Simple Nightstand Tutorial

I love the simplicity of this nightstand. The mix of wood and metal provides an industrial farmhouse feeling. It is an easy DIY that can be completed in under an hour, and it is the perfect project for a beginner builder. This is one of my favorite DIYs. I hope you give it a try! Now featured in Country Living Magazine.

Here is what you’ll need:

• (1) piece of lumber cut to size for the top of your nightstand. My nightstand is 24 inches x 16 inches. If you don’t own a table saw, then Home Depot can cut for you. Tip: Look for the section in the store with the 1 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. lumber.
• (1) 1 in. x 2in. x 8ft board for the back ledge. Cut to the desired width of your nightstand. I cut mine to 24 inches.
• (2) 16 in. x 10 in. Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets
• Wood Glue
• 3/4 in. Wood Screws
• 1 1/2 in. Wood Screws
• Drywall Anchor 75lb (Optional)
• Sand Paper
• Wood Conditioner(If Staining)
• Stain/Paint
• Polyurethane or Finishing Wax(My favorite)
• Drill
• Stud Finder

Step 1

Line up the back ledge board with the top of your nightstand. Pre-drill some pilot holes through both of the boards about every 4 inches.

STEP 2

Add wood glue along the edge where the boards meet. Screw the 1 1/2 in. screws into the pilot holes. Tip: Don’t go crazy with the wood glue and quickly wipe off any excess. It will block the stain from entering the wood.

Step 3

Sand, wood condition, and stain/paint the wood. I also added a few dings and scratches to make it look like I found it in a scrap pile. I used Briarsmoke for my stain. Then I finish it off with some polyurethane.

STEP 4

Before adding the brackets it is best to determine the location of your nightstand and look for the wall studs by using a stud finder. If you are able to install your brackets into the studs, this is best. However, if you need to use drywall anchors, it is totally doable. Tip: For this project I used heavy duty drywall anchors(75lb). Better safe than sorry!

STEP 5

Once you determine the location of the brackets on your nightstand, use the 3/4 in. screws to install the brackets onto the bottom of the nightstand. Then use either the 1 1/2 in. screws(stud) or drywall anchors(drywall) to secure the nightstand to the wall.

STEP 6

You’re all done! Now send me a picture. I would love to see your nightstand! Tag me on Instagram @simplee.diy.