Build Your Own: The Extra Wide Simple Dresser – A Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Knockoff

Transforming a nursery or any room with high-quality furniture doesn’t have to break the bank. Today, we’re thrilled to share an exciting project: building this stunning extra wide simple dresser, a perfect DIY alternative to the ridiculously expensive, yet undeniably charming, Pottery Barn Kids Kendall dresser. With retail prices soaring around $900, creating your own version offers substantial savings without compromising on style or functionality. We had the incredible opportunity to team up with the supremely talented Ana White, a true titan in the DIY world, to bring this dream project to life.

Our collaboration with Ana White began at Haven two years ago, and we’ve been cherished friends ever since. Ana is an incredibly humble and sweet individual, and her husband, Jacob, is just as delightful. Jon and Jacob hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared passions for fishing, hunting, and, of course, building things. Jon often picks Jacob’s brain about the unique hunting and fishing experiences in Alaska, a dream destination for him. Who knows, perhaps one day we’ll visit them in Alaska, and our boys, being only a few months apart, can even play together!

The Inspiration: A Nursery Dream Project

We had been eager to work with Ana for a while, and when Jon and I started brainstorming ideas for our baby’s nursery, it immediately felt like the perfect moment to collaborate. When I emailed Ana with our exciting news, her first response was, “I had a feeling you were pregnant at Haven, but kept it to myself!” I wasn’t surprised; Ana’s intuition is sharp, and she’s always incredibly perceptive. Our initial goal for the nursery was ambitious: Jon wanted to hand-build all the furniture. While I admired his enthusiasm, I had to gently remind him that purchasing the crib might be a more practical decision. It pained him to buy a crib, especially since they look relatively straightforward to assemble, but thankfully, his parents stepped in and generously bought it for us.

I recall the entire 10 minutes it took him to assemble our Pottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib; he kept remarking on how easily he could have built it himself. Each time, I’d gently remind him that building it from scratch would have taken hours, if not days, of meticulous work. He’d just smile, knowing I was right but unwilling to admit it. Surprisingly, the dresser didn’t take nearly as long as we both anticipated. We tackled the main frame together in just one day. Over the course of the following week, Jon dedicated his free time—an hour here, two hours there—to crafting the drawers, meticulously painting the dresser, and finally, bringing all the pieces together into the beautiful finished product you see.

Unlock the Plans: Build Your Own Extra Wide Simple Dresser

The beauty of this project lies not only in its cost-effectiveness but also in the detailed, accessible plans provided by Ana White. These free plans empower anyone with a passion for DIY to recreate this stunning piece of furniture for their home. Whether you’re furnishing a nursery, updating a bedroom, or simply love the satisfaction of building something with your own hands, this dresser project is a rewarding endeavor.

Head on over to Ana White to get the free plans for the Extra Wide Simple Dresser. The plans provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring that even intermediate DIYers can achieve professional-looking results. Building this dresser not only saves money but also instills a sense of pride in creating a bespoke piece tailored to your needs and style.

Essential Materials and Tools for Your DIY Dresser

Crafting this dresser requires a thoughtful selection of materials and tools. We opted for high-quality PureBond Hardwood Plywood, known for its exceptional durability and eco-friendly composition. This ensures your dresser is not only sturdy but also a healthy choice for any living space, especially a nursery. Below is a detailed cut list based on Ana White’s plans, with our minor modifications for enhanced functionality:

Dresser Frame Cut List:

• 2 – 3/4” PureBond Hardwood plywood @ 15-1/2” x 26-1/4” (Side Panels)
• 4 – 2×2 @ 31-1/4” (Legs)
• 2 – 2×2 @ 49-1/2” (Top Back Support and Front Bottom Support)
• 3 – 2×4 @ 49-1/2” (Back Supports – *Note: We used 1x4s here for rear mount drawer slides)
• 3 – 1×2 @ 49-1/2” (Front Trim)
• 4 – 1×2 @ 7-1/2” (Front Trim between drawers vertically)
• 1 – 2×2 @ 15-1/2” (Bottom Support – *Note: If 1x4s used for back, this board needs to be 3/4” longer)

