Washer & Dryer Pedestals with Storage

Directions

• Check out the project

  It’s always a good idea to look over the project before you begin, just so you’re familiar with all the parts. You’ll also want to note that the materials list and cutting diagrams show everything for building a pair of pedestals.

• Make the Side Frame Parts

  Start by cutting the Side Rails and Side Stiles to length from 1x3 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the ends of all these pieces, as shown. Also for each pedestal, you’ll need to drill pocket holes along one edge of four of the stiles, as shown. You can also cut four Legs for each pedestal from 2x2 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. The Legs don’t need pocket holes.
  

• Assemble the Side Frames

  Now you can assemble the side frames using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown. Make sure that the pocket holes in the edges of the outer stiles are pointing outward. The Tip below will help you decide which type of screws.

  Match Screws to Your Wood Type

  When using pocket-hole screws, be sure to match the thread types to your wood. Fine-thread screws (left) are best for hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple and poplar. Coarse-thread screws are best for softwoods like pine, spruce, etc. Coarse screws are also great for plywood. If you’re using a softwood and plywood together, choose coarse screws for all. If you’re using hardwood and plywood together, there’s no need to switch types. Just go with fine-thread screws throughout.

  

• Add the Legs

  Now you can attach the legs to the side frames. Spread glue along the edges of the outer Stiles. This will add some strength to the overall assembly, and then attach the legs using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown.
  

• Make the Side Panels

  Cut a pair of Side Panels to size from 3/4"plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the Side Panels, as shown.
  

• Mount the Side Panels

  With the Side Panels cut, you can attach them to the side frames. Again, add some glue to the inside faces of the frame parts, and then add the panels by driving 1 1/4" pocket hole screws into the Legs. Be sure to position the panels 1 1/2" from the bottom of the Legs, as shown. This will provide space to add a bottom panel to the pedestal assembly later.
  

• Make the Front Rails

  Cut a Top Front Rail and Bottom Front Rail for each pedestal from 1x3 and 1x2 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the rails, as shown.
  

• Connect the Sides

  Now you can connect the side assemblies by attaching the Top Front Rail and Bottom Front Rail using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown. Note that the Top Front Rail sits flush with the outer face of the Legs, and the Bottom Front Rail sits flush with the inside face of the Legs.
  

• Make the Back Rails and Stiles

  Start by cutting two Back Rails and two Back Stiles for each pedestal from 1x3 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes these pieces, as shown.
  

• Assemble the Back Frame

  Now you can assemble the back frame using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown. Make sure that the pocket holes in the edges of the stiles are pointing outward.
  

• Make the Back Panel

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

• Attach the Back Frame

  Now attach the back frame to the back Legs using glue and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. The frame sits flush with the outside face of the Legs.
  

• Mount the Back Panel

  Now you can attach the Back Panel. Again, add some glue to the inside faces of the frame parts, and then add the panel by driving 1 1/4" pocket hole screws into the Legs. Don’t worry that this panel is taller than the Side Panels. It’s supposed to be.
  

• Make a Top Stretcher

  Cut a Top Stretcher to length for each pedestal from a 1x3, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the ends of the Top Stretcher, as shown.
  

• Install the Top Stretcher

  Attach the Top Stretcher, as shown to help stiffen up the assembly and support the pedestal top. Use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Create the Top Parts

  Cut a Top to size from 3/4"plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the Top, as shown. Also cut Long Top Trim and Short Top Trim, as shown in the cutting diagram.
  

• Assemble the Top

  Now you can attach the Trim pieces to the Top. You don’t need glue here, but adding some will help create a more seamless joint. Start by attaching the Short Trim on opposite sides of the Top, making sure the ends are flush. Then add the Long Trim. Use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Attach the Top

  With the Trim on, you can attach the top assembly to the pedestal using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Create the Bottom

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

• Attach the Bottom

  Now attach the bottom to the pedestal, as shown, using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Create the Drawer Front and Back

  Cut a one Drawer Front and one Drawer Back to size from 3/4"plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the Drawer Front, as shown. The Drawer Back doesn’t need holes.
  

• Create the Drawer Sides

  Cut two Drawer Sides to size from 3/4"plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in these pieces, as shown.
  

• Assemble the Drawer Box

  Now you can assemble the drawer box, as shown, using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Create the Drawer Bottom

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

• Install the Drawer Bottom

  Now you can attach the Drawer Bottom, as shown, using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.
  

• Make the Drawer Frame Parts

  Adding a frame to the drawer dresses it up and makes it match the rest of the pedestal. Start the frame by cutting the Drawer Front Top Rail to length from a 1x3 board, and the Drawer Front Bottom Rail from a 1x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Now Cut three Drawer Front Stiles to length from a 1x3 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" stock, drill pocket holes in the Drawer Front Stiles as shown.
  

• Assemble the Drawer Frame

  Now you can assemble the drawer frame using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, as shown.
  

• Attach the Drawer Frame

  To complete the drawer construction, attach the drawer frame assembly to the drawer box. Spread some glue on the inside faces of the drawer frame parts, and then attach the frame with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Be sure to note that the drawer frame protrudes 1/4" above the Drawer Front at the top, and 1" below at the bottom.
  

• Add Paint and Drawer Slides

  With everything complete, you can paint your pedestals to complement your washer and dryer. Then install drawer slides to mount the drawer using the manufacturers instructions. The drawers are designed for 21" slides that mount underneath the drawer, rather than the type of slides that mount on the side. Be sure you get the right type when purchasing.

• Under-mount Drawer Glides

  This project was designed with under-mount slides in mind, so the size of the drawer is larger than when using typical side mount drawer glides.
  Find the Amazon link under the Extras tab
  To size the drawer for standard side mount drawer glides, use the following:
  Drawer Front & Back - 3/4" x 14 3/4" x XXX
  Drawer Bottom - 3/4" x 14 3/4" x XXX