Do you want to build a drawer as well as update an old drawer front? You are on the right page! I’ll tell you everything you need to know about building a drawer.

Building a drawer bottom isn’t hard but it can be complex. It has many requirements for necessary materials. So, it’s necessary to know about drawer box pieces.

Before starting there are many things you should know. Proper research can help in this regard. YouTube has many videos about it, but the execution can be confusing.

Here’s everything in detail about how to build a drawer. So, let’s move ahead.

1. Types Of Drawer

Deciding on a drawer type is hard but knowing the details can help. Do you want overlay drawers or inset drawers?

You may choose any of them as they both have particular uses, and they are also beneficial. Let’s see them in detail so it will help you later on.

1.01 Inset Drawers

Furniture drawers are inset drawers, you see them in cabinets too. These drawers have a front frame, so it creates a seamless look. The front frame appears on the cabinet.

it has traditional and clean designs with exposed hinges. You can also decorate the hinges, It forms an aesthetic. But, it requires precise measurements so the craftsmanship should be careful.

You have to cut the front drawer in a way that it fits the cabinet. And also, it should not overlap. You may style them in many ways you want. For example, they may have a classic style with added aesthetics to them so they look timeless. 

They need special hardware like slides. Slides are self-closing hinges, that’s how they work smoothly. It helps in correct alignment but they might have less pace. Why is that? Because the drawer box has some space.

Also, you can use various hardware and fish to customize your drawer. This may match your interior design. Labor can make them better. 

 You should focus on maintenance from time to time because the wood or material expands. This happens due to humidity.

 People use them as cabinets too, you may put them in the bathrooms. They have a sophisticated look but have a high cost.

1.03 Overlay Drawers

Overlay drawers are used in furniture but people use them as cabinets too. They overlay the face and the frame of the cabinet. But, the difference between this drawer with others is that they overlap partially. It happens when the drawers close.

You can see the front drawer part overlaps the frame. It is called the cabinet frame which comes in many styles. It includes a full overlay and a partial overlay. It also comes as an inset overlay so you can adjust the overlap.

They also have sleek-looking contemporary styles that are seamless. The visible gaps of these are minimal. The hinges stay hidden and it happens while closing the drawers so they don’t need strict fitting.

 Installing them is also easy. You can use any hardware because they are customizable. For example, you may use a different handle or a different knob that matches with the interior design. They are not that expensive either.

They are cost-effective and require less labor. And the required craftsmanship is also minimal. They have fewer alignment issues and have more space because they overlap partially, making it a versatile choice.

They are popular so you can use them in the kitchen, bathrooms and many other places. Now, you know about the types of drawers. Now, let’s move to the next step.

2. Drawer Slide Types

There are many types of slides, so it’s important to know them. Side-mounted is a common type, but under-mount drawer slides are becoming famous. So, every drawer slide type is different and they also have different installations.

A side-mounted slide extended fully. They have easy access so you can see all the drawer content. They may open partially or fully. It prevents full extensions so you may use them with space limitations. Also, their closing action is soft.

It is very smooth and it prevents slamming. So, there is no shutting sound. Undermount slides are not visible, they stay hidden while opening the drawer.

Centre mount slides appear at the bottom. You may see them in old furniture. You can pull them out from the middle. European drawer slides have full extensions and they close softly. They are also side-mounted which are used in modern kitchens.

Ball-bearing slides have a smooth movement because they use ball bearings. They have more space as well as high load capacity so you can take them at any length.

Roller drawer slides have high movement so you can use them for heavy materials. Another type is a self-closing slide. You can understand its autonomy by its name. It closes automatically so you push it in the closing position.

The drawer slide choice is yours as it depends on your needs. It also depends on various factors like style, budget, etc. Install the right slide type so they can last long.

2.01. Plywood Sides

Plywood is good for drawer sides. Use edge bending before installation so that the drawer looks solid. It also offers a professional look. But what is edge bending? Let’s see in detail. It is done on the edges.

