Build a bedside table

Shopping list

Cutting list: trolley

A – side: one 528mm x 400mm x 22mm plank
B – top: one 600mm x 400mm x 22mm plank
C – base and shelf: two 578mm x 400mm x 22mm planks
D – short side: one 400mm x 136mm x 22mm plank

Cutting list: drawer (optional)

E – front: one 554mm x 134mm x 22mm plank
F – sides: two 350mm x 100mm x 22mm planks
G – back: one 554mm x 100mm x 22mm plank
H – bottom: one 537mm x 368mm x 3mm hardboard plank

Other

• 16mm and 45mm chipboard screws
• panel pins
• four 50mm castors
• wood glue
• L-bracket
• drawer handle
• drawer runners (optional)
• panel pins
• wood filler
• wood primer
• enamel/acrylic PVA

Equipment

• tape
• sharp pencil
• cordless or power drill
• 3mm drill bit
• countersinking drill bit
• try square or combination square
• table saw or router
• paintbrush
• foam roller

Project notes

• All the dimensions (except H) were cut from two laminated pine boards measuring 1 800 x 455 x 22mm.
• Important: bed heights may differ, so adapt the measurement of A (long upright/side) in order that the top (B) is able to extend over and above your mattress and bedding.
• Make sure that your wood merchant cuts the wood accurately to specification. Even a 1mm mistake can cause problems when you try to build the project.

Get started

1 Use a tape measure and the short side (D) to assist in measuring and marking the following from the bottom of the long side (A): 22mm, 136mm, and 22mm.

2 Drill 3mm pilot holes at intervals between these lines, as shown.

3 Use a countersinking drill bit to create recesses for the heads of the screws.

>4 Attach both the base (C) and the shelf (C) at right angles to the long upright (A) at the 22mm markings, using glue and 45mm chipboard screws.

5 Use 45mm chipboard screws and glue to fix the short side (D) to the base and shelf.

6 Attach the top (B): make a mark 22mm from the edge, drill pilot holes and countersink these before gluing and screwing the board, using 45mm chipboard screws, into the top of the long side (A).

7 Use a try square to make sure that the top (B) is perpendicular to the long upright. Fix an angle bracket in place using 16mm chipboard screws so as to provide additional support to the work surface.

8 Fix the four castors in place 30mm from the edges underneath the base using 16mm chipboard screws.

9 (Optional) Use a table saw or router to create an 8 x 3mm rebate along the edges of the drawer front (E), the drawer sides (F) and the drawer back (G) in order to create a recess for the drawer bottom (H). Use a try square to make sure the drawer structure is squared before gluing and screwing the frame together using 45mm chipboard screws.

Tip: The drawer sides need to be recessed about 13mm in from the edge of the drawer front if you wish to fix draw runners to the drawer.

10 Place the drawer bottom (H) into the recess and fix it in place with panel pins. Screw a drawer handle of your choice to the front of the drawer. Fill all the holes with exposed screws with wood filler. The unit is now ready to be sanded, primed and painted in the colours of your choice.