Table of Contents
Steps Cut the Parts. Using a miter saw and the cut list above, cut the 1×6, 1×3, and square dowels to size. Drill the Drawer Face Holes. Add Cleats to the Front and Back Pieces. Attach Cleats to the 1×3 Side Pieces. Dryfit the Sides. Assemble the Sides. Insert the Plywood Base. Attach the Drawer Face.
How do you find the spacing between drawers?
Drawer depth or height is not critical, but the most common difference between the drawer and the opening is 3/4 inch. For example, if the opening measures 4 inches vertically, the drawer should be built 3 1/4 inches. This allows 1/4 inch at the bottom where the slide is attached, and 1/2 inch at the top for clearance.
What material is used to make drawers?
Poplar is a great all-around choice for drawer box construction. It is stable, durable, and much less expensive than most hardwoods. The color of poplar heartwood ranges from a creamy white to a yellowish tan or brown. It is very easy to work with and has straight, uniform grain.
What kind of plywood do you use to make drawers?
Drawer sides should generally be constructed of half-inch plywood, while the drawer bottom should be made of quarter-inch plywood. Columbia makes it easy to construct quality, durable drawers using our maple drawer sides. These are available in standard 8-foot lengths, and a variety of widths that are ready to cut.
How thick should plywood be for drawers?
Plywood for most drawers is 1/4 inch thick but can be 1/2 inch thick on large drawers. You can find these materials in many different types of hardwood so that one or both of the outer veneers can match your drawer boxes and/or fronts. However, not all wood species are available in veneer plywood.
Is MDF good for making drawers?
MDF is an abbreviation for medium-density fiberboard, which is a type of wood particle boards. MDF sheets are not the same as chipboard or plywood. The reason why MDF is an ideal choice for drawer-building is because it cuts and sands well.
What is a standard drawer size?
Depth: Standard depths are 14-inches, 16-inches and 20-inches. Height: The height of the drawer refers to the height of the drawer face. The actual height of the box is usually less. Standard heights are 5-inches, 7.5-inches, 10-inches and 12-inches.
What size are drawer boxes?
Allow at least 1/4” of clearance above and below the drawer, giving you a height of 5-1/2” (6” minus 1/4” at top and 1/4” at bottom). Your drawer box should be 17” wide, 5-1/2” tall and 22” deep.
How do you cut a drawer box?
Two Methods to Shorten the Drawer Box Drop down a drawer box size. For Undermount Soft Close Slides. Move the back panel of the drawer box (Cut the back out) Using the drawers existing slides, it is possible to move the back panel of the drawer box forward to create the space needed behind the drawer box.
How do you measure drawer size?
With or without a drawer box to measure, here’s how to measure drawer size for a perfect fit: Measure the cabinet opening width (inside frame to frame) and subtract 1” from the width of cabinet frame opening. Measure the cabinet opening height (inside frame to frame) and subtract at least 1/2” from the opening height.
Can drawer slides be shorter than drawer?
You should always use the longest slide possible for your application, without exceeding the drawer depth into the cabinet. The Height of a Drawer Slide is usually only a limiting factor, in the sense that you can’t install a slide that is taller than your drawer or pull-out.
How tall does a file drawer need to be?
The recommended minimum interior drawer box height is 9-1/4”. Recommended exterior minimum drawer box heights would be as follows depending on the bottom thickness and bottom inset. File slots are centered on the front and back.
How wide can drawers be?
The rule of thumb is 1.5 times the length of the drawer slide. If you have a standard depth kitchen cabinet then the normal length of drawer slide is 22”. If you multiply 22” x 1.5 = 33”. You can go wider, but the wider you go the more chance that the slide will not pull out as smoothly as you hope or expect.
What wood are drawers made of?
Most drawers boxes are made from plywood. At the higher end, a veneered baltic birch plywood, and at the lower, a thin unfinished plywood. Plywood has some benefits, it can be matched to the rest of the drawer and is easier on the environment than solid wood.
How thick should a drawer bottom be?
The sides and back of the drawer should be 1⁄2” or 5⁄8” thick. Use thinner stock for smaller drawers and thicker stock for big ones. The bottom is usually 1⁄4“-thick plywood for small drawers or 1⁄2“-thick material for bigger drawers, or drawers that will hold heavy objects.
How do you make a custom drawer?
How to Make Drawers in 6 Easy Steps Determine Drawer Height and Rough Cut Parts. Match Drawer Sides to Your Drawer Slides. Measure Drawer Opening and Cut Fronts and Backs. Drill Pocket Holes and Assemble Drawer Box. Measure, Cut and Install Drawer Bottoms. Add False Drawer Fronts to Drawer Box.
What is a grade plywood?
A-grade plywood features a smooth, sanded surface without knots. Any wood defects have been repaired with synthetic filler, so the veneer can be painted. A-grade plywood is ideal for furniture or cabinet doors.
What is paint grade plywood?
Sometimes, you’ll even see plywood classified as “paint grade.” Birch is close grained with a smooth texture that doesn’t show through paint. With an open-grained species like oak, the grain is visible under paint. MDF, of course, has no grain pattern, making it a good choice for painted projects.
Is hardboard good for drawer bottoms?
The most common materials for drawer bottoms are 1⁄4” hardboard or plywood. For small and medium-size drawers, hardboard will stand up to a moderate amount of weight. Baltic birch plywood is a great choice.
