How do I Build In-Corner Dressers?

Measure and mark the shelves on the partitions. Place the 20-by-46 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood on the worktable along with the 20 3/4-by-46 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood. Mark the partitions at 11, 11 3/4, 22 3/4, 23 1/2, 34 1/2 and 35 1/4 inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the plywood. Once built, the partitions separate the drawers from the rest of the dresser.

Build the partitions. Apply glue to one of the long edges of the 20-inch-wide plywood. Place the other piece on the glue and secure the pieces to each other with the finish nails. This forms an "L" shape.

Add the shelves. Put some glue on two adjoining sides of the 20-by-20-inch glued panels. Place them between the lines on the partitions and secure them with the finish nails.

Secure the backs. Apply glue to one long edge of the 41 1/2-by-46 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood and secure it to the 42 1/4-by-46 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood with the finish nails to form an "L." Stand the partition assembly upright and hold it against the 42 1/4-inch back so the shelves are flush with the front edge of the back. Secure it with the finish nails.

Set the mirror piece in place. Run a bead of glue on one long edge of the 20 3/4-by-46 1/4-by-3/4-inch plywood. Secure it to the partition assembly with the finish nails. Add a mirror to this piece after the dresser is completed, if desired. Place one 42 1/4-by-42 1/4-by-3/4-inch piece of plywood on top of the dresser, align the four sides and secure it with the finish nails. Turn the dresser over and repeat this with the remaining 42 1/4-by-42 1/4-by-3/4-inch piece of plywood.

Build the drawer boxes. Secure one 18 3/4-by-10 3/4-by-1/2-inch piece of Baltic birch and one 18 3/4-by-10-inch piece between two of the 19 1/4-by-10-by-1/2-inch Baltic birch pieces and secure with the brads. Install the 19-by-18 3/4-by-1/2-inch piece of Baltic birch as the bottom of the drawer.

Attach the drawer fronts. Lay the four pieces of 19 3/4-by-10 3/4-by-3/4-inch lumber on the worktable. These are the drawer fronts. Set the drawer boxes on the fronts and align them on three sides. Secure them with the drywall screws.

Finish the drawer openings. Apply glue to one side of the 3/4-by-3/4-by-20-inch lumber. Secure them 3/4-inch away from the front edge of the shelves with the brads. Turn the dresser over so the strips are on the bottom side of the shelves and put the drawers in the dressers.

Install the doors. Apply the hinges to the two 21-by-46-inch glued panels with the screws provided. Install the doors in the dresser.