These offer material protection for plywood. You can do it for particleboard too, it protects moisture and humidity and prevents wear and tear. Also, it’s done for vulnerable edges to avoid potential damage.

Edge bending offers overall durability which prevents chipping and splintering. This is necessary for drawers because they have frequent movements. Edge bending also offers aesthetics.

It offers a polished look and a clean appearance. You can match the colors too. It’s important to apply bending properly so it looks seamless as well as visually appealing. You can also customize edge bending.

That’s done with needs and designs that use many materials. Edge bending has an easy maintenance process so it’s easy to clean. 

There are many advantages such as It doesn’t gather dust and has no grease, so it is user-friendly. Having edge bending is not compulsory but I recommend It as this increases longevity.

3. Weight Of The Drawer

This is another factor to think about, which is materials. It determines the purpose of the drawer. Do you want to keep light things or heavy things?

What size do you want? Find answers according to the needs. Also, the drawer can’t be too heavy because it can fall off.

4. Depth And The Front Opening Of The Drawer

Now, determining the measurements is necessary. Measure them from different locations, because measurements are different as they differ from every side. Also, determine the smallest measurement as It ensures preciseness.

5. Assembly Of The Drawer

Start installing from the front and then move the installation from the back. Then put it into the sides because looks better. Also, the side view has to be pretty. What are other advantages? It offers a shear strength so this has been in use for years.

It’s better to have a secure drawer as it offers a balance and also looks better. The drawer should be diagonal and It should be equal in both directions.

Ensure that the measurements are the same otherwise the drawer will not fit properly. So, avoid this mistake.

6. The Steps For Nailing On the Bottom

It is an easy method but the disadvantage is that it is less durable. You may use it on the table saw stand. But they can’t handle heavy weight. 

It needs a Brad nailer, but there are things to keep in mind. Don’t use heavy items because the bottom may blow and it can fall out. So, use light materials and build a drawer in a smaller size. Now, let’s look at the materials.

Use a 1 * 6 board and take an ¼ inch of plywood. Take a countersink bit, drill, a 1 and ¼ inch wood screws, wooden glue, a hammer, and a square.

It needs tape measure and panel nails. You can also make pocket holes, it is done on front and side pieces. Use it in the back pieces because it looks better.

6.01 Steps

1. The first step is about predill which is done to the screw holes. It has many benefits so it prevents the splitting of the wood. Screw heads can sit beside the drawer box. Drill three holes and start by making a line. Make it ⅜ from the ends, it’s done on the longer side.
2. Now, you need screws and glue. Apply the glue on the boards which are done on the joining position. You may use a square as it helps in aligning the board. Keep it at 90 degrees.

Use the wood screws at 1 and ¼ ich and keep the screen heads at the wood’s surface. You may keep it below too. You can use brad nails but they are not strong.

3. Now measure the drawer dimensions properly. Cut off a ¼ inch plywood price. Now, use the wooden glue and apply it to the drawer’s bottom. Align the bottom of the plywood.

Do it with the sides and the bottom. You can use a hammer, nails, or a panel nail but you can also use small screws. Now that the process is finished, leave the drawer. You may cover the screws before the painting but it’s not compulsory.

7. The Steps For Recessed Bottom

This is a pretty drawer type and it is easy too. Why is that? It needs screws and a drill. That’s it! You’re done!  The drawer’s bottom sits on the bottom edge. So, this is a strong drawer.

Also, it is stronger than the old one because the base is stronger and thicker. The screws have more strength so it does not fall out. But, it needs thicker material, hence it can be costly. It also adds to the total weight.

Some screws might be visible, but there are solutions for it. For example, paint over it or hide them with drawer slides.

Now, let’s look at the materials. It needs a 1 * 6 board as well as a plywood board of ½ inch or 3.4 inches. You need a drill, square, wood glue, a tape measure, and a countersink bit. Also, have one and ¼ inch wood screws.  Now let’s move to the steps.

