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Carpentry Pro Framer

Floating Nightstand Design Guide

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by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Choosing the Right Materials

Red oak offers durability and classic charm, but costs around $70 per board. It's a top choice for elegance and strength in a nightstand.

Birch plywood, at about $50 per board, provides a smooth surface that takes stain well. It requires edge banding to cover the layers.

Pine is budget-friendly at around $20 per board. It has a light appearance but may show wear more easily than harder woods.

Each wood has its characteristics:

  • Red oak: Impressive grain patterns, can be challenging to sand and finish
  • Birch plywood: Requires careful selection for flatness
  • Pine: Economical but finding straight boards can be tricky

Your choice of wood reflects different priorities, whether it's thriftiness, a balanced approach, or a timeless statement.

Three types of wood - red oak, birch plywood, and pine - displayed side by side showing their grain patterns and colors

Cutting and Assembly

Precision is key in cutting and assembly. Use a miter saw for clean, angled cuts and a circular saw for longer cuts. Ensure your saw blade is sharp for best results.

Measure twice and cut once to avoid mistakes. Use a speed square to check angles for proper fit.

For assembly, pocket holes allow for joining wood without visible screws. Use a pocket hole jig for consistent holes. Corner clamps help maintain alignment during assembly, ensuring stability in your nightstand.

Proper joint alignment is crucial for a professional look and sturdy construction. Take your time with these steps to create a nightstand that's both visually appealing and well-built.

A carpenter using a miter saw to make a precise angled cut on a piece of wood for a nightstand

Finishing and Installation

Start finishing by sanding with 120-grit sandpaper, then progress to 180-grit for a smooth surface.

Choose your finish:

  • For red oak or birch plywood, an oil-based stain can enhance the grain
  • For pine, use a pre-stain wood conditioner to ensure even absorption

Apply multiple coats of clear finish, such as satin polyurethane or natural beeswax, for protection and depth. Sand lightly between coats with fine steel wool.

For installation, use a French cleat system:

  1. Attach one half of the cleat to the nightstand's back
  2. Secure the other half to the wall, ideally into studs
  3. Hang the nightstand, adjusting as needed for level placement

This method provides strong support and allows for easy adjustments, ensuring your nightstand hangs securely and correctly.

Various stages of wood finishing displayed on red oak samples, from raw wood to fully finished

Your attention to detail in material selection, construction, and finishing has resulted in a functional and attractive floating nightstand that showcases your craftsmanship.

  1. Woodworkers Journal. The Ultimate Guide to Wood Selection. 2021.
  2. Fine Woodworking. Mastering Mitered Joints. 2019.
  3. Popular Woodworking. French Cleats: The Secret to Easy Hanging. 2020.