Drawers Cut List:

• DRAWERS – CUT TO FIT! (Plan uses 1×6 for drawer boxes and 1×8 for drawer faces)

Dresser Top Cut List:

• 1 – 3/4” PureBond Hardwood plywood @ 15-1/2” x 54-1/2” (Main Top Panel – *Note: 49-1/2″ for finished sides for staining)
• 1 – 1×2 @ 54-1/2” (Back Trim for Top)
• 1 – 1×3 @ 54-1/2” (Front Trim for Top)
• 2 – 1×3 @ 15-1/2” (Side Trims for Top – *Note: Allows for future sanding and staining)

Dresser Back Panel:

• 1 – PureBond Hardwood plywood @ 52-1/2” x 26-1/4”

Beyond the raw materials, a few essential tools made this project significantly smoother. Our trusted Kreg Jig and a RYOBI drill were indispensable for creating strong, hidden pocket hole joints. For efficient assembly, the RYOBI AirStrike Cordless Brad Nailer was a game-changer. And for that flawless, factory-like finish, the HomeRight Finish Max HVLP sprayer proved to be an invaluable asset. While you can certainly get your wood cut at a local hardware store, having your own tools allows for greater precision and flexibility during the build.

Step-by-Step Construction: Bringing the Dresser to Life

Building furniture is a rewarding process, and breaking it down into manageable steps makes it even more enjoyable. Here’s a detailed look at how we constructed this beautiful extra wide dresser, from frame assembly to the final touches.

1. Assembling the Dresser Sides

Our journey began with creating the side panels of the dresser. Jon meticulously cut the PureBond hardwood plywood to the specified dimensions. While many hardware stores offer cutting services, having your own saw provides more control and flexibility. Once the pieces were cut, he used our Kreg Jig to mark out and drill pocket holes. The key here is to space the pocket holes evenly along the sides and top edges for maximum stability and a clean finish. These hidden joints are crucial for the dresser’s structural integrity.

Although the original plans didn’t explicitly call for it, Jon almost always incorporates wood glue into his projects for added strength and longevity. So, before securing the legs, he applied a generous, even coat of wood glue to each side of the 3/4-inch plywood panel. We then secured the 2×2 legs using 1-1/4 inch pocket hole screws. It’s vital to ensure the side panel is perfectly flush with the inside of the legs when attaching them, as this forms the foundational structure of your dresser.

2. Installing Back Supports for Drawer Functionality

Next, we focused on attaching the back support pieces. To accommodate rear-mount drawer sockets, Ana White wisely recommended using 1x4s instead of the thicker 2x4s for the main back supports. This modification ensures the drawer slides sit flush with the back of the dresser, preventing any interference with the drawer operation. Jon attached a 2×2 board to the very top, drilling 1-1/2 inch pocket holes and securing it with 2-1/2 inch pocket hole screws. For the three lower back supports, we used 1x4s, drilling 3/4-inch pocket holes and attaching them with 1-1/4 inch pocket hole screws. In hindsight, we realized that using 1x6s for the two middle back supports would have been even better, as our rear-mount drawer sockets didn’t completely sit on the 1x4s. This is a valuable lesson learned for future builds, offering more surface area for secure mounting.

3. Adding Front Panels and Ensuring Even Spacing

With the sides and back supports in place, it was time to add the front boards that define the dresser’s façade. Jon, ever the problem-solver, created a simple jig using a piece of scrap wood. This ingenious tool ensured that each row of front boards was spaced precisely and consistently, which is crucial for the dresser’s overall aesthetic and drawer fit. The bottom 2×2 front piece was secured using 1-1/2 inch pocket holes and 2-1/2 inch pocket hole screws. For the three pieces above it, we drilled 3/4-inch pocket holes and used 1-1/4 inch pocket hole screws, creating a robust and uniform front frame.

