Step 1: Cut the Case Parts

The case is the primary rectangular box that forms the tabletop surface and houses the drawer. Use ¾” plywood to cut the following pieces:

• Top: 12″ x 48″
• Bottom: 12″ x 48″
• Sides: 4¼” x 12″ (two pieces)
• Back Panel: Approximately 3½” x 46½” (cut to fit after assembly)

Use a circular saw with a straightedge guide, or a table saw and miter saw if available, for accurate cuts.

Step 2: Mill the Rabbets

Rabbet joints provide superior strength compared to butt joints and add a visually appealing detail to the construction. Using a router with a ½” or larger straight bit, create a 3/8″-deep, ¾”-wide rabbet on the inside face of the top and bottom panels.

Test-fit the rabbets with the side pieces to ensure clean, tight joints. Adjust the width of the rabbets as needed to match the actual thickness of your plywood.

Note: Ensure the rabbet width matches your plywood thickness for a snug fit.

Step 3: Glue Up the Case

Apply wood glue to the mating edges of the rabbet joints. Assemble the case and clamp it securely. Use a square to verify that all pieces are at 90-degree angles. Allow the glue to dry completely overnight.

Step 4: Cut and Install the Case Back

Measure the opening at the back of the assembled case. Cut the back panel to fit snugly within the opening. Test-fit the panel and make any necessary adjustments.

For a more refined look, you can set the back panel slightly in from the rear edges of the case, creating a reveal. To achieve this, mark the inside faces of the case with pencil lines 3/16″ (or your preferred depth) in from the rear edges. Add another set of pencil lines ¾” in from the first. Apply glue between the two sets of lines and slip the back panel into place until its rear face aligns with the reveal lines. Let the glue dry completely overnight.

Step 5: Cut the Drawer Front

Like the back panel, the drawer front should be cut to fit the case opening, with a small amount of clearance. Measure the front opening of the case. Cut the drawer front from ¾” plywood, making it 1/16″ smaller than the height of the opening and 1/8″ shorter than the width of the opening.

Create side cutouts on each end of the drawer front to serve as pulls. If you prefer, you can leave the ends square and install prefabricated pulls. To make the cutouts, draw the profiles on the ends of the drawer front and carefully cut them out with a jigsaw and a very-fine-tooth blade.

Step 6: Build the Drawer Box

Construct the drawer box using ½” MDF or plywood. Cut the following pieces:

• Front and back: 2 11/16″ x 42 7/8″
• Sides: 2 11/16″ x 10 1/8″
• Bottom: 10 1/8″ x 42 7/8″

When the drawer is fully pushed in, it will contact the back panel of the case. The dimensions provided here allow for a 3/16″ reveal at the front of the case. Adjust the depth of the drawer box as desired to create a different reveal or eliminate it altogether.

Assemble the drawer box with glue and clamp it securely. Drill pilot holes and fasten all joints with 4d finish nails, using a nail set to drive the nail heads slightly below the wood surface. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

Step 7: Finish the Case and Drawer Front

Thoroughly sand the case and drawer front, gradually increasing the sandpaper grit up to 220-grit or finer. Apply your desired finish to the pieces. For a decorative touch, consider staining the drawer front in a contrasting color to the case, or vice versa, before applying a protective topcoat. Because the table will likely be used to hold drinks and plates, using a moisture- and stain-resistant finish like polyurethane is highly recommended. Allow the finish to dry completely.

Step 8: Mount the Drawer Front

Clamp the drawer front to the drawer box so that it overhangs the front of the box equally on both ends and is positioned about 1/32″ up from the box bottom. This offset centers the front within the case opening. Drill two pilot holes through the drawer box and into the back of the drawer front. Secure the front with two 7/8″ screws.

Test-fit the drawer in the case, checking for even reveals around the drawer front. Adjust the front’s position if necessary. Then, secure the front to the box with four more screws driven through pilot holes.

Step 9: Install the Legs

Position the legs on the bottom of the case, ensuring they are evenly spaced on all sides. For maximum stability, the legs should be placed as close as possible to the front and rear edges of the case. Mark the hole locations, drill pilot holes, and mount the legs using wood screws. Be sure to select screws that are short enough to prevent them from protruding through the bottom of the case.