STORAGE SHELF

This DIY drawer is really simple to make! I take you step by step showing how I made this storage shelf. It also makes a great DIY monitor stand too!

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Step-by-step guide 

Step 1: Make the drawer

The first step in this project is to cut the 18mm plywood pieces to size. You can of course adapt the sizes to best suite your needs but I will list the sizes I went with as the project progresses.

I cut two strips at 35mm wide, one at 150mm wide and another at 200mm wide. These will for the body to the drawer along with the top to the shelf. Off cuts will be used to make the drawer front later.

Using the mitre saw I cut the pieces to length. I cut the drawer bottom to 500mm long, the front and back sides to the drawers were also cut to 500mm long and the two short sides to the drawers were cut at 114mm long. I also cut the top shelf to 650mm long.

I find it better to offer up the pieces and mark them exactly rather than measuring. In this instance, I cut the drawer bottom to size and then offered up the side pieces and marked them flush. I find this method much more accurate.

At this stage, with the pieces all cut, it's easier to sand the inside faces smooth before assembling the drawer. I sanded the inside faces to 240 grit.

Then it was time for assembly. To make things easier I used some clamps to the hold the side pieces together while I drilled pilot holes at the corners. I could them add wood glue to the joints and secure the sides back together with screws. To attach the bottom in place I first added a bead of wood glue around the edges, added the bottom piece and drilled pilot holes. I also countersunk the holes so the screws would sit below the surface. With the screws in place, the drawer can be put to one side to dry.