Today I’m going to show you a pretty sweet and simple modern 3 drawer nightstand that you can make with 1 sheet of 1/2″ plywood! Yes, I’m not kidding. Not only that you don’t even need a table saw. Or a miter saw. All you need is a circular saw and a couple of circular saw attachments by Kreg Tools.
Kreg Tools sponsored and partnered with me on this project to try out their new saw attachment, the Accu-Cut AND to help give ideas and promote the #KregOneSheetContest (more on that below) . The challenge? Design and create a project using only 1 sheet of plywood! It can be trickier than you think! There have been so many amazing entries, be sure to get inspiration by checking out that hashtag on Instagram!
They sent me the Accu-Cut and Rip-Cut to try out. I was pleased to see a solution for so many people who don’t own a table saw and need to make plywood cuts that aren’t available or convenient at a home improvement store. Additionally the Accu-Cut has some features that aren’t available even if you have a table saw!
If you have bought a large sheet of plywood in the past, and you have to make cross-grain cuts, you know that getting them cut at a home improvement store means you will have lots of splinters and chips.
Trying to make those cuts at home with a circular saw would require a careful and steady hand to get a straight cut if you don’t have a guide, and you will have to use painter’s tape to prevent chips (which can gum up and dull your blade). The Accu-Cut has a 48″ track (it can be halved too) PLUS it supports the wood directly against the saw blade so there were no chips or splinters!
That Accu-Cut track has anti-slip pads on the bottom but I would recommend the track clamps. The track clamps keep the Accu-Cut from moving even if you lean extra on it while cutting or there happens to be any bend in the plywood (if you are cutting over a couple pieces of 2×4 instead of a piece of foam). Mostly it gives me peace of mind. 🙂
If you have used the Rip-Cut in the past, the same saw blade attachment that is used for both the Rip-Cut and Accu-Cut–but the track is different. Both I think are super handy to have around and makes it less cumbersome to move the plywood around. You can just bring your saw and attachments to the wood instead of trying to awkwardly move the large sheet around to bring it to the tools!
I used wood veneer (the iron-on kind) to finish off the edges of the nightstand which was super easy to apply and really gives the piece a ‘finished’ look.
I love how simple the design of this is, so that it could be incorporated into several different design styles. I added the leather pulls because leather is so hot right now and this style of pull is just enough of a statement to make this nightstand stand out and be unique.
I made these drawer pulls using some leather from the craft store. I cut 2 strips about 1 3/4″ wide, super glued them together and folded them over the top edge of the drawer face. Using a couple of tack nails, I just tapped them into place on the top and on the inside.
These plans are available now on BuildSomething.com and you can download and print off the step-by-step digital version by clicking below!
So more about the contest I mentioned above… Kreg Tool is having a open-to-the-public contest where you can submit your own projects made from one sheet of plywood, use the hashtag and share it on social media which will enter you to win a prize package: Kreg Accu-Cut, Rip-Cut, Mobile Project Center, and Foreman!!
The judges are some of my favs… Ana White, Ashley & Whitney from Shanty 2 Chic, and Mike Donovan from BuildSomething.com.
Would love to hear if you end up entering and be sure and check out my other furniture builds, if you liked this one!
This turned out great and the leather pulls are the perfect touch!
Best,
Kelly
Great Idea for a project I am planning. You specified Kreg 1/2″ pocket holes in 1/2″ plywood. Is that the standard Kreg jig and standard Kreg Screw or the Micro jig? I had a lot of trouble with a project I just finished using standard Kreg jig and standard Kreg 1″ screws so that is why I am asking. Thanks
I always just use a standard jig, but I think if you wanted to use the micro-jig it would definitely work!
Thanks for yhour reply. I used 1/2″ Blondwood plywood and Kreg 1″ standard size screws with a Pan-Head head Fine on a toolchest. Drawers were of 1/2″ oak solid same screws but Maxi-Loc Coarse . the drawer pocket holes went far through the wood with the kreg recommended settings. the shelves wre blondwood (Lowes) and most of the dcrews were ok but some cam throujgh slightly and all of the heads would not go in flush and it was impossible to fill the pocket holes flush.
I probably was too inexperienced with the kreg products as it was my first attempt at pocket holes. The Kreg jig was an R3. I am an experienced Woodworker although a bit rusty with new technologies like the Kreg Products. I have looked carefully at your plans and think I will try some samples of the joinery with standard size kreg jig and screws and Blondewood . Thanks for sharing your plans.