Building a Classic Shaker-Style End Table

Article 1: Building a Classic Shaker-Style End Table

By: A Seasoned Woodworker

The Shaker style is known for its clean lines, simple beauty, and function-first philosophy. In this project, we’ll build a classic Shaker-style end table with a drawer, perfect for any living room or bedroom.

Materials List:

MaterialSizeQuantityCherry (or maple/oak)1” x 8” x 6'3 boardsBaltic birch plywood1/4” thick (for drawer bottom)1 pieceWood glue--Drawer knob (wood)-11-1/4” finish nails-~20Wood screws1-1/4”~12Danish oil or lacquer--

Tools Needed:

• Table saw

• Miter saw

• Chisels

• Clamps

• Block plane

• Random orbital sander

• Router with roundover bit

• Drill/driver

• Tape measure & combo square

Cut List:

PartDimensions (inches)QuantityTable top18” x 18” x 3/4”1Aprons15” x 3” x 3/4”2Side aprons11” x 3” x 3/4”2Legs1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x 24”4Drawer front13-1/2” x 2-1/2” x 3/4”1Drawer sides12” x 2-1/2” x 1/2”2Drawer back11-1/2” x 2-1/2” x 1/2”1Drawer bottom12” x 13” x 1/4”1

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut & Mill the Legs

• Use a table saw to rip 1-1/2” square legs. Use a tapering jig to taper the inside two faces of each leg starting 3” from the top down to 7/8” at the floor.

2. Cut Aprons and Joinery

• Cut aprons to size.

• Use mortise and tenon joinery (tenons on apron ends, mortises in legs) for strong corner joints.

3. Assemble the Base

• Dry-fit the legs and aprons.

• Apply glue to tenons, clamp, and check for square.

• Let dry overnight.

4. Tabletop

• Glue up panels for tabletop if needed.

• Use a router to apply a slight roundover on the edges.

• Attach the top using figure-eight fasteners to allow for seasonal wood movement.

5. Drawer Construction

• Use a simple rabbet joint or half-blind dovetail if you're more advanced.

• Slide the plywood bottom into a dado groove cut 1/4” up from the drawer sides.

• Attach knob centered on the drawer front.

6. Sand & Finish

• Sand all surfaces to 180 or 220 grit.

• Apply Danish oil and let it cure for 24 hours. Add wax or polyurethane for extra protection.

Visual Drawing:

      TOP VIEW                    FRONT VIEW

  +-----------------+        +-----------------+
  |                 |        |      Drawer     |
  |     18" x 18"   |        |   13.5" x 2.5"  |
  |                 |        +-----------------+
  +-----------------+        |                 |
                             |     24” Legs    |
                             +-----------------+

Pro Tips:

• Use a cabinet scraper for a glass-smooth surface before finishing.

• Match grain on drawer front with apron for a seamless look.

Coming Next:

Article 2: Restoring an Antique Oak Dresser