DIY Network

Hidden Dresser An entertainment console is redesigned. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-304

Host Samantha Gleisten takes a used entertainment center and a set of dresser drawers to create a new piece of furniture for the homeowner.

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1. Remove the black stereo component holder, existing backing and all electrical components from the console and discard.

2. Carefully remove the existing trim from the doors.

Tip: Running a razor knife along the seams of the trim and the door panel can help avoid chipping and peeling of the laminate when the trim is removed.

Tip: Slipping a thin, wide putty knife behind your prying tool or hammer claw can help protect the door panel from denting.

3. Cut new trim using a chop saw, and then glue and nail to the door and lower drawer. Be certain that the new trim is no thicker than the old trim or it will not fit in the slide in pocket.

Tip: If glue drips from a seam, a slightly damp cloth should be used to remove it immediately—dry glue is harder to remove and any residue it leaves can affect the paint finish.

4. Cut the footboard to be used as a backsplash on the top of the dresser.

5. Place the foot board standing upside down on the top of the entertainment console. Center it and mark each end where they line up with edge of the dresser.

6. Using a circular saw cut the foot board on either side.

7. Countersink screws through the underside of the console top to attach the piece to the unit.

8. Cut the pieces for the inside drawer/shelf structure.

9. Cut the plywood into 14-inch wide boards using a table saw.

10. Measure and cut two upright supports using a circular saw. Use a carpenters square to make sure of a square cut. These pieces should be measured to the inside height of the entertainment console.

11. Measure and cut three horizontal supports using a circular saw to the inside width of the console. Also, cut three interior vertical supports one inch higher than the side of the drawers.

12. Assemble the pieces outside of the existing dresser by countersinking 1-1/4 inch screws.

13. Measure the height of the first drawer face, and then mark a line 1-1/2 inches above the height on the vertical supports. Attach the first horizontal supports so that the top of it is even with that line.

14. Repeat this step with the next two drawers to locate the other two horizontal supports. These are spaced so that when the 1" x 2" horizontal facing is attached to the front, it will hang 1/4" below the top of the drawer face so that the drawer will not push in past this point.

Figure A

15. Attach the three interior vertical supports (figure A), allowing 1/2 inch for the drawer glides.

16. Measure and mark the location of the drawer glides along the inside supports. Pre-drill holes for the glides but do not attach. Screw the glides to the sides of the drawers.

17. Finish by attaching 1" x 2" wood facing to the front of the shelf unit with wood glue and a nail gun. The facing should be flush with the inside of the vertical supports and the top of the horizontal supports in each drawer area.

18. Cut a new back for the dresser with 1/4 inch birch plywood.

19. Prepare and paint the assembled pieces.

20. Remove the doors and hardware for painting preparation.

21. Putty all nail holes on the new inner framing, facing, and new door trim. Allow to dry for four to six hours.

22. Lightly sand all previously painted surfaces.

23. Prime and paint everything; dresser, new shelf structure, doors, drawer faces and backing.

24. Reassemble the dresser, and then place the new shelving unit inside.

	Figure B
	Figure C

25. Attach the new backing with glue and nails (figure B).

26. Attach the drawer glides to predrilled holes and set the drawers into place.

27. Remount the pocket door hardware and hinges.

28. Replace the shelf pins and adjustable shelves.

29. Install new drawer pulls to the old drawers (figure C).

Project Cost:

Entertainment center: $60
Plywood: $28
Drawer slides: $30
Paint and materials: $22

Total: $140