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D.I.Y. bedside table

By Bunnings magazine /

Black and white bedside table in bedroom.

Overview

This D.I.Y. bedside chest features plus-size storage for an organised sleep space.

Too good to be restricted to the cooking zone, a flatpack kitchen cabinet has been repurposed as the drawer of a custom night stand. Surrounded by a timber frame (painted in Taubmans Dark Green Velvet, but you could use any colour or leave the frame natural) and with a leather pull handle with brass detail, this practical piece has good looks that can be customised to suit any room – it also works well as a lounge side table.

Tools and materials

Tools

Materials

Steps

1Construct the flatpack cabinet

Assemble the drawer cabinet according to the supplied instructions, adding the front drawer panel and runners but leaving off the supplied legs. To add the handle, position tape to mark the centre of the drawer front and 120mm from the top, then drill through with a 4mm bit.

Side of white kitchen cabinet with drawer pulled out

2Fit the handle

Clamp the supplied snap-off screw with pliers held vertically. With your other hand, clamp combination pliers over the last segment, pulling downward to snap it off. Push the screw through from inside the drawer, adding the handle and twisting on the brass cap.

Clamp and pliers holding a screw

3Make the frame

Measure the FJL panels lengthways from the ends for a top 600mm long, back 485mm long, two sides each 500mm long, plus a shelf and base each 580mm long. Cut with a circular saw and straight edge, labelling the pieces with masking tape.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Working from either end keeps the nicely finished factory edges.
Cut and labelled timber panels

4Attach top and base to create the frame

Along the top and bottom of the side pieces, countersink holes 10mm in from the edges. Position the top piece against the sides with factory edges facing forward and flush, then apply adhesive, securing with 40mm screws. Repeat to attach the base piece, ensuring the front is flush, with a gap at the back.
A drill and glue is used to assemble bedside table frame

5Position and mark the drawer cabinet in the frame

Lift the drawer cabinet into the frame and position the shelf on it, with front edges flush. Mark the shelf along the outside to countersink and secure with 40mm screws, then remove the drawer cabinet. Turn the frame upside down to add the back piece, countersink the sides and secure with adhesive and screws. Cover all screws with timber filler and leave to dry.
A person measures the shelf above the drawer cabinet

6Drill on the leg plates

On the base of the frame, use a combination square to position leg plates 20mm from the front and back. Mark the centre holes, then remove the plates to drill through with an 8mm bit. Reposition the plates, secure with the supplied screws and twist in the legs. Sand the frame all over, wiping away dust with a damp cloth.
A person uses a combination square to measure and position leg plates on a bedside table

7Paint the legs, frame and cabinet

While the cabinet is upside down, use a mini roller to paint the legs. Turn the cabinet right-way up to paint all over, applying at least two coats, leaving to dry thoroughly after each.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Paint inside the shelf and around the front of the drawer cavity, but there's no need to paint into the back as it won't be seen.
Close up of a person using a paint roller to paint bedside table legs green

8Join and secure drawer cabinet into frame

Position the drawer cabinet in the frame, checking the drawer front is flush with the frame, then remove the drawer. Secure the cabinet to the frame from the inside using 30mm screws into the sides and base. Install the drawer and add glides to the legs, securing with the supplied screws.

*Not all timbers are available in all states and territories.
Glides added to the bottom of bedside table legs

9Looking for more clever D.I.Y.?

Put your sentimental pieces on show with our D.I.Y. shadow box frame.


Photo Credit: Cath Muscat and Natasha Dickins

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.