4. Precision with Vertical Dividers

The vertical dividers are key to creating the individual drawer compartments. Jon meticulously attached the 1×2 vertical dividers, strategically placing the pocket holes on the back of the dividers to conceal them, ensuring a clean, polished look from the front. He set the Kreg Jig at a 1-1/2 inch depth and adjusted the drill bit to 4 inches, securing them with 1-1/4 inch screws. To guarantee perfect spacing for the drawers, he crafted two custom jigs: a 16-inch jig for the top drawers and a 24-3/8 inch jig for the bottom drawers. This level of precision is critical for smooth drawer operation and a professional finish.

5. Crafting the Drawer Boxes

Now, for the heart of any dresser: the drawers! This design calls for three smaller drawers and four larger ones. Jon began by precisely cutting the wood to size, using 1×6 boards for the drawer boxes. He then applied wood glue to the sides for added reinforcement before using our RYOBI AirStrike Cordless Brad Nailer to quickly and securely assemble the box frames. While brad nails provide quick assembly, pocket holes and screws could also be used for even greater strength, especially when combined with glue. Finally, the bottom boards were nailed to the assembled boxes. A crucial tip: each drawer must be built to fit its specific opening, leaving no variance between the drawer compartments to ensure smooth gliding and a seamless appearance.

Once the drawer boxes were ready, Jon cut the drawer faces from 1×8 boards, ensuring an 1/8-inch gap on all sides. This small gap is essential for smooth operation and prevents the drawers from rubbing against each other or the dresser frame. He intentionally held off on installing the drawer faces at this stage, opting instead to paint all components separately for a cleaner, more professional finish.

6. Sanding and Edge Softening

Before moving to paint, Jon took a well-deserved break from the construction phase to give the entire dresser frame a thorough sanding. Sanding is a critical step that often gets overlooked, but it ensures a smooth, professional finish and significantly improves paint adhesion. He also took the time to gently round out the edges of the legs. This seemingly small detail is important for both aesthetics and durability, preventing the wood from chipping if the dresser is ever moved without being fully lifted.

7. Crafting the Dresser Top

The dresser top adds a refined touch to the entire piece. Jon constructed the top by creating a frame around a large piece of 3/4-inch plywood, measuring 49-1/2 x 15-1/2 inches. He used a 1×2 for the back trim and 1x3s for the other three sides, forming a clean, finished edge. This frame was securely attached using 3/4-inch pocket holes and 1-1/4 inch pocket hole screws. The choice to use 1x3s for the side trims was strategic, allowing for future sanding and staining if we ever decide to change the dresser’s finish. Before painting, Jon also added the back panel to the dresser using 1-inch nails, securing it firmly in place (this step isn’t pictured, but it’s an essential part of the structural integrity and finished look).

8. Priming and Preparing for Paint

With all the components constructed and sanded, it was time for priming. Jon meticulously primed all the individual pieces and parts of the dresser, ensuring a uniform base for the final paint coats. Priming is crucial for achieving a smooth, durable finish and preventing the wood grain from showing through. Before applying the final paint, he carefully measured and centered the holes for the knobs on each drawer face. He wisely kept the knobs separate during the painting process and installed them later, preventing any paint drips or uneven finishes around the hardware.

The Painting Process: Achieving a Flawless Finish

For the painting stage, Jon brought the dresser outside, setting up for the finishing prep work. This project marked our first time using the HomeRight Finish Max HVLP sprayer. As with any new tool or technique, it’s always best to test it on a piece of scrap wood first to ensure it’s functioning correctly and you’re comfortable with its operation. After consulting several helpful tutorials, including an excellent one from Gail at My Repurposed Life, we learned that straining the paint with cheesecloth is absolutely essential for achieving a smooth, clog-free spray.

Jon also shared a crucial tip for managing multiple drawer faces: number the backs of your drawer face frames. He numbered them subtly on the back, right by the pre-drilled knob holes, and then covered the numbers with a small piece of painter’s tape. Since the backs of the drawer faces can sometimes be exposed when a drawer is open, it’s a good practice to paint most of the back of the face frame as well, ensuring a consistent and polished look throughout. Once everything was prepped, it was time to paint.

