1581]

Wow, that’s an amazing dresser, love your work and all very well explained ❤

[@tommyc1400]

That looks damn good! I love the way you build things and explain things! You make easy to build designs, but they look REALLY REALLY good. GREAT JOB!!

[@donovanjenkins672]

Great video! I love the design and the way you make the project seem approachable.

[@raulsoto2088]

Otra vez... Me encantó tu trabajo.. te felicito.. gracias por compartir, un abrazo desde Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@dreamie9868]

Great work! I've been meaning to build myself a tall dresser so I'm looking forward to your video.

[@guillermo7777]

Wooow amazing and very well explained thanks so much, ill try to build one myself for my mother, you make it look so simple to build, ill give it a shot at it, you got a new subscriber, greetings from Santa Cruz Bolivia 🇧🇴

[@giuliaciulia89]

More kitty! I approve!!! And “step 1 move the cat” I feel that so much XD

[@irshadsoomro555]

I appreciate your work mam. Good job

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@scottmorris4914]

That looks really good and matches the nightstands perfectly. Will the 9 drawer be next? Or later down the road.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! It’ll be down the road. I had already planned several other projects to come after this one before I considered maybe I should build another size. So I’m going to dive into some other stuff first.

[@chrisnash2154]

I’ve said this once before, that I am really impressed that you have resisted the temptation to upgrade to higher end tools. I know you are a Ryobi fan and you haven’t even upgraded to their track saw. I also appreciate that all of your builds are entry to near entry level builds using mostly plywood. I do have a question… Why do you love buildings drawers so much?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I’m not sure temptation is really the right word haha 😅 I’ve never felt the urge to spend more money on tools than I needed to. Whatever works, works 😊 I actually had a track saw and gave it away after using it. I much prefer the kreg accucut with my circ saw. It’s the same thing as a track saw only much more convenient and versatile. But anyway…I got off on a tangent haha. I’m glad you enjoy the simplicity here. That’s the ultimate goal. I don’t know why I love drawers…I just really enjoy building them. It’s fun 🤷‍♀️

[@almag6524]

i only can say good things girl! great job n thanks for share ur tips. good bless u for that. thanks.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope it was helpful and I appreciate you watching. God bless!

[@brewster3987]

Hmm… I dunno, it’s kind of hard to tell for sure, but I’m going out on a limb and guessing that you like to build dressers and drawers.😁 I’m a sucker for little reveals and details too… love how this so nicely compliments the whole suite. I say again - it’s magazine quality. Also loving the evolution of your production values - really nice attention to details! Pats to the fur kids - they made very prominent appearances in this one!

[@rodpotts2666]

Another very nice build. Your awesome!

[@norcross26]

Beautiful work. You do amazing work. Thank you for sharing your skill

[@lovejones7545]

Very nice and well done!! All hands on deck for this one🤙🏾💯

[@ianpearse4480]

Very nice build. Great share, thank you.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@ianpearse4480]

Cheers, You too. @@WoodshopDiaries

[@cliff5240]

Very nice job!!

[@Grampiswoodshop]

I Love it Shara!! ❤

[@jdfnp]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@2old4u]

Another excellent project. Well done.

[@westtexas5754]

That is a wonderful bedroom set. On a side note, you got me started on using pocket hole joinery and now I use it for many things. Are you you going to add a heater for your shop someday?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I’m so happy I inspired you to try out pocket holes. Hopefully you find them as handy as I do! As of now I don’t have any plans to add heat to my shop. I work with the doors open (I can’t stand them being closed), so it just doesn’t make sense. There are only maybe a couple weeks a year it’s miserably cold (and I just don’t work out there then). Our winters are usually fairly mild.

[@Happydayz2023]

Can’t wait to build this! I wanted to ask what you think of the Kreg pocket hole clamp for 90 degree joints? I’m having a terrible time getting my pocket hole screws to go on straight while trying to hold boards together at 90. Any ideas?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I have one and have used it maybe twice. I don’t find it helpful and it’s usually in the way since it’s literally inside the pocket hole. I honestly find it much easier to just hold the pieces by hand than to mess with clamps in most cases-I know that’s unpopular and not very helpful to answer your question. It’s just what I’ve grown to find easiest in my experience. So I really can’t speak to a good clamp suggestion since I don’t use them much for pocket holes. Usually if I do use them, it’s just basic bar clamps holding the pieces tight in place while I drive-not corner clamps. I’ve found if the end of the board is cut square, usually the pocket hole screw is going to pull it tight, thus making it square once it’s driven. And if it doesn’t, usually by the time you add the rest of the pieces of the project (additional framing, dividers, etc) that’s going to help pull everything square as well.

