A changing table with hutch can be one of the most practical pieces of furniture you’ll get for your nursery. The main reason is the fact that it makes your life easier in many aspects.
First of all, you will have additional storage space for the baby stuff. And let’s be honest, with the number of diapers and other things, there is no such thing as too much storage.
Secondly, taking on a changing table DIY; a homemade changing table is super helpful for the budget. As many of you probably know, expecting a child and making a nursery eats up your finances.
Another great thing about building a changing table with hutch is that once your toddler gets older, you can repurpose it.
In the end, one of the reasons my family and I are all fond of DIY projects is that we don’t have to worry about finding matching pieces of furniture in stores. We just make it for ourselves.
If you are one of those people who like to get things done with their own hands, and you need a changing table with hutch, then you are in the right place – this easy DIY guide is just the thing to give you a little push to try it out.
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Table of Contents
Why DIY a Changing Table with Hutch
There are many types of changing tables on the market: changing tables with hamper, changing table with baskets, baby cribs with changing table, and so on.
However, all of them have one important common purpose – being a basic requirement for diaper changing.
When it comes to changing tables with hutch, the main advantage is those baby things are closer to you. This makes the environment safer and more convenient while changing tons of diapers daily.
What to know before getting started!
One thing should be specially noted by all who want to make this changing table with hutch – you need different tools, and you need to know how to use them.
This is actually a general tip for all DIY projects because material cutting is one of the essential things you do when building.
This means that if you, for example, never used a circular saw before, you have to take the time to read all the instructions carefully. Please keep in mind that working in a safe and clean environment is as important of project planning as any other.
Most of the tools you’ll be using for making changing table with hutch are easy to handle. However, double-check if you need someone to explain how to use them, or use some of the tutorials if that is easier for you.
Also, I want to add that for my version of changing table with hutch I used Skip Hop changing pad. This was my DIY changing table topper choice because I really love that it’s practical and easy to clean.
In general, the main resource you need is patience and a bit of creativity if you encounter some problems while you work. Sometimes it might happen that during the building process, you realize you’d do something differently.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Feel free to add your own alterations, but remember – keep it safe at all times.
Tools Required
Here are the essential tools you need for this project. Note that some of these things you probably have at home already.
And for the beginners – buying your own tools is the option I would recommend, but if you don’t have the possibility of buying them, borrow them from a neighbor or a friend.
- Measuring tape
- Black marker
- Level
- Speed square
- Circular saw
- Jig master system (+ screw kit)
- Drill kit ( I work with WorkPro 12V)
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Brad nailer
- Sander
Materials needed for DIY Changing Table
For connecting and patching up changing table with hutch:
For the lower part:
- Changing table’s top surface ¾ in pine boards
- Drawer slides for the bottom mount, 1set of 14in
- Knobs, 2 pieces
- Hinges for frameless cabinets, 1 set
- Plywood for the pedestal, 1 sheet (13in)
For the hutch:
- 2 wood boards (1×10), length: 8ft
- 1 wood board (1×2), length: 10ft
- 1 wood board (1×4), length: 4ft
- 1 corkboard (1/4in), dimensions: 46 ½ in x 31in
Cut list for Changing Table with Hutch
While I was building my changing table with hutch I realized that I can divide it into three parts:
- the changing table
- the cabinet
- the hutch
This is why the cut list will also be divided into 3 parts, so it is easier for you.
Note that you should always double-check all measures before cutting the materials.
For the changing table:
- 1 Pine board, cut to be 16in x 48in
- 2 plywood boards (3/4in), cut to be 15 ½ in x 25 ½ in
- 2 plywood boards (3/4in), cut to be 15 ½ in x 14 ½ in
- 1 wood board (1×2), cut to be 14 ½ in
- 4 wood boards (2×2), cut to be 3 ¾ in
- 2 wood boards (2×2), cut to be 12 ½ in
- 2 wood boards (2×2), cut to be 13in
For the cabinet:
- 2 wood boards (1×6), cut to be 12in
- 2 wood boards (1×6), cut to be 14 ½ in
- 1 wood board (1×8), cut to be 14 ¼ in
- 1 plywood board (1/4in), cut to be 13 ½ in x 14 ½ in
- 1 plywood board (3/4in), cut to be 15 ½ in x 14 ¼ in (for cabinet door)
- 4 plywood pieces, cut to be 14 ½ in x 14 ½ in (for the shelf)
- 1 plywood board (1/4in), cut to be 16in x 25 ½ in (for the cabinet back)
For the hutch:
- 1 wood board (1×10), cut to be 46 ½ in, for the top
- 2 wood boards (1×10), cut to be 30 ¼ in, for the sides
- 1 wood board (1×10), cut to be 45in, for the bottom shelf
- 2 wood boards (1×10), cut to be 8 ½ in, for upper two shelves
- 2 wood board (1×2), cut to be 9 ¼ in, for the side trim
- 1 wood board (1×2), cut to be 48in, for the front trim
- Corkboard (1/4in), cut to be 46 ½ in x 31 in, for the back
Cutting Instructions
There are no complicated or angled cuts at this point. This is why you might say this is one of the best changing table dressers with hutch options for beginners.
