Oh, the sideboard, what a journey it has been. I started working on it last November, thinking I would have it done in about a month. I was just a tad off on my timeline, but this rustic sideboard is the biggest project I’ve taken on yet.

During this project, I learned how to use a circular saw and a planer and how to build and install doors and drawers. I used these plans from Ana White’s website, one of my favorite places to go for inspiration. The plans provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, and I’ll share some of my steps.

First Steps

I started by building out the frame, using my miter saw to cut the wood to size and my Kreg Jig to attach with pocket hole screws. After that, it was time to cut down the plywood to size using my circular saw. I bought one just for this project, and I’m sure I will use it on some future projects. I purchased the Skil brand with a laser, and it was relatively inexpensive and did the trick for this build. Since I would be cutting down some 4x8ft pieces of plywood, I also purchased the Kreg Rip-Cut, which connects to your circular saw, and you set it to the measurement you’d like to cut the wood. It helps ensure you cut a straight and even line.

The top was built with 2x4s and 2x6s and then stained. Once I had the top assembled, I attached it to the frame. I inset the back with 1x4s and 1/4 inch plywood, so that you cannot see the back when you view it from the side, since that is the angle you see it from when you walk in the front door.

Doors and Drawers

Once I had the frame built out, it was time to build the doors and drawers. The doors were made up of 1x4s for the frame and then 1/4 inch plywood I ripped down with my circular saw.

Next, it was time to make the drawers. They were definitely more involved than the doors. I used 1x4s cut to size and attached with pocket hole screws and my Kreg Jig and then 1/4 inch plywood on the bottom that I attached with my brad nailer. I decided to line the drawers with some craft paper I found and attached it to the plywood with a layer of modge podge both underneath and on top to seal it.

Once the drawers were ready, it was time to install them with the drawer slides. This is when I realized how important it is that I make sure the measurements are exact and square. I was a little too flexible on leaving 1/2 inch on each side to make room for the slides, and as a result I had to use a planer (another new purchase) to trim down the sides of the drawers so they would fit. I used these soft-close drawer slides that I found on Amazon. And since I love how much easier jigs make my life, I also got this Kreg Drawer Slide Jig to make installing the drawer slide a little easier.

Then I installed the doors using hardware that I found at Lowes. I also ended up needing to use the planer on the sides of the doors to make sure they fit correctly. I installed magnetic door catches so the doors stayed in the correct position when closed.

Installing the Shelves

The final step was to install the shelves, so I cut them to size out of 3/4 inch plywood. I purchased this Kreg Shelf Jig (yep, another Kreg jig!) that lines up the holes for you and includes a piece for your drill to ensure you don’t drill through the wood. I found these shelf pins to use as well.

Finishing Touches

I stained the top with a mixture of Varathane stains dark walnut and weathered gray (the same stains I used on my bench) and topped it with matte polyurethane. I painted the inside Pure White by Sherwin Williams to match my trim. Initially, I had painted the outside of the sideboard the same color, but ended up painting it Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams instead. I also caulked the molding and some other parts of the sideboard before I painted it for a more professional look.

Final Thoughts on the Rustic Sideboard

Whew, this was quite a project! I spent around $400 on all the lumber, hardware, paint and stain. This does not include all the new tools I bought, but I consider those investments I will use in the future. The sideboard is definitely not perfect, but I learned a lot during the process. Plus, I’ve added a ton of storage to my entry.

This means I am very close to finally being done with my entry! I just need to hire someone to paint and add a few decor items.

Update: since I originally created the sideboard, I updated it with new chalk paint and hardware. I love how it looks!

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