A Versatile Sideboard: Functionality Meets Elegance
A well-designed sideboard, often referred to as a buffet, serves as a stunning and practical addition to any entertaining area. Its generous surface space makes it ideal for serving food and beverages during gatherings, while its ample storage capacity keeps your dining essentials organized and within easy reach. Traditionally placed in the dining room, a sideboard can seamlessly enhance any room—be it the living room, entryway, patio, or even a home bar—making it a perfect piece for hosts and entertainers alike.
Maximize Serving Dish Storage with a Custom Sideboard
One of my favorite uses for a sideboard is to store and display serving dishes. These large, often bulky items can be challenging to store efficiently in standard kitchen cabinets—they tend to be too deep for upper cabinets and too short for deep base cabinets, wasting valuable space. This custom sideboard design offers the perfect solution, providing a dedicated space to showcase your beautiful serving ware. The upper shelf is thoughtfully designed to display and store large platters and serving dishes, creating an accessible and attractive display that elevates your dining experience.
Design and Build Your Own Sideboard Buffet
Tools & Materials Needed
Essential Tools:
- Miter saw – I recently upgraded to a larger sliding miter saw for precision cuts, but my previous, budget-friendly model served me well for years.
- Table saw or circular saw with guide track – for straight, accurate cuts.
- Pocket hole jig – I recommend the Kreg 720 for frequent projects, but the 520 or 320 models are excellent for beginners or small workshops.
- Power drill – indispensable for assembly.
- Impact driver – optional but highly recommended to streamline screw driving.
- Face frame clamps – to hold components securely during assembly.
- 90-degree drill adapter – to access tight spaces when securing fasteners.
- Router with router table – essential for creating precise, decorative edges and doors. If you lack a router, check out alternative methods for simple cabinet doors in the tutorial.
- Sander – for smooth finishing.
Supplies:
- Wood materials:
- (3) 1×3 boards, 8 feet long
- (4) 1×2 boards, 8 feet long
- (1 ½) 1×6 boards, 8 feet long
- (1) ¾ inch plywood, 4×8 sheet
- (1) ¼ inch plywood, 2×4 sheet
- 1 ¼ inch pocket hole screws
- Corner braces or figure-eight fasteners – to reinforce stability
- Inset face frame hinges – for smooth door operation
- Cabinet knobs – for easy access
- Shelf pins – to add adjustable shelving options
Dimensions for a Perfect Fit
The finished sideboard measures approximately 48 inches wide, 16 ½ inches deep, and 34 ¾ inches tall. The dedicated platter storage shelf spans 42 inches wide and stands 6 inches tall, providing ample space for large serving dishes and platters. For those seeking a larger version, I also offer detailed plans for a 60-inch wide sideboard, perfect for bigger gatherings or more storage needs.
Cut List and Planning
Refer to the comprehensive PDF build plans for detailed cut measurements and assembly instructions. These plans include a clear, easy-to-follow cut list, shopping checklist, recommended tools, step-by-step instructions with 3D diagrams, and additional helpful resources.
Constructing the Legs: Precision Tapering
For the legs, measure up 5 ½ inches from the bottom and 1 ½ inches inward from each bottom corner to draw the tapered cut lines. For the side pieces, measure 2 ½ inches from the bottom and 1 inch inward. Use a simple tapering jig on your table or circular saw to achieve precise angled cuts, ensuring all four legs are uniform and stable.
Step-by-Step Assembly
Step 1: Build the Legs
Create four L-shaped leg assemblies by attaching side pieces to front pieces. Lay them out to mirror each other and mark the inside of the side pieces. Drill pocket holes along the inside long edges of the side pieces, then glue and fasten them to the front pieces with 1 ¼ inch pocket screws. Repeat for all four legs.
Cut the plywood side panels (10 ½ x 27 ¾ inches) per the plans, drill pocket holes at both ends, and attach between the legs, ensuring flush alignment at the top. Attach side detail pieces similarly, creating a cohesive frame.
Step 2: Connect the Sides
Drill pocket holes in the face frame pieces’ ends. Attach the top rail flush with the top of the legs, the middle rail 6 inches below, and the bottom rail aligned with the tapered front of the legs. Center the stile between the bottom and middle rails, then secure the bottom shelf and display shelf using pocket screws, ensuring they are flush and sturdy. Attach the back panel to the legs, then secure the bottom shelf and back panel together.
Step 3: Attach the Top
Cut three 48-inch pieces from 1×6 boards for the tabletop. Arrange them for optimal grain and aesthetic appeal. Drill pocket holes in the center board and attach the side panels with glue and screws, ensuring a seamless surface. To secure the top to the sideboard, use 1-inch corner braces on the inside perimeter, attaching with 5/8-inch screws. Center the top and secure from underneath, using a right-angle drill or drill adapter if necessary. Alternatively, fasten with figure-eight fasteners for a clean look.
Step 4: Build and Install Doors
Router a ¼-inch by ¼-inch groove along the edges of the rails and stiles to create a slot for the panel. Drill pocket holes in the ends of the rails. Assemble each door by attaching rails to stiles with glue and screws, ensuring the routed groove is centered. Slide in the panel and secure the other stile. Use face frame clamps during assembly for precision. Attach the doors to the sideboard with inset hinges, aligning carefully for smooth operation. Install knobs for easy access.
Step 5: Final Finishing Touches
If desired, add adjustable shelves by drilling shelf pin holes in the sides, back, and face frame stile. Cut shelves slightly wider than half the width of the opening to allow for proper placement and support. Fill any pocket holes if needed, then sand, stain, or paint your sideboard to match your decor. For my project, I used alder wood, finished with a clear polyurethane on the top and a matte Behr Incognito paint on the base. Finish by installing doors and hardware, and your stylish sideboard buffet is ready to impress.
Download Your Premium PDF Plans Now!
Our detailed plans include everything you need: a recommended tools list, shopping checklist, an easy-to-follow cut list with diagrams, step-by-step instructions with 3D renderings, helpful resources, and a bonus 3D SketchUp model. With these plans, you’ll be well-equipped to build a beautiful, functional sideboard that will serve you for years to come. Get started today and create a centerpiece for your entertaining space that combines practicality with timeless style!