Use the measuring tools and the marker to mark the cutting places, and if possible, do all of the cutting before you start connecting the pieces.
I would like to point out something after making the cabinet layout and the hutch. You really need to re-calculate the dimensions for the shelves, the door, etc. This is even more important if you use another type of material for building.
The cutting list from above has two types of dimensions: for the plywood boards, it consists of weight + length, and for the wood boards, it mainly consists of length.
Please read the lists and steps fully, and several times if needed before you start with the actual work.
Instructions
The things mentioned can be listed as prep work for making your changing table with hutch.
It would also be good to pre-sand the wood beforehand, and then you can finish the project by following the steps below.
Step 1 – Build the cabinet
Before attaching the changing table top, the main thing is to build the cabinet whereas you can later put the baby diapers, linens, and so on. Use the above-listed materials to build the cabinet box (basic shape).
The cabinet box for this changing table should be 25 ½ in high, 15 ½ in deep, and 14 ½ in wide. Once you finish the base, add the divider between the door and the drawer you’ll add later.
Step 2 – Build the cabinet drawer
Building the drawer is also an easy process. Attach pre-made plywood pieces together with pocket hole screws and glue. The drawer height should be approximately 7 ½ in height, 14 ½ in length, and 13 ½ in width.
Don’t forget that the drawer slides dimensions should be included in your measurement calculations if you use other materials. Mount the drawer slides, insert the drawer, and finally, attach the knob on the face of the drawer.
Step 3 – Add the base and the cabinet door
The easiest way to add the base for the cabinet of this changing table with hutch is to make it separately. Then simply attach it to the bottom.
When it comes to attaching the doors, firstly, you should install hinges to the base of the door. The knob can be installed before you actually attach it to the cabinet, but you can also do it afterward.
Step 4 – Add the top of the changing table
Once the cabinet is fully finished, the tabletop becomes the basis for the next ‘’building block’’ – the hutch.
I would, however, recommend that you do all of the sanding and hole filling in this phase. This way, there is enough time to dry and eventually patch a screw or move the changing table to the location before attaching the hatch.
Step 5 – The hutch
This is actually the simplest step of all. You just need to get the cut list in front of you, concentrate on the hutch part, and do the following:
Make the outline by attaching a wood board cut for the top with the one cut to be the sides of the hutch (the outline should be 46 ½ in long, 30 ¼ in high, and 10in deep.
Then you attach the shelf you pre-cut to be 45in long and put on the smaller shelf dividers (two shelf dividers on 14 ½ in of the wood board, for three shelf spaces).
Once you finish building the hutch, connect it to the already finished changing table
Step 6 – Add the changing pad and organize your table
As I mentioned, I used the Skip Hop changing pad, but you are free to use one of your own preference. Among many DIY changing table dresser projects, there are also great DIY changing pad and cover options, you can check some of them here.
Use the space around the changing pad on the table along with the cabinet and the hutch to organize the changing table as you see fit.
Finishing Instructions
Tip Nr.1: Strengthen everything with pocket screws and wood glue
Baby’s safety should always be the highest priority. This is why you should make sure to strengthen all the shelves and the sides with additional glue layers and pocket screws.
What I did is that I also made sure to attach the upper part of the hutch to the wall, so I don’t have to worry (I didn’t plan on moving the changing table anyhow).
Tip Nr.2: The usefulness of the base
The main reason why I would highly recommend pedestals and bases in this and similar projects is that the main issue I face when having larger furniture pieces is the way to clean beneath.
There is also an option of using wheels with brakes, but just for safety reasons, you should keep the changing table with the hutch as stable as possible.
Tip Nr.3: Paint choice
This is very important! Kids like to touch everything and often, they chew on things they find around.
You are not obligated to use non-toxic paint on the whole changing table, but at least the areas within the potential baby reach (such as a tabletop) should be adapted to the safety standards.
Tip Nr.4: Repurposing the changing table with hutch
I already mentioned that this type of furniture is a good choice because it can also be an alternative to the changing table. And the best thing is that there are simple ways to repurpose it.
The easiest one is to simply remove the changing pad, maybe even repaint it, and voila, you have a brand new thing in your house.
Final thoughts
The convenience of the changing table with hutch can’t be overlooked as it gives you enough space to organize most (if not all) baby-related items in one place.
What I also found really useful later on is that once my first kid grew up, her changing table later became the playing and writing table, and the changing table hutch became a book and toy shelf.
As I mentioned before, parents don’t have a ”too much storage” policy simply because there is never less stuff when the children arrive – only more. So, having cheaper options for larger furniture pieces is always welcome.
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