How to Build a New Base

kristeninterrupted
Jan 14, 2024
2 min read

Ok, before you say "No way - I can't do this."

Hear me out - I was able to turn this 1980s beauty into a piece that is much more modern and can more easily fit into a current home.

Before you go too far into the process, check out your shopping list to get the materials you will need.

Some notes - this piece was not solid wood - and the original base was entirely removable with just a couple of screws.

(I would strongly recommend trying this with a piece that doesn't involve destroying the piece in the process!)

After popping off the original base, I painted the entire piece in FarmHouse Paint (Evolution Line) in Hybrid Beige. This paint goes on super smooth and is super durable.

Drop me a message if you're looking for a discount code!

Once painted, I headed to my nearby home improvement center and bought 1”x2” pine boards that would be my base. I spent about $12 on the wood.

I cut 8 4” long sections, doubled up the sections, and glued them together. These four pieces will serve as the legs of the base.

To add some detail, I used a pull saw to cut the legs at a slight angle to be a bit more interesting. (I only cut the front two legs since you can't really see the back two.)

I measured the lengths of the front and sides of the dresser - then time for the magic!

The Kreg jig allows you to drill holes so you can build square corners. Each board gets two screws at each end.

(make sure you double check where you’re drilling BEFORE you begin drilling!)

The holes you drill will be in the back of the base. Also, be sure to drill holes to attach the base to the piece of furniture.

In the diagram to the left, you'll see the set up of base. I don't put a back on because I have found that it make it easier to attach when I only have to make three perfect angles.

To make the holes, you just clamp the jig to the wood with the clamp that comes with the kit. I use a high powered drill to make the holes.