Build Your Dream Nursery: The Ultimate DIY Pottery Barn Kids Changing Table Knockoff

Embarking on the journey of parenthood is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a healthy dose of nesting. One of the most cherished projects for any soon-to-be parent is creating a beautiful and functional nursery. While many dream of filling their baby’s room with high-end furniture, the reality of budget constraints often sets in. This is where the magic of DIY comes in! We’re thrilled to share our detailed guide to building a stunning knockoff of the Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Changing Table for a mere fraction of the retail price. Get ready to craft a timeless piece of furniture that’s not only incredibly practical but also a true labor of love.

Why Choose a DIY Changing Table Knockoff?

The Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Changing Table is renowned for its classic design, ample storage, and robust construction. However, its price tag can be prohibitive for many families. Our DIY version offers an incredible opportunity to achieve that same high-end look and functionality without breaking the bank. Here’s why building your own is an unbeatable choice:

Unbelievable Cost Savings: Imagine getting a designer-inspired piece for around $100, compared to the $500+ retail price. This significant saving allows you to allocate more of your budget to other nursery essentials or save for your little one’s future.
Customization to Your Needs: Building allows you to tailor dimensions, choose specific wood types like PureBond Hardwood Plywood for quality and sustainability, and select the perfect paint or stain to match your nursery decor. You’re not limited by standard offerings.
Superior Quality and Durability: When you build it yourself, you control the materials and construction techniques. Using solid woodworking methods like pocket holes ensures a sturdy, long-lasting piece that can withstand years of use.
Personal Satisfaction: There’s immense pride in creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands for your baby. It becomes a cherished family heirloom, filled with memories of its creation.
Versatile and Long-Lasting: This changing table is designed with longevity in mind. Its removable topper means that once your child outgrows the need for a changing station, the base effortlessly transforms into a stylish dresser or entryway console, providing years of practical use beyond the nursery.

Our Journey: From Plans to a Perfect Nursery Piece

The inspiration for this project began even before our son Ryder was born. We teamed up with the talented Ana White, known for her incredible woodworking plans, to bring this Pottery Barn Kids vision to life. The plans arrived just a day before I went to the hospital for induction, adding an extra layer of excitement to our impending arrival. A week later, with Ryder safely home, my mother-in-law wisely encouraged Jon and me to take a much-needed break. And where did we go? Straight to The Home Depot, brimming with enthusiasm to gather supplies for this very changing table!

The build itself spanned several months, a true testament to building things with love, piece by piece. From April through June, Jon meticulously worked on the table – a few cuts here, some precision Kreg jigs there. Each step brought us closer to the finished product, and finally, it was ready for paint. Having this beautiful and incredibly functional changing table completed for two months now, we are absolutely thrilled to finally unveil it on Sew Woodsy! It turned out even better than we imagined, offering invaluable extra storage in Ryder’s nursery. We both know that the changing table phase will be short-lived, and we already have exciting plans for its next life as a versatile piece of furniture once Ryder no longer needs it. Jon cleverly incorporated brackets to the topper, attaching them to the back of the changing table, ensuring easy removal without any damage to the main furniture piece. This ingenious design truly makes this $100 knockoff version of the Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Changing Table an investment in both practicality and style.

Gathering Your Materials and Essential Tools

Before you dive into the sawdust, it’s crucial to have all your materials and tools ready. We opted for PureBond Hardwood Plywood for its exceptional quality, durability, and environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free composition. This choice elevates the final piece, giving it a premium feel that rivals its inspiration. Ensure you have standard woodworking tools on hand, including a drill, Kreg Jig, circular saw or miter saw, tape measure, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

Supplies to Shop For:

1/2 Sheet of 3/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood
2 – 2×2 @ 8 feet long
3 – 1×2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1×6 @ 10 feet long
1 – 1×4 @ 12 feet long
1/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood piece at least 16” x 35”
2 – 1×3 @ 8 feet long (for topper)
1-1/4” pocket hole screws

Precision Cut List:

Accuracy in your cuts is paramount for a professional finish. Double-check all measurements before making your cuts.

