🖼️
The project:
My wife and I had been searching for a dining sideboard that suited our space and style, but everything we liked was either the wrong size or above our budget and/or below our quality expectations. Rather than compromise, we decided to build exactly what we wanted.
A visit to our local Bunnings introduced us to the beautiful Timberbuild hardwood panels and Tasmanian Oak that became the inspiration for the project.
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/1800-x-600-x-19mm-timber-panel-tasmanian-oak-fj-laminated-feature-grade_p0215400
https://www.bunnings.com.au/goliath-soft-close-drawer-slide-pair-350mm_p4020975
Tasmanian Oak 135mm x 32mm x 1,800mm
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hafele-105-soft-close-full-overlay-clip-on-hinge-1-pair_p0037939
https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-benchtop-joiner-6-pack_p2662003
https://www.bunnings.com.au/16mm-mdf-panel-standard-1800-x-600mm_p0590042
https://www.bunnings.com.au/6mm-mdf-panel-standard-1830-x-915mm_p0590069
https://www.bunnings.com.au/adoored-53-x-150mm-raw-wood-round-furniture-leg_p0197173
https://www.bunnings.com.au/adoored-208mm-black-timber-drawer-pull-black_p0260633
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hafele-60-x-28mm-matt-black-cabinet-knob_p0165770
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bondall-1l-monocel-satin-waterbased-clear-varnish_p0079567
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-monument-low-sheen-weathershield-exterior-paint-4l_p0144863
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gorilla-532ml-ultimate-wood-glue_p0492213
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-18v-brushless-hammer-drill-kit_p0524607
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-drill-driver-starter-kit-r18dd22_p0715241
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-305mm-1675w-dual-bevel-slide-compound-mitre-saw-dws780-xe_p0497406
https://www.bunnings.com.au/metabo-2000w-table-saw-254mm-soft-start-trolley-function-600668190_p0496278
https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-250w-1-3-sheet-sander_p0121653
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hafele-hinge-mounting-kit_p0037947
- Step 1:
Step 1: Planning & Preparation
The sideboard was designed around a strong MDF carcass, finished with hardwood end panels, doors, and drawer fronts, and topped with a solid Tasmanian Oak benchtop.
Before cutting, all timber was laid flat indoors for several days to acclimatise to the room's humidity, helping minimise movement after assembly.
The MDF panels were accurately cut to size using a Matebo Table Saw. Shelf pin holes were drilled using a Kreg Jig, door hinge holes were drilled and plugged with the aid of a Hafele hinge mounting template and the panels were sanded, primed, and painted in Dulux Monument Grey prior to assembly.
- Step 2:
Step 2: Crafting the Benchtop
Made from 3 x Tasmanian Oak select timbers 135mm x 32mm x 1,800mm were carefully arranged so the grain flowed naturally across the full width of the benchtop.
The boards were joined using Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue for a rock-solid bond and pulled tight with Kaboodle benchtop connectors beneath, then clamped overnight. Once cured, the top was sanded progressively through the grits to achieve a smooth, furniture-quality finish.
- Step 3:
Step 3: Building the Carcass
Before assembling I attached Goliath soft close drawer slides, (easier to position at this stage). To make assembly more manageable and ensure everything remained perfectly square, the cabinet was built as two identical carcasses before being joined together.
Pre-painted 6mm MDF backing panels and internal structural bracing were installed to create a rigid, durable cabinet capable of supporting the weight of the unit when lifting from the top.
- Step 4:
Step 4: Strengthening the Base
Solid timber support rails were installed beneath the cabinet to spread the load from the legs and prevent long-term sagging, ensuring the heavy hardwood sideboard remains rigid for years to come.
- Step 5:
Step 5: Dressing the Cabinet
The hardwood panels were cut into four doors, two drawer fronts, and matching end panels.
One of the most satisfying parts of the build was carefully planning every cut so the timber grain flowed continuously across the entire front of the sideboard. This small detail gives the finished piece the appearance of being crafted from a single run of timber.
In the doors, concealed hinge pockets were drilled using a Hafele hinge template. To ensure perfectly centred holes without tear-out, I first started each hole with a brad-point Forstner bit before finishing with a standard Forstner bit, producing clean, accurate hinge recesses.
Custom MDF drawer boxes, finished in Dulux Monument Grey, were built and fitted to the Goliath soft-close runners. I used spacers under the drawer box while fitting to ensure clearance and to aid in keeping the drawer true and level.
Doors and drawers attached and centred allowing for consistent gaps around every opening. I used spacers for this purpose and marked up the drawer handle position on the panels using masking tape, carefully drilling correct placement for the handles to the drawer fronts drilling through to the drawer boxes.
The benchtop and all exposed timber surfaces were protected with Bonall Monocel water based clear wood varnish enhancing the natural character of the timber while providing a durable finish for everyday use.
Checking everything for alignment and clearances.
The doors, drawers, and hardware installed and adjusted to create even shadow lines that highlight the contrast between the dark painted carcass and the natural hardwood. Matte black handles completed the contemporary look.
- Step 6:
Step 7 Adding a Cutlery box Soft close shelf for ease of access
- Step 7:
Step 7 Using Off Cuts to make small matching shelf unit
- Step 8:
Step 8 Fitted in Place and Project Complete
