Plans to Build the Ames Chest

This is such a nice chest and if my home wasn’t already bursting at the seams from furniture overload, I would definitely build it! I love these plans to build the Ames Chest – especially the different size drawers and the way they are staggered. It would be such a nice compliment to any decor!

Materials:

1-1/4” pocket hole screws

2″ pocket hole screws

1-1/4” brad nails

Edge banding for the plywood, optional

Six sets of 12” drawer slides

Six drawer knobs or handles

Wood glue

Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)

Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

Two – 2×2 at 6’

One – 2×3 at 6’

Two – 1×2 at 6’

Three – 1×6 at 8’

One sheet of ¾” plywood

Cut List:

Four – 2×2 at 31-1/4” – Legs

Two – 1×2 at 13-1/2” – Side Frames

Two – 2×3 at 13-1/2” – Side Frames

Two – ¾” plywood at 12-1/2” x 22-1/2” – Side Panels

Four – 1×2 at 23-1/2” – Back Frame & Front Stretchers

Two – 2×3 at 23-1/2” – Back Frame & Front Stretcher

One – 3/4” plywood at 22-1/2” x 23-1/2” – Back Panel

Three – ¾” plywood at 7” x 14” – Dividers

One – ¾” plywood at 16” x 27-1/2” – Top

Six – 1×6 at 6” – Small Drawer Boxes

Six – 1×6 at 14-3/4” – Large Drawer Boxes

Twelve – 1×6 at 10-1/2” – Drawer Boxes

Three – 1/4″ plywood at 6″ x 12″ – Small Drawer Bottoms

Three – 1/4″ plywood at 12″ x 14-3/4″ – Large Drawer Bottoms

Three – ¾” plywood at 6-3/4” x 6-3/4” – Small Drawer Fronts

Three – ¾” plywood at 6-3/4” x 15-1/2” – Large Drawer Fronts

Notes:

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly.

1. Cut the pieces for the legs, side frames, and side panels. Drill pocket holes around the side panels as shown as well as in each end of the frame pieces. Attach the panels to the frame pieces using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back face of the panel should be flush with the back of the frame pieces.

Attach the panel and frame assembly to the legs using glue and pocket hole screws. Use 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws through the panels and upper frame pieces, and 2″ pocket hole screws through the lower frame piece.

2. Cut the pieces for the back and back frame pieces. Assemble in the same manner as the side panels, using the proper screws in the corresponding pieces.

3. Cut the pieces for the front stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Attach the top 1×2 with the pocket holes facing up and the remaining 1×2 pieces with the pocket holes facing down. The 2×3 piece will have the pocket holes facing to the inside. Use glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws in the 1×2 pieces, and 2″ pocket hole screws in the 2×3 piece.

4. Cut the pieces for the drawer dividers. Drill the pocket holes as shown. Attach to the front stretchers and the cabinet back at the spacing indicated using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

5. Cut the piece for the top. Attach to the cabinet using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the top into the sides, back, legs, and upper stretcher. The top will overhang the front and sides by 1/2″.

6. Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the drawer bottoms and attach using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Attach the drawer slide hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For an easy tutorial, click here. Make any necessary adjustments.

7. Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. For an another easy tutorial, click here. Attach the drawer hardware.

Finish the piece as desired! The plans to build the Ames Chest are very easy and perfectly geared toward any skill level. Any questions or are you stuck on the plan? Let me know at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com! I awould be glad to help!

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