TABLE COMPONENTS:

4 – 2×2 @ 32” (Legs)
4 – 1×2 @ 14-1/2” (Side Frames)
4 – 1×2 @ 38” (Front/Back Frames & Drawer Support)
2 – 3/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood @ 14-1/2” x 38” (Shelves)
2 – 1×6 @ 14-1/2” (Side Aprons)
1 – 1×6 @ 38” (Back Apron)
1 – 3/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood @ 17-1/2” x 41” (Main Top Panel)
1 – 1×2 @ 38” (Lower Drawer Support)
3 – 1×2 @ 4-3/4” (Internal Drawer Spacers)

DRAWER COMPONENTS:

4 – 1×4 @ 15-1/2” (Drawer Box Sides)
4 – 1×4 @ 15-3/8” (Drawer Box Front/Back)
2 – 1/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood @ 15-1/2” x 16-7/8” (Drawer Bottoms)
2 – 3/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood or 1×6 @ 4-1/2” x 17-5/8” (Drawer Fronts)

TOPPER COMPONENTS:

2 – 1×3 @ 41” (Topper Sides)
3 – 1×3 @ 16” (Topper Cross Supports)

*Jon meticulously drilled all the necessary pocket holes before commencing the assembly process, a practice that significantly streamlines construction.

Step-by-Step Construction Guide

1. Assembling the Side Frames

Begin by drilling two 3/4” pocket holes on each end of the four 1×2 boards cut to 14-1/2” long. These pieces will form the side frames. Carefully attach them to the 2×2 legs using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Ensure they are flush with the inside edges of the legs. Positioning the pocket holes on the inner side will keep them discreetly hidden, contributing to a cleaner finish. For this plan, the upper shelf is designed to allow a generous 12” height on the lower shelf, offering ample space for storage bins and other nursery essentials. However, this is one of the beauties of DIY – you can adjust the shelf height to better suit your personal storage needs.

2. Connecting the Front and Back Frames

Next, drill two 3/4” pocket holes on each end of the four 1×2 boards that are 38” long. These will connect your side frames. Attach these pieces to the 2×2 legs using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws, ensuring they are at the exact same height as the previously installed side 1x2s. Again, keep these 1x2s flush with the inside of the legs to maintain a consistent and tidy structure. This step establishes the overall width and depth of your changing table frame.

3. Installing the Shelves

To prepare your shelves, drill 3/4” pocket holes around all four edges of the two 14-1/2” x 38” plywood shelf pieces. Space these pocket holes approximately every 6-8 inches for secure attachment. Carefully insert and attach these shelves to the inside of the 1×2 frames using 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The shelves should fit snugly within the frame, providing robust surfaces for all your baby’s essentials. Ensure they are level and secure for optimal functionality.

4. Attaching Side and Back Aprons

Now, it’s time to add the side and back aprons, which will give your changing table a more finished look and provide support for the top. Attach the 1×6 side and back apron pieces using 3/4” pocket holes and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Additionally, drill 3/4” pocket holes on the inside edges of these aprons, facing upwards. These will be used in a later step to securely attach the main top panel. Make sure the back apron piece is flush with the outside edge of the legs, creating a seamless exterior.

5. Securing the Main Top Panel

With the aprons in place, position the 3/4” PureBond Hardwood Plywood @ 17-1/2” x 41” main top panel. Attach it from underneath, driving 1-1/4” pocket hole screws through the predrilled pocket holes on the aprons. This method creates a strong, invisible joint, ensuring a smooth and unblemished top surface perfect for your changing pad.

6. Building the Drawer Compartment Supports

To create the internal structure for your drawers, attach the shorter 1×2 boards to the inside of the drawer area. These act as guides and supports. Then, secure the bottom 1×2 piece using both wood glue and finish nails. For speed and efficiency, we recommend using a brad nailer like the RYOBI Air Strike Brad Nailer. Additionally, use pocket holes to firmly attach these supports to the main legs, ensuring maximum stability for your drawers.

7. Adding Decorative Trim and Mitered Corners

For a truly polished and professional look, it’s essential to trim out the top edges of the changing table, covering the exposed plywood edges. You can use molding or 1×1 boards for this purpose. To achieve the most refined finish, we chose to miter the corners of our trim pieces. This creates crisp, seamless joints that elevate the overall aesthetic and give it that high-end furniture appeal.

