Nightstand CTE Project

This is a project log detailing the process of planning, building, and finishing my project. The purpose of this project is to make a new nightstand for my room. Along with a drawer and plenty of space for my records/record player.

Supplies

3x 1X12 Common Board

1x ⅛ 2x4 hardboard

1x 1x10-6ft Common Board

Box of Deck screws

Box of finishing nails

Metal cabinet handle

Wood Varnish

Planning the Project

I first made a couple drawings to get an idea of what I would do. But to fully realize my project I made a SketchUp draft to measure, proportion and in general get a much better view of my finished nightstand

Cutting and Assembling the Drawer

I started with the drawer because it was the easiest to cut, sand, and build. I measured it 14x11x6" and attached it long plates to the side and short on the front and back. After that I drilled the bottom plate from flat wood in my yard. I then set it aside to varnish later, a handle was also ordered and put on later.

Cutting and Sanding the Frame

The frame took the most time, not to cut but to sand. I measured one side 2ft tall and another shortened by the length of the shelf. After cutting them I sanded by hand from 60-150 grit. I fastened the sandpaper onto a wood block and used that to better sand my pieces, switching papers when I needed.

Assembling the Frame

To assemble the frame I set my pieces down and positioned them where they'll be attached, leveling when needed. I then drilled the side pieces with the top. But this didn't come without problems. Because of a bad cut, the frame stood wonky. I fixed this by vigorously sanding any uneven sections of the foot until it stood better. I then drilled the frame of the drawer which was just a side and top piece.

Adding the Shelf

The wood I used for the shelf was thinner width wise than the top board, this was unintentional but, in the end, gave the finished project depth which was a fine addition. I glued support pegs below the second shelf so it could withstand more weight and be more sturdy.

Varnishing the Drawer

When reading the instructions for my varnish I learned I needed to sand my pieces with 240 grit paper, coat with varnish, and lightly sand with 400 grit paper. After finding what I needed I started the varnish process. Sand, Paint, Sand, I prioritized coating any parts that stuck out, specifically putty filled drill holes. Eventually I had a dark, even coat that would be the basis of what I wanted for the frame.

Varnishing the Frame

Using the same process made in the last step. I varnished the rest of the nightstand. This took a while to do because I had to brush 4 layers on to get a nice even coating on par with the drawer.

Cutting and Nailing the Backboard

I cut out two pieces of hardboard for the backboard, one that will cover the drawer and the other the rest of the nightstand to the floor. I then nailed them in with finishing nails, some excess was found on some sides which I promptly filed off leaving a nice flat finish.

Finished!

All done, the project is finished!