Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Built-In Dresser
Are you looking for ways to add more storage without taking up floor space? Many homeowners struggle with limited bedroom storage, especially in older homes with unusual wall features.
I recently transformed a useless wall cavity in my 1920s craftsman bungalow into a built-in dresser that takes zero floor space, costs less than buying a standalone piece, and perfectly fits my room’s unique architecture.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through installing your own built-in dresser, from safely opening a non-load-bearing wall to creating custom drawer slides that save money. You’ll learn exactly which tools you need, how to frame the opening correctly, and the tricks that make this project easier than you might think.
Let’s start building a custom storage solution that works with your home’s character rather than against it.
Tools Required
| Tool | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall saw | Cutting drywall and other materials | 1 |
| Shop vacuum (rented from Home Depot) | Cleaning up dust and debris | 1 |
| Makita compact saw with 8.5-inch blade | Cutting wood with precision | 1 |
| DeWalt framing nailer | Securing framing components | 1 |
| DeWalt brad gun (18-gauge) | Nailing brads for fine finish work | 1 |
| Makita sliding miter saw | Precision cutting for wood and trim | 1 |
| Drill (for pre-drilling holes) | Drilling holes for screws | 1 |
| Wood screws (3-inch) | Fastening wood pieces together | Varies |
| Measuring tools | Ensuring accurate measurements | 1 |
Materials Required
| Material | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4-inch plywood | Building the dresser carcass | Varies |
| Wood for drawer construction | Constructing the drawers | Varies |
| Door trim kit (cut to size) | Finishing the edges for a clean look | Varies |
| Wood for drawer runners | Supporting drawer movement | Varies |
| Wood glue | Joining wood pieces securely | 1 bottle |
| Caulk | Sealing gaps and finishing | 1 tube |
| Paint | Finishing and protecting the surface | As needed |
| Drawer knobs | Providing handles for drawers | As needed |
| Wood for drawer faces | Creating the drawer fronts | Varies |
Step-by-Step Guidance
Step 1: Plan and Prep
Mark the wall where you’ll build the dresser, locate the studs, and check for electrical wires or plumbing behind it.
Step 2: Cut the Wall
Use a drywall saw to cut through the marked section of the non-load-bearing wall (pony or kick wall).
Step 3: Clean and Frame
Using a framing nailer, vacuum out debris and build a wooden frame inside the opening.
Step 4: Build the Carcass
Construct the main dresser body from 3/4-inch plywood, sized to fit your specific space.
Step 5: Install the Carcass
Slide the dresser body into the framed opening and secure it with 3-inch wood screws at the top, bottom, and sides.
Step 6: Make the Drawers
Build drawer boxes that fit inside the carcass, including dados (grooves) on the sides if using wooden drawer slides.
Step 7: Create Drawer Slides
Install wooden runners in the carcass and on the drawer boxes, using spacers to ensure smooth movement.
Step 8: Add Finishing Trim
Cut trim pieces to fit around the dresser edge and attach with a brad nailer for a built-in look.
Step 9: Attach Drawer Faces
Paint drawer fronts, pre-drill for knobs, position on drawer boxes, attach knobs, and secure faces with brad nails.
Step 10: Final Touches
Apply caulk around the edges, fill nail holes, sand smooth, and paint everything for a seamless finished appearance.
Checkout this YouTube video for a detailed step-by-step guide to Installing a Built-In Dresser
Tips and Tricks
- Wall Check: Before cutting into any wall, ensure it’s non-load-bearing and check for electrical wires or plumbing.
- Custom Measurements: Remember that every space is different, so take careful measurements for your specific area before building.
- Money-Saving Drawer Slides: Instead of buying commercial drawer slides, make your own with wooden runners. It’s more cost-effective.
- Alignment Tool: Use a scrap piece of wood with a dado cut as a guide to ensure all drawer runners line up correctly.
- Brad Nail Placement: When attaching trim, be mindful of where you place brad nails. Choose spots that are easy to patch and sand.
- Spacers: Use underlayment as spacers when installing drawer runners to prevent friction and allow drawers to slide smoothly.
- Pre-drilling: Always pre-drill holes for screws and knobs to prevent wood splitting.
Maintenance
Keeping your built-in dresser in good condition requires minimal effort but regular attention. Check the drawer slides for smooth operation every few months. If wooden drawer runners begin to stick, rub a candle along them to provide a light wax coating that reduces friction.
This old woodworking technique works better than commercial lubricants that can attract dust.
Clean the drawer interiors seasonally by removing items, vacuuming corners, and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth. For the exterior, dust regularly and clean with a gentle wood cleaner appropriate for your finish type.
Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the paint or finish.
Inspect the caulking around the trim annually. Over time, the house may settle slightly, causing small gaps to form. Touch up any cracked caulk to maintain the built-in’s seamless look. Similarly, check for any loose trim or hardware and tighten as needed.
Alternate Ideas
The wall cavity space technique can be used for more than just dressers. Consider these other options:
1. Built-in Bookcase
Install shelves at various heights instead of drawers. This works well in living rooms or home offices where you need storage for books and display items without using up floor space.
2. Linen Cabinet
In hallways near bathrooms, create a recessed cabinet with shelves for towels and other bathroom essentials. Add a simple door to keep things looking tidy.
3. Hidden Safe
Create a smaller opening with a false drawer front that swings open to reveal a hidden storage area for valuables. This can be designed to look like part of a regular built-in.
4. Fold-Down Desk
Install a hinged panel that drops down to create a small workspace. Above the desk, there are shelves for office supplies. This works well in bedrooms or hallways where space is limited.
5. Media Storage
Design the cavity to hold electronic components with holes in the back for wires and ventilation. This keeps entertainment equipment neatly tucked away while still accessible.
The basic technique for finding non-load-bearing walls remains the same for any of these options. However, each can be customized to your space’s specific dimensions.
Common Mistakes
1. Not Checking Wall Type
The most serious mistake is cutting into a load-bearing wall. Always verify that you’re working with a non-structural wall before making any cuts. When in doubt, consult a professional.
2. Forgetting About Utilities
Not checking for electrical wires, plumbing, or HVAC components behind the wall can lead to costly damages and dangerous situations. Use a stud finder with wire detection or cut a small inspection hole first.
3. Incorrect Measurements
Taking just one set of measurements often leads to problems. Walls are rarely perfectly square, so measure at multiple points and allow for small adjustments during installation.
4. Poor Framing Support
Weak framing inside the wall opening can cause the built-in to sag over time. Ensure your frame is well-secured to existing studs and strong enough to support the weight of the dresser and its contents.
5. Skipping Wood Conditioning
Many DIYers rush to paint without properly prepping the wood. This leads to uneven finishes and poor paint adhesion. Always sand, prime, and use appropriate wood conditioners before finishing.
Conclusion
Now, you have all the steps to create a built-in dresser that fits your unique space. This project delivers what standard furniture stores cannot: custom-sized storage that works with your home’s character while saving valuable floor space.
Remember to check for electrical wires before cutting, use proper measurements at multiple points, and take time to ensure drawer slides align correctly. These small steps make a huge difference in the final result.
The satisfaction of building something that perfectly matches your needs is worth the effort. Not only will you gain additional storage, but you’ll also have the joy of knowing you’ve improved your home in a lasting, practical way.
Your walls hold hidden potential; why not put that space to good use?
