Classic Dining Room Sideboard

Directions

• Start with Base Side Rails

  Cut two Base Side Rails to length from a 1x4 board (we used maple), as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the back face of the End Rails, as shown.
  

• Connect End Rails and Legs

  When your Legs arrive, sand them as needed. Then attach the End Rails to the Legs using 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure that the Tapers are pointing inward, and that the End Rails are inset 1/4" from the outside of the Legs.
  

• Make the Front and Back Rails

  Cut a Base Front Rail and a Base Back Rail s to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the back face of these Rails, as shown.
  

• Connect the End Assemblies

  Attach the Front and Back Rails to one end assembly with 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure the Rails are 1/4" inset from the outside edge of the legs. Then connect the other end assembly the same way.
  

• Make Corner Braces

  Cut four Corner Braces to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Note that the ends are cut at 45° so the braces can span between the Rails. Drill pilot holes straight through the Braces at the locations shown for screws that will hold them in place.
  

• Secure the Corner Braces

  Now you can wrap up the base by attaching the Corner Braces. You can use 1 1/2" fine-thread pocket hole screws for this, even though you’re not driving them into pocket holes. Just hold the Brace in place, and then drive the screws into the Rails.
  

• Start Cutting Case Parts

  Cut a Case Top, a Case Bottom, two Case Sides, two Case Dividers, and a Case Shelf to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then drill pocket holes in the Case Top, Case Bottom, Dividers, and Shelf, as shown, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material.
  

• Add a Case Back

  Cut a Case Back to size from 1/2" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 1/2" material, drill pocket holes in the Back, as shown.
  

• Start Case Assembly

  Before you begin assembling the case, you’ll need to hide the exposed plies on the front edges of the Top, Bottom, Sides, Dividers, and Shelf. To cover them, apply iron-one edge banding. Then attach the Case Sides, Dividers, and Shelf using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws, as shown. Note that the Dividers sit flush with the front edge of the Case Bottom.
  

• Bring on the Top and Back

  Next, add the Top using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Then slip the Back into place and attach it using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
  

• Cut a Top to Size

  Cut a Top to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Top as shown.
  

• Trim Out the Top

  Cut one piece of Top Front Edge to length from a 1x2 board, mitering both ends at 45°. Then cut two Top Side Edge pieces, cutting one end at 45°, and the other end square. Then you can attach them to the Top using glue and 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Glue the mitered ends of the Edge pieces together as you attach them.
  

• Make Door Panels

  If you want to add doors to your sideboard, start by cutting two Door Panels to size from 1/2" plywood. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 1/2" material, drill pocket holes in the Door Panels.
  

• Door Rails and Stiles Come Next

  Cut four Door Stiles and four Door Rails to length from 1x3 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Door Rails.
  

• Assemble the Doors

  To assemble the doors, start by attaching the Rails to the Stiles using 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket hole screws. Then slip the Door Panels into place, and attach them with 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket hole screws, as well. Then mount hinges and position the completed doors in the case. You can also drill holes for knobs and install those on the doors, as well as door catches, if you wish.
  

• Put it All Together

  With the subassemblies done, you can put them all together. Start by mounting the case to the base using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Then position the top, and attach it by driving 1 1/4" fine-thread pocket hole screws up from underneath. Place four screws through the inside the compartments that are covered by doors.
  

• Stain to Suit

  All that’s left to do is stain, finish, or paint the sideboard. Remove the door hardware when you do this, and then reinstall it after everything dries.

  Get Gellin’ for Great Color

  We built our sideboard from maple, which can be challenging to stain. Inconsistencies in the wood can cause the color to be blotchy. To avoid that, use gel stain instead of liquid. It absorbs more evenly, giving better results in maple—and in pine, as well.