Jon, accustomed to using a heavy-duty industrial HVLP paint sprayer, was genuinely interested in trying out this smaller version. Hands down, he was impressed! He declared that he would never paint anything again without the Finish Max, especially noting its remarkable efficiency—it used hardly any paint. We opted for a bright white satin eggshell paint by BEHR, which provided a durable and elegant finish. After just a few light coats, the dresser was beautifully painted and dried, ready to be moved back into the garage for the final assembly.

Final Assembly and Bringing it All Together

1. Installing Drawer Slides with Care

The next crucial step was adding the drawer slides to each of the drawers and the dresser frame. Jon carefully drilled pilot holes first for each screw. He then manually screwed in each tiny, often brittle screw. This cautious approach prevented the screws from breaking, which can easily happen with a power drill if not handled with care. This attention to detail ensures the drawer slides are perfectly aligned and function smoothly.

2. Modifying Rear Mount Sockets

Jon encountered a minor challenge when installing the rear-mount sockets for the bottom drawers, as they needed slight modification to fit flush within the middle part of the dresser. Employing his versatile RYOBI JobPlus Multi-Tool, he was able to precisely trim and adjust the sockets, ensuring a perfect fit. For the other drawers, the slides were attached directly to the cabinet sides. When drilling into the cabinet sides, it’s imperative to exercise extreme caution to avoid drilling straight through to the exterior surface. After securing the drawer slides, Jon attached the decorative knobs to the drawer face frames. He made sure to inset the screw for the knob into the face frame, preventing it from interfering when the face frame was later attached to the actual drawer box.

3. Final Installation of Drawers and Face Frames

With all the drawer slides meticulously in place, the final step was to insert the drawers and attach their face frames. Jon carefully positioned each face frame, maintaining an even 1/8-inch gap on all sides. He cleverly used a paint stick as a spacer, which proved to be the perfect tool for achieving consistent gaps. And there it was, in all its glory: a beautifully crafted dresser, built with love by a father for his son’s room. The sense of accomplishment and pride was immense, seeing the project come to fruition.

The Finished Dresser: A Timeless Piece for Our Nursery

This dresser is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a timeless creation that we envision staying with our son for many years. Who knows, perhaps one day, when he’s grown, married, and has children of his own, this very dresser will be passed down, becoming a cherished family heirloom. The thought alone brings tears to my eyes—oh, these pregnancy hormones are powerful!

I am absolutely enamored with how the dresser turned out. It perfectly complements the nursery, especially paired with the beautiful Resort Yala Blue Area rug from Lamps Plus. We adore the subtle wave and beachy feel it brings to the room, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for our little one. Once Jon and our neighbor moved the dresser into the nursery, I wasted no time filling it with bins of freshly washed baby clothes, blankets, and towels. It’s incredibly satisfying to finally organize all those essentials into their designated spots.

Little by little, our nursery is truly coming together. I often joke that our baby hasn’t arrived yet because he knows we’re still busy perfecting his bedroom! Every DIY project we undertake brings us closer to creating the perfect, personalized space for him.

Building this extra wide simple dresser has been a journey of creativity, learning, and immense satisfaction. It proves that with a little dedication, the right plans, and quality tools, you can create beautiful, functional, and durable furniture that rivals high-end retail pieces, all while saving a significant amount of money. We hope this detailed guide inspires you to embark on your own DIY furniture projects!

More Nursery Project Inspiration:

If you’re eager to continue transforming your nursery, explore our other helpful tutorials:

• How to De-Clutter a Room… aka clean it out for a nursery!
• Painting the Nursery
• Whale Nursery Inspiration Board
• DIY Board & Batten
• How to Install a Ceiling Fan

shared at: My Repurposed Life

Disclaimer: We received the PureBond Hardwood Plywood and the HomeRight Paint Sprayer for free. We genuinely love these products and wouldn’t consider any other for our nursery projects. This post contains affiliate links, and as always, all opinions expressed are entirely our own. Your support helps us continue to bring you valuable DIY content.