Custom Carpentry

How to Build a Drawer That Perfectly Fits Your Space: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Building a drawer may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward with the right instructions and materials. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of building three different types of drawers: captured bottom, recessed bottom, and nailed bottom. We’ll also provide tips on determining the right dimensions, choosing the best materials, and customizing your drawers to fit your specific needs.

Determining Drawer Dimensions

Before you start building, it’s important to determine the correct dimensions for your drawer. Here’s how to do it:

• Width: Measure the width of the drawer opening from side to side, then subtract the thickness of your two drawer slides. This will give you the full width of your drawer.
• Length: Measure from the back of the opening to the front edge of the opening. This is the length of the drawer box. When cutting the boards for the drawer sides, subtract the thickness of the front and back pieces.
• Height: The height of each board must be shorter than the height of the opening.

Choosing the Right Materials

The type of drawer you build will determine the materials you need. Here are the recommended materials for each type of drawer:

• Captured Bottom Drawer:
  • Sides: Poplar
  • Bottom: 1/4-inch plywood
• Recessed Bottom Drawer:
  • Sides: Poplar
  • Bottom: Poplar or 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch plywood
• Nailed Bottom Drawer:
  • Sides: Poplar
  • Bottom: 1/4-inch plywood

Building a Captured Bottom Drawer

Captured bottom drawers are the most popular type of DIY drawers and are often found in commercial furniture and kitchen cabinetry. They’re strong and versatile, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

1. Rip Board to Drawer Height: Use a table saw to rip the entire board to a slightly shorter height than the drawer opening.
2. Cut the Dado: Create a groove (dado) around the bottom of the board using a table saw or router table. The dado should be slightly larger than 1/4 inch (aim for 9/32 inch).
3. Measure and Cut Your Boards: Determine your drawer dimensions and cut the front, back, and side pieces to length using a miter saw or circular saw.
4. Mock Assemble Your Drawer: Assemble the drawer box by placing the side pieces between the front and back pieces and clamping them together. Check to make sure the drawer box has the proper dimensions.
5. Measure and Cut the Bottom Board: Measure the internal width and length of the drawer box and add 3/4 inch to each dimension to find the dimensions of your bottom board. Cut it out using a table saw or circular saw.
6. Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes through the front and back boards into each side of the drawer box, then unclamp the drawer.
7. Assemble the Drawer: Apply wood glue to the joints and reassemble the drawer box, placing the plywood bottom into the dado. Replace the clamps and screw in the wood screws.

Building a Recessed Bottom Drawer

Recessed bottom drawers are similar to captured bottom drawers, but the bottom is simply placed between the sides and screwed into place. This requires a thicker piece of wood for the bottom.

1. Measure and Cut the Side Pieces: Measure and cut the side pieces to length.
2. Mock Assemble the Box: Assemble the drawer box and drill pilot holes at each joint.
3. Cut the Bottom Board: Cut a piece of plywood to the internal dimensions of the drawer box.
4. Place and Drill the Bottom Board: Place the plywood inside the drawer box and drill pilot holes around the perimeter.
5. Assemble the Drawer: Apply wood glue to the joints and reassemble the drawer box. Screw in the wood screws and remove the clamps.

Building a Nailed Bottom Drawer

Nailed bottom drawers are the simplest type of DIY drawer to build. They feature the same solid wood sides as the other methods, but the bottom board is nailed to the bottom of the sides instead of being sandwiched in a groove.

1. Measure and Cut the Side Pieces: Measure and cut the side pieces to length.
2. Mock Assemble the Box: Assemble the drawer box and drill pilot holes at each joint.
3. Cut the Bottom Board: Cut a piece of plywood to the external dimensions of the drawer box.
4. Place and Drill the Bottom Board: Place the plywood on the bottom of the drawer box and drill pilot holes around the perimeter.
5. Assemble the Drawer: Apply wood glue to the joints and reassemble the drawer box. Screw in the wood screws and remove the clamps.

Customizing Your Drawer

Once you’ve assembled your drawer, you can customize it to fit your needs and style. Here are a few ideas:

• Add shelf liner to protect the bottom of the drawer.
• Stain the drawer a different color to match your furniture.
• Add decorative molding or trim to the front of the drawer.
• Install drawer pulls or knobs for easy opening and closing.

Building a drawer may seem challenging at first, but with the right instructions and materials, it’s a project that even beginners can tackle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a custom drawer that perfectly fits your space and meets your storage needs.