How Can I Make a Chifforobe?

A chiffarobe is similar to an armoire, but includes drawers.

A chifforobe is a piece of furniture that combines a set of drawers with a wardrobe where you can hang your clothes. Thus, it can take the place of both a closet and a dresser. With some chifforobes, the drawer section is made lower with a mirror stationed on top, whereas others may have a mirror placed on the outer door of the wardrobe. Others have no mirror at all. It is best to first build a simple chifforobe and then include any accessories or frills at a later date. This plan calls for shelves on both sides.

Things You'll Need

• Tape Measure
• Sander
• Drill
• Kreg Jig
• Saw
• Miter Saw
• 2 pieces of 2 x 2 wood at 10 foot
• 11 pieces of 1 x 2 wood at 10 foot
• 4 pieces of 1 x 8 wood at 10 foot
• 2 Sheet of 3/4-inch Plywood
• 1 Sheet of 1/4-inch Plywood
• Wood Screws, 3-inch
• Wood Screws, 2-inch
• Pocket Hole Screws, 1 1/4-inch
• Finish Nails or Brad Nails, 7/8-inch
• Finish Nails, 1 1/4-inch
• 2-inch Finish Nails
• Hinges
• Wood Glue
• Wood Filler
• Sanding supplies
• Finishing supplies

Instructions

Cutting Measurements

1. 

   Precut each piece.

   Pre-cut each piece for assembly in the following dimensions. Cut the four legs to measure 2 x 2 at 53 1/2 inches. Cut 3 rails to 1 x 2 at 36 inches and 4 supports to 1 x 2 at 48 inches. Cut five drawer supports to 1 x 2 at 17 5/8 inches and sixteen drawer supports and cleats to 1 x 2 at 17 3/4 inches. Cut four of the side trim to 1 x 2 at 17 1/4 inches and 4 more to 1 x 2 at 49 1/2 inches.

2. Cut the drawer trims in the following dimensions. Twelve trim to 1 x 2 at 17 1/2 inches and twelve to 1 x 2 at 7 1/4 inches. Cut 2 to 1 x 2 at 47 7/8 inches, 2 to 1 x 2 at 17 1/2 inches and 2 to 1 x 2 at 14 1/2 inches. Cut twelve drawer sides to 1 x 8 at 17 3/4 inches. Cut six drawer backs to 1 x 8 at 16 inches. Cut six drawer fronts to 1 x 8 at 17 1/2 inches. Cut six drawer bottoms to 3/4-inch Ply at 16 x 17 inches.

3. Cut two side panels to 3/4-inch Ply at 49 1/2 x 17 1/4 inches. Cut 1 3/4-inch Ply at 49 1/2 inch x 17 3/4 inches and one bottom panel to 3/4-inch Ply at 36 x 18 1/2 inches. Cut three shelves to 3/4-inch Ply at 17 5/8 x 17 3/4 inches. Cut one door to 3/4-inch Ply at 17 1/2 inch x 47 7/8 inches and 1 back panel to 1/4 inch Ply at 49 1/2 inch x 36 inches.

Trimming and Assembly

1. 

   A miter box will help create nice angles.

   Miter the legs on the inside and outside of each leg as you build the side panels. Start the miter 4 inches from the base and downward. This would be two of the four sides of each leg. Leave a 3/4 inch to an inch square at the base. Create counter sinkholes and then secure the panels with screws and wood glue. The panels should set flush with the tops of the legs and the inside edge.

2. Assemble the rails and attach to the supports and panels using the 3-inch screws, then attach the base panel using the 2-inch screws. Make sure to countersink and glue all pieces. The backside pieces should all sit in 1/4 inch from the edge of the legs, so that there will be room when you later attach the back panel.

3. Notch out the top corner of the center back panel so that it will fit under the top back frame and can be secured. The 1 x 2s that attach to it are fastened to it. The back 1 x 2 sits perpendicular to the panel and centered. The front 1 x 2 will sit parallel to the panel. Connect the panel using glue and small nails. Assemble the drawer supports. Place a drawer support 7 3/8 inches from the base and then secure to the side, back and center panels. Repeat upward creating 5 supports. Add shelf cleats to the other side, connecting to the side and center panel using 1/14-inch screws and glue. Then attach the shelves using the same method. Shelves should begin from base at 9 3/4 inches and then at 10 1/2 inches thereafter.

4. Attach the back panel and side trim. Miter the trim corners for a finished look. Glue and tack in place using 7/8-inch finish nails for the back panel and 1 1/4-inch finish nails on the sides.

5. Assemble the six drawers. The sides will be cut from 1 x 8s, the bottom of the drawer will sit inset. Glue and tack on the trim using 1 1/4-inch nails. Take the plywood panel for the door, fasten on the trim around edges, and evenly split horizontally across the middle. Miter the corners for a neat appearance. Install hinges according to manufacturer recommendations. Attach the top frame using 2-inch finish nails and glue. Then attach the top in the same manner.

6. Fill any holes made by nails or screws and sand. Paint or stain for your desired look and finish with a coat of polyurethane.

Tips & Warnings

• A Table Saw, Circular Saw, Hand Saw or Jig Saw can be used in place of the miter saw in order to cut angles.

• Purchase a Jig Pocket Hole System for easier assembly.

• Add a rod to the left side of this particular unit to make it a true chifforobe.

• Make sure to take accurate measurements before cutting or the components will not be able to be assembled correctly.

• A certain amount of skill is needed for major building projects. Be sure to read through all instructions before beginning any project to make sure you are able to accomplish it.

References

• The Design Confidential: PotteryBarn Inspired Hudson Chifforobe Armoire
• Extreme How To: Cabinet Building Basics for DIY'ers by Monte Burch

Resources

• Plans Now: Armoire Woodworking Plan
• Wayne of the woods: How to Build A Wardrobe Armoire