I had a hard time deciding what I should title this post. “My Husband is the Most Awesome Man Ever,” was in the running. As was, “Blogging Friends are Real Friends,” and “Why Spend $1600 When You Can Build It Yourself?” Catchy, huh?
But, let me start from the beginning to really explain things. I’ve been on the hunt for a dresser for my 3 year-old daughter’s room for a while. I knew I wanted it to have a very mid-century modern style – clean lines and cool legs. I needed it to be a long dresser to take up space on a particular wall. I also knew that I wanted to paint the box white and stain the drawer fronts in a dark stain, so I didn’t want to spend a ton of money to buy something that I was going to refinish.
After exhausting Craigslist and local second hand stores, I turned to the internet. And there I found the exact size and shape dresser I was looking for. At Crate and Barrel. For $1600. EEK!
So, obviously that wasn’t going to happen. But, I really, really liked the style of it.
I decided to take a chance and see if my friend Rayan from The Design Confidential would mind drawing up a plan of this dresser for me. She’s one of those magical friends who can see a picture of something and draw a plan to build it. I don’t understand – at all – how her brain works. It’s pretty incredible! (As a side note, Rayan and I hung out a lot at the SNAP! Conference earlier this year, and she is an all-around awesome gal.)
Rayan said that she’d be happy to draw a dresser inspired by the Crate and Barrel Steppe and sent it my way in just a few days. Amazing, right? I can’t thank her enough for doing that for us (Rayan: Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!) You can now find the plan for free on her website – with step-by-step instructions, lumber list, cut list, and diagrams.
This is where my husband, Tom, comes in. When I got the plan, he set to work putting it together. I was there for moral support as he measured, cut, jigged, drilled and screwed his way to our handmade version of the dresser I had fallen in love with. What a great guy, right?
When he was finished, I was floored. When we got married almost 10 years ago, I had absolutely no idea that he had this in him. I knew he was handy, but this takes it to a whole new level, right? He keeps telling me that I could have built it myself, though, so maybe I’m giving him too much credit. Kidding!
I think we spent under $300 for the wood, screws and drawer slides. I’ll dig through my scary pile of receipts and update this post with the true amount that we spent. Just know that it was about 1/5 of the cost of the one from Crate & Barrel.
Next is where I get to work my own magic – the finishing! I’ll be back tomorrow to tell more about that and to show off the finished product. You’re going to love it.
>>>>> Want to see the finished dresser? Click here for the reveal! <<<<<
What do you think about Tom and Rayan? Please give them some virtual applause in the comments!
That is incredible! It looks great. It’s got my wheels turning and wondering if I could do it too…
Thanks, Ally! I’m really happy with it!
Amazing! I’m very impressed with your husband’s building skills. Also, how does one just look at something and conjure up building plans? Incredible. Nice job Rayan and Tom!
Yeah, I have no idea. It’s a secret talent that I definitely do not possess!
That’s beautiful! They both did an amazing job!
Imagine having the power to build a dresser.
I know, right? It’s pretty cool. Thanks, Laurie!
Tom, you ROCK!
Thanks, JJ!
Great job, Tom!! So impressed!
Thanks, Heather!
That is wonderful Ladies!!
Thanks, Jeanna!
Way to go Tom! I am super impressed.
Thanks, Emily!
Wow! That is amazing!! What a great job he did. Can’t wait to see it finished.
Thanks, Janet!
Wow!!! That dresser is gorgeous and yay to Tom and Rayan!! Seriously can’t stop looking at it. Can’t wait to see it all finished.
Thanks so much, Catherine!
This is absolutely gorgeous. May I ask what kind of wood you used? I know the instructions tell you to use plywood but this is not looking like plywood to me. Thanks!
Hi Giselle- He used birch veneer plywood and then pine for the drawer fronts.
Did you guys use solid wood or plywood? The finished piece is very polished.
Hi Jeremy,
He used birch veneer plywood and then pine for the drawer fronts.
Nice work! how did he finish the edges? Veneer strips?
Hi, the dresser looks great! I am working on one right now and I am about to put the drawers together. I have access to a router/table and I was wondering if you used one for the edges of the drawer fronts and sides. If so what bit did you use?
Thanks!
He did! He used a 3/8″ round over. Sorry for the delay in my response! Tom has been traveling for about the last month for work, and we were just now able to discuss it. Hope the dresser went well!