7.01 Steps

1. The first step is for predrilling. Mark the bottom of the drawer, this mark is for ⅜ inches. Mark it on the sides too. Now, use the countersink holes. Make it every 6 inches from the lines so it prevents wood splitting. It is a necessary step.
2. Now, this is the box installation process. Assemble the box’s outside part just like the previous step. Then use the wood glue as it helps in joining the boards. Now, align the pieces at 90 degrees. How will you do that? use the square for alignment.

Screw heads should be below the wood’s surface but it can also be at the surface. But it should never be above. Now, maintain the square size, and measure every corner. Do this from every direction.

3. This step is about attaching the bottom. Carry this step after the 2nd step. Now, measure dimensions internally and do it from every side. Cut a piece of plywood and measure it properly.

It should be an internal box size. Use the wood glue and apply it to every side. Now, use a flat surface as it helps in sitting down. Place the drawer on the base because it ensures smooth fitting.

Now, use wood screws and apply them to the holes. Insert them at the bottom edge, It helps in securing the bottom. Keep the bottom and box tight. It should be flat, especially while driving the screws.

8. The Steps For Captured Bottom

It is a traditional method yet it is the most popular. You can see it in a furniture store. Its bottom panel floats and has a groove so it stays on every side. Also, it doesn’t have visible screws so it is an advantage.

You can use under-mount drawer slides for a clean drawer appearance. Applying wood glue adds to the strength, but you can also use hot glue. It uses a dab of glue on the sides that prevents rattling.

Now, let’s look at the materials. It needs a drill, a square, wood glue, a tape measure, and a pocket or jig. Also, you need 1 * 6 board and  ¼ inches of plywood as well as one and ¼ inches of pocket hole screws.

You need a table saw. You can also use a circular saw and a router table as it helps in cutting groove pieces. But, you can skip this step. How is that? That’s by assembling drawer boxes using pre-cut sides. Now, let’s see the steps!

8.01 Steps

1. Use the table saw to cut the plywood. So, it should cut a third part. Now, use the table saw fence. It should be ½ inch away from the blade but can be ¾ inch out too. Firstly, you may make a rough cut.

Now, keep the piece aside.to use it later. Put the groove’s bottom on the drawer’s box and take the rough piece. Move table saw fence. Keep it a bit away.

Make sure it fits properly, if it doesn’t then cut it again. Make sure it is tight enough and the bottom should be in its place. Yet, it shouldn’t be over-tight because it will not slide smoothly.

So, you can prevent this by making many cuts. It helps in better fitting. Now, create the perfect groove which should have a proper fitting. So, cut the pieces again.

2. This step is all about drilling. Drill holes on ends. These are pocket holes. It should be opposite from the groove’s side but don’t drill through the groove.
3. The third step is about installing. Use the glue to attach the front piece and attach them with the side piece. Ensure proper alignment of the grooves as it helps in smooth sliding. Now, cut the plywood. The groove should fit the plywood.

It should be even on every side. Slide the groove into the box. You’re almost done! Now, you can attach the back. Screw some pocket hole screws.

9. Replaceable Captured Bottom

Using wood glue is problematic because it is permanent, so you can’t remove it. But what if you need to remove it? What if something happens to the plywood? What if it cracks or something spills on it? Then, you have to build the drawer again!

You can’t spend all the money again as it needs time and effort. But there is another way and this way is replaceable and you don’t need to cut notches. Especially, if you use under-mount drawer slides. First, cut the grooves.

Now, use the table saw fence but uplift the blade. It helps in making the board thick. Now, take the back piece and cut the plywood. You must use it for the bottom as it is a usual step. 

It has more thickness and it adds to the back piece. Now, put the bottom and add it to the groove. It fits to the drawer’s back. The top and the bottom pieces are parallel. Now, use pocket hole screws. It helps in securing the drawer. Finally, flip over the box.

Add a few screws but make sure these screws are small. Add them to the back piece. Use the bottom side to add while replacing the drawer. Slide the drawer out, it prevents rattling.

10. Key Note

Well, now you know how to build a drawer. Hopefully, you can build it successfully. For that take some professional advice. Make sure you have the proper equipment as well as patience. It’s very easy to build a drawer box.

Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Sathi