8. Crafting the Removable Topper

Construct the changing pad topper using either finish nails and glue or pocket holes. The bottom panel for the topper is not strictly necessary for its function. We ingeniously attached the topper to the back of the changing table with a discreet bracket to keep it securely in place while allowing for easy removal later. This design ensures that once the changing table stage is over, the topper can be effortlessly detached, transforming the main unit into a beautiful dresser or console. We even adjusted the original 32” measurement to 30” to perfectly accommodate our changing pad and wipes container, demonstrating the incredible flexibility of building your own furniture. P.S. We absolutely love our OXO Perfect Pull™ Wipes Dispenser – it’s a game-changer!

9. Building and Attaching the Drawers

Once the main frame is complete, focus on building the drawers to fit perfectly within their designated openings and to accommodate your chosen drawer slides. Assemble the drawer boxes using the cut list provided, ensuring they are square and sturdy. (Not pictured in a separate step) Once the drawer boxes are built, attach the drawer faces. This is best done with 1-1/4” finish nails and glue from the front, then further securing them from the inside with 1-1/4” screws. It might be easier to attach your chosen handles or knobs to the drawer faces before permanently attaching the faces to the drawer boxes, although Jon chose to do this at the very end.

Finishing Your Masterpiece: Painting & Final Assembly

The Perfect Paint Job with an HVLP Sprayer

After all the woodworking, it’s time for the transformation! Painting is where your changing table truly comes to life. For an incredibly smooth, professional-grade finish, we highly recommend using an HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer. This tool is a game-changer for furniture painting. It delivers the smoothest, factory-like finish, and remarkably, it uses only about a quarter of the paint compared to traditional brushing methods. Its three pressure settings provide ultimate control, allowing you to adjust the nozzle spray pattern precisely to your needs. Once you experience painting furniture this way, you’ll never go back! Jon applied 2-3 coats, allowing sufficient drying time between each. When spraying outdoors, be mindful of dust particles and insects, as they can easily adhere to wet paint. After the final coat, we moved the changing table into the garage to cure for an additional 72 hours. This crucial waiting period allows the paint to fully harden, preventing damage or sticking when drawer slides are installed and the furniture is moved.

Installing Drawer Slides for Smooth Operation

Jon wisely waited until after the painting and curing process to install the drawer slides. When mounting the slides, remember to inset them by 3/4” from the front edge of the frame. This critical measurement allows for the thickness of the drawer face, ensuring that your drawers sit flush and operate smoothly once fully assembled. Proper installation here is key to the overall functionality and polished appearance of your changing table.

The Final Reveal: Beauty, Functionality, and Unbeatable Savings!

And here it is, in all its glory! We are absolutely head-over-heels in love with our DIY Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Changing Table knockoff. It’s not just a changing station; it’s a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and smart budgeting. The best part? The removable topper means that once our little one outgrows the need for diaper changes, this beautiful piece can seamlessly transition into a stylish entryway table, a practical dresser, or even a chic console in any room of the house. Can you believe we created this high-quality, versatile piece for approximately $100? That’s an astonishing saving when compared to the original Pottery Barn Kids version, which retails for around $500! This project truly proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style or quality when working within a budget.

Stay tuned next week for a detailed post on how to make that custom changing table cover – it’s incredibly easy, and you’ll be whipping up several in no time! Also, captivated by the personalized letters above the changing table? We made those too! Learn how to cut letters using a scroll saw and add your own unique touch to your nursery decor.

More DIY Nursery Inspiration!

Creating a cohesive and beautiful nursery often involves several small projects that add up to a stunning result. If you’re inspired by this changing table build, explore our other tutorials designed to help you craft a dream space for your baby, all on a budget!

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
How to Build an Extra Wide Simple Dresser
DIY Whale Nursery Lamp
Burlap Starfish Art
Paper Fish Nursery Decor
How to Cut Letters using a Scroll Saw

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this post are truly beloved by us. While we were provided products from them, rest assured that our positive opinions are entirely our own. We would have happily purchased these items ourselves and they do not reflect the brand’s endorsement of our project, but rather our genuine satisfaction with their products!