[@tazmane3]

Hey fellow Kentuckian! I have a question about not putting a back on...wouldn't this allow dust to accumulate in the drawers?? I know I have a shop cabinet, and it doesn't have a back, and the stuff in there gets crazy dusty! (it has a back now) I remember also, from old New Yankee Workshop Videos...he used dust frames...which filled all the gaps between the drawers as well...just curious...thanks! And good job, Bub, on the shop supervision...keep 'em in line! LOL

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I’ve never had an issue with dust in my dresser drawers. Maybe it’s because I use the stuff in the drawers so it’s swapped out often enough (like clothes) that nothing accumulates. Also, I could see a shop having much more dust than a home so that’s something to consider as well. My miter saw station doesn’t have a back and it gets a little dust in the drawers…but not piles of it. It’s truly just a personal preference. If dust is a concern, popping a back on is quick and easy 😊

[@kamalkhadra8838]

.. Wonderful and lovely hunter 🐕..

[@WoodshopDiaries]

He’s so much fun around the shop!

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Really very good and nice >>>>> Thank you .

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@zwang9607]

great video, I got inspired!

[@denonhall8723]

Excellent work!!👏

[@edilsonnascimento4148]

Parabéns professora pôr mais um belo vídeo abraço daqui de Salvador Bahia 🇧🇷

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! So glad you enjoyed it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@michaelsorensen6791]

Love your content. Question: I noticed you don't use any clamps when installing your pocket screws, how to you keep your work piece from walking/moving?

[@mnicastro3365]

Nice work. Thank you for sharing. Question, before you apply the stain, do you use pre-stain?

[@lashellbrown8502]

Absolutely love your videos

[@jeremyspecce]

Awesome as always!❤

[@netterkerl8702]

top super arbeit gefällt mir sehr👍👍👍

[@foos.998]

Ooo, getting fancy with your designs, Shara 😂

[@NoodlePassion]

Any chance you have any plans for building a secretary desk? One of my wishlist items that are hard to find!! Built your keyboard stand a year ago and it's still going strong!!

[@joeguarnaccio5227]

Hello new to your channel love your projects, as for your pipe clamps if your pipe is threaded at both ends you’ll only need a coupling to make your existing clamps longer . Hope this helps?

[@Happydayz2023]

Hi love your videos! I had a question. I’m building a wall to wall desk 124” long. I wanted to use plywood but of course can’t find one that long. How do you suggest adjoins two pieces of plywood end to end? Was going to use glue and dowels? Really want to hide the seam if possible.. I’m going to just use clear stain on plywood. Any recommendations on how to make seam not visible?

[@Ray_Sellner]

Very nice.

[@renedomh]

Exelente trabajo guapisima

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@ColoradoTodd]

Thanks Shara - your projects just keep getting better! Just curious: do you ever have problems with the edge banding delaminating? I've never used it, so my only mental references are the iron-on knee patches for blue jeans, back in the '70's. Not exactly the best analog...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I’ve never had any delaminate over time. It may eventually (I doubt it but it’s possible), but I have pieces with it that are 7+ years old and still holding fine. I’ve used it in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms with daily use and not had it come off. That said, it does have to be properly applied. The glue has to get warm enough to melt and be pressed firmly onto the edge before it cools.

[@ColoradoTodd]

Thanks - that's great to know

[@kellyross4801]

I would pay money to come take a hands on class with you! I desperately wanted to take woodshop classes in highschool. But they said I couldn't because I'd already had four semesters of home ec. 😐 Forty years later, Im still working out that logic. 🤔

[@jasonthomas1760]

Love the build as always Shara! Bubby seems to becoming quite the ham lately i see lol

[@rickhope1141]

I love the little trim detail. Just a question though. Why didn’t you do the drawer trim detail on the nightstands?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Since the drawers in the nightstands were so small, I didn’t like the trim detail on the front. It just didn’t feel right when I held it up there. I think if they had covered the whole front, like the drawers in the dresser, it would have made more sense. I had actually planned to trim the side panels on the nightstand with it instead but after I built it, decided that I liked it with out that too.

[@Gandellion]

I was wondering how you started furniture making, did you learn it or teach yourself? I always remember at school seeing all the pieces the GCSE students were making and thinking how cool it was to build an actual thing you could use

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I am self taught. I never took a shop class in school (we didn’t have that option). I started by building a table after we remodeled our kitchen and loved it so much I just started trying to see what else I could build. I just figured it out and learned as I went by trial and error.

[@Gandellion]

@@WoodshopDiaries Awesome!

[@justintharp5508]

Like #626 I can't wait to make something I want. To many needs in the way right now tho.

[@clickster1883]

Bubby’s surprise appearance (2:46) made me smile. Okay, back the vid…

[@dfulf]

Is the top red oak plywood also? It looks like solid wood on the edges. How much plywood did it take to make this dresser? Thanks very nice work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes, the top is plywood, too. The full materials list is in the video description 😊

[@dfulf]

@@WoodshopDiaries Did you edge band the top then? or how did you finish the edges?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I did. Iron on edge banding.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you

[@dequaivionwashington7862]

The cat was making sure everything went smoothly 😂😂

[@samuelpierre-louis2529]

I really wanna give this a try. How much worth of wood did that take?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! The materials list is in the description 😊

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Will there be a plan bundle for sale?