This bespoke oak baby changing unit was lovingly handcrafted for our granddaughter’s parents, a piece designed to give them the very best for their little girl. Made from solid European oak, the cabinet features five generous drawers to store everything new parents need for their baby — from nappies and wipes to clothes and blankets — all neatly organised and within easy reach. A removable changing tray fits securely around the contours of the top, creating a safe and practical baby changing platform.
While it has been created with a baby in mind, the cabinet is built to last a lifetime. Once the changing tray is no longer needed, it transforms effortlessly into a spacious oak storage cabinet, blending seamlessly into any room of the home. Heavy-duty castors make it easy to move where required, and the timeless design ensures it will remain a treasured piece of furniture for generations.
Crafted with care and attention to detail, this cabinet is not only a practical solution for baby care now, but also a lasting expression of love for our family.
Milling the Slabs into Perfect Sections
Every piece of solid oak furniture begins with raw timber. For this bespoke piece, we selected high-quality European oak slabs, known for their strength, durability, and timeless beauty. Each slab was carefully milled down into precise sections, revealing the natural grain patterns that make handcrafted furniture unique.
Crafting the Framework with Traditional Mortise and Tenon Joinery
With the oak boards milled and prepared, the next stage was to begin the framework using traditional joinery techniques. We carefully set out the tenons for the cabinet structure, marking and cutting each one with precision. The matching posts were then morticed, ready to receive the tenons, before being tested for a perfect fit.
The dust board for the top drawer base was carefully set out, providing both stability and a clean division between the upper and lower sections. To ensure strength, a forked tenon joint was used between the drawer base and the divider rail — a precise piece of traditional joinery that adds both durability and refinement.
With the mortise and tenon joints complete, the next stage was to cut precise grooves into the framework, ready to house the panels. This step ensures each section locks securely in place, giving the cabinet both strength and a refined finish.
Eight moulded oak panels were carefully fitted to form the elegant end frames, while two sturdy plywood dust boards were added to complete the structure of the top drawer base.
Assembling the Oak Framework and Drawer Dividers
With the panels, mortises, and tenons complete, the oak framework was glued and clamped securely into place, ensuring the cabinet structure was both solid and true. Drawer dividers were carefully positioned, providing balance and strength while preparing the piece for smooth drawer operation.
Next came the functional details: adding runners and guides to ensure each drawer glides effortlessly, along with reinforcing blocks to strengthen the skirting.
With the framework complete, the next stage was to fit the moulded oak top and carefully shaped skirting. The top was crafted with a subtle moulding to soften the edges, adding both elegance and a refined finish to the cabinet. Skirting boards were then attached and reinforced, giving the piece stability while completing the classic look of handcrafted oak furniture.
Handcrafted Drawers with Classic Dovetail Detailing
With the cabinet framework complete, attention turned to the drawers. Each one was constructed using traditional dovetail joinery, renowned for its strength and timeless beauty. The process began by carefully setting out the tails, marking each cut with precision to ensure a flawless fit.
Cutting, Fitting, and Gluing the Oak Drawers
Once the tails had been marked out, the next step was to cut the dovetail pins, tails, and the grooves for the drawer bottoms.
The drawers were then dry-fitted and glued up, adjusted for precision, and tested to make sure they moved smoothly within their runners. To provide extra strength, each drawer was fitted with a grooved muntin — a central support designed to reinforce the base and ensure it can carry the weight of everyday use.
Refining the Drawer Fronts with Moulded Cock Beading
To finish the drawers, the fronts were rebated to receive a moulded cock beading — a subtle but effective detail that softens the appearance and adds refinement. This traditional technique gives the cabinet façade a touch of lightness and depth, ensuring the drawers sit with elegance while enhancing the overall visual interest of the piece.
Turning and Fitting Custom Sapele and Beech Handles
With the drawers complete, attention turned to the finishing details. Each drawer front was carefully marked out and drilled to receive a set of custom-made wooden handles, designed to complement the cabinet’s solid oak construction.
The handles themselves were hand-turned from rich sapele, a hardwood chosen for its warm tone and striking grain, combined with beech spigots threaded to screw securely into the drawer fronts. This combination of materials not only provides strength and durability but also adds a unique visual contrast, making every handle a feature in its own right.
Crafting the Removable Softwood Changing Tray
To complete the functionality of the cabinet as a baby changing unit, a simple yet sturdy softwood tray was made to fit securely around the top edges. The corners were joined with neat rebates and fixed with screws and brass cup washers, providing both strength and a touch of traditional detailing.
The tray’s base was designed to slide smoothly into a groove running the full length of the interior, ensuring a snug fit that can be removed when no longer required.
Refining Every Detail with Satin Lacquer, Inside and Out
To protect and enhance the natural beauty of the oak, the cabinet was completed with several coats of satin cellulose lacquer. Each layer was carefully applied and polished to bring out the rich grain patterns while providing a smooth, durable finish that will withstand everyday use. Even the interiors of the drawers were lacquered, ensuring a clean, refined look inside and out.
This finishing process not only seals and protects the wood but also gives the bespoke oak cabinet its timeless character — a piece that is as practical for daily family life as it is elegant in design.
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