How to Build a 5 Drawer DIY Dresser With Simple Tools

Learn how to build a DIY dresser with this beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorial using just a few basic tools. This easy woodworking project can be completed in a weekend!

When I designed the 3-drawer dresser about 6 years ago, I loved how it turned out—but I never made a full, detailed video tutorial for it. Since then, I’ve gotten so many requests for step-by-step instructions, and I figured, why not take it up a notch and build a matching 5-drawer dresser?

This project is perfect if you need extra storage and the best part? It’s totally beginner-friendly!

It’s designed to be simple and straightforward, and you can easily build it in a weekend.

You don’t need a fancy workshop or a ton of tools—just four power tools – a circular saw, miter saw, power drill, and nail gun. Plus, a pocket hole jig and a few guides make the entire process more efficient.

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Need a 3-drawer dresser? Check it out here.

How to Build

As always, I have a detailed video showing you how to build the dresser. The detailed step-by-step tutorial is below.

Step 1: Make the Cuts

• Cut down the boards and the plywood per the plans.

Instead of cutting everything at once, I prefer to cut in phases. This helps adjust for any variations along the way. Here’s how I recommend tackling it:

• First, cut the boards for the dresser frame (sides, legs, and supports).
• Build the frame, then take precise measurements for the drawers before cutting those pieces.

Cutting large plywood sheets can be tricky, but using a Kreg Rip-Cut Guide or a Straight Edge Guide with your circular saw makes it much easier to get straight, accurate cuts.

Step 2: Make Pocket Holes

• Review the plans and make pocket holes as shown.

I am using the Kreg 720, but you can use any pocket hole jig.

• Drill pocket holes using the correct settings for each material:
  • ¾” setting for plywood and 1×2 boards
  • 1 ½” setting for 2×2 boards

Related tutorial: How to make pocket holes.

Step 3: Assemble the Sides and Bottom

• Attach the 1×2 trim to the top and bottom of the side plywood using wood glue and 1¼” finish nails.

The best way to do this is to align and clamp the 1×2 board and then flip the entire thing over and add the nails. This will make sure that the nails are not visible on the outside.

• Attach the ¾” plywood side panels to the 2×2 legs using wood glue and 1¼” pocket hole screws.

This makes the two sides of the dresser.

Tip: Right-angle clamps are extremely helpful to keep everything aligned as you attach. If you don’t have clamps, use scrapboards and a square to help keep things straight.

• Connect the two side panels using 2×2 boards at the bottom.
• Use 1¼” pocket hole screws to attach.

Tip: Make sure all pocket holes face the same direction to keep them hidden.

Step 4: Assemble the Frame

• Attach the bottom, the 1×2 dividers and the top 2×2 boards using wood glue and pocket hole screws.

Double-check your measurements before attaching the dividers to ensure correct spacing for the drawers.

• Align and attach this to the other side of the dresser. Make sure that all the boards are well aligned and straight as you attach.

This completes the main frame for the dresser.

Pocket Hole Screw Sizes Reminder:

• 1¼” pocket hole screws for plywood and 1×2 boards
• 2½” pocket hole screws for 2×2 boards

Step 5: Build Drawers and Install

Each drawer consists of four sides and a bottom panel.

• Build 5 drawers using pocket hole screws and wood glue.
• Be sure to check the boxes for square and correct for any deviations before the glue dries.
• Attach the bottom using wood glue and finish nails.

• Install the drawer slides and the drawers.

Related tutorial: How to build and install drawers for beginners.

Step 6: Install the Drawer Fronts

For the drawer fronts, I used plywood and applied edge banding for a clean, finished look. You can use 1 x 8 boards instead.

I discuss in detail about how to attach drawer fronts in the how to build drawers for beginners tutorial. Here is a quick summary.

• Make the holes for the drawer pulls using a hardware jig
• Align the drawer front in place, making sure there is a 1/8″ spacing on all sides. I like to use reusable shims for this.
• Use the hardware holes to add temporary screws to attach the drawer and add permanent countersunk screws from the inside to fix the drawer front.

Related tutorial: How to Cover Plywood Edges

Step 7: Install the Top

• Apply edge banding to all sides of the top piece.
• Attach the frame to the top using wood glue and 1¼” pocket hole screws.
• Predrill and add 2″ wood screws through the 2×2 aprons into the top.

Step 8: Final Finish

• Give the entire dresser a light sanding to remove any roughness, glue residues, and dirt.
• Paint or stain in the color of your choice.

I was planning to use a water-based stain, so I applied a water-based pre-stain conditioner, sanded down any raised grain, and applied the stain. Once the stain was dry, I followed it with a couple of coats of top coat.

• Install the drawer pulls and add the drawers back into the frame.

Step 9: Add the Back Brace

• Attach a scrapwood brace to the back of the dresser to secure it to the wall. I used a scrap piece of plywood, but any board wider than 3” will work.

• If you want a fully enclosed back, you can add a ¼” plywood panel.
  • Option 1: Inset the panel by routing a groove along the back. See how to use a router.
  • Option 2: Simply attach the panel to the back using nails or screws.

Personal Note: I don’t always add backs to dressers and nightstands because I find it easier to find items that fall behind without having to remove the drawers to look for them. However, adding a back panel is recommended for a professional look.

And that is it! That’s the dresser.

The clean lines, spacious drawers, and custom finish make it a standout piece in any room.

I actually recorded how long it took me to build it, and it took me almost 9 hours of active work. That was while I was recording everything, which usually makes the whole process a lot longer.

It looks daunting but the truth is that it is an easy project and can be easily built in a weekend.

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