How to Add Drawers to a Cabinet

Do you ever find your cabinets too crowded with all their contents? Are you looking for a way to add more storage space but want to avoid investing in new cabinets?

Adding drawers to a cabinet can significantly enhance its functionality and storage capacity. Whether you’re updating an old piece of furniture or customizing a new cabinet, the process can be both rewarding and straightforward with the right tools and instructions. Before you begin, it’s important to plan the design, ensuring the drawers will fit seamlessly within the cabinet structure. As you progress, remember these steps to successfully add drawers to a cabinet.

This guide on how to add drawers to a cabinet will walk you through the essential steps, from selecting the appropriate materials to installing the hardware, so you can complete this project with confidence and precision.

What Will You Need?

Before getting started, gathering all the necessary tools and materials is essential. These include:

• A cabinet (either pre-existing or one you’ve built yourself)
• Drawer slides (also known as glides)
• Plywood for the drawer boxes and fronts
• Screws
• Drill and drill bits
• Saw (table or circular saw)
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape and ruler
• Pencil

Keep in mind that the amount of materials needed will vary depending on the number and size of the drawers you want to add. It’s always a good idea to have some extra materials on hand just in case you make any mistakes or need additional pieces.

10 Easy Steps on How to Add Drawers to a Cabinet

Step 1: Measure the Cabinet Interior

Start by measuring the inside of your cabinet, focusing on the height, width, and depth. These dimensions will be critical when determining the size of your drawer boxes. It’s essential to leave extra space on the sides for the drawer slides, typically about 1/2 inch on each side. Mark these measurements clearly on a piece of plywood using a pencil and measuring tape. Accurate measurements ensure a smooth-fitting drawer and prevent frustrating adjustments later on.

Step 2: Cut the Plywood for Drawer Boxes

Cut the plywood pieces for your drawer boxes using the measurements you obtained in step 1. You’ll need four pieces for each box—two for the sides and two for the front and back. Make sure to use a table or circular saw for precise cuts. It’s essential to ensure that the pieces are consistent in size to facilitate smooth assembly and operation of your drawers. Once cut, double-check each piece against your initial measurements to confirm accuracy, making any necessary adjustments before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Assemble the Drawer Boxes

With all your pieces cut to size, it’s time to assemble the drawer boxes. Begin by attaching the side pieces to the front and back pieces using wood glue and screws. Apply a thin layer of wood glue along the edges where the pieces will join, and press them together firmly. Then, drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting and insert the screws at each corner to secure the box. Ensure the drawer box is square by checking the diagonals—the measurements should be equal.

Step 4: Install the Drawer Bottoms

To install the drawer bottoms, you must cut a piece of plywood to fit snugly into the bottom opening of your assembled drawer box. Measure the inner dimensions of the drawer frame and use these measurements to cut the plywood with precision. The bottom panel usually fits into grooves routed into the sides of the box, so you’ll want to ensure a tight fit to maintain the sturdiness and support the drawer’s contents. Once cut, slide the bottom panel into place. If your design requires affixing the bottom with screws or nails, ensure you drill pilot holes first to avoid any cracking or splitting. Add a bead of wood glue around the edges where the bottom panel meets the drawer sides for additional reinforcement.

Step 5: Sand and Finish the Drawer Boxes

Before proceeding with installation, it’s essential to sand and finish your drawer boxes for a polished look and smooth operation. Start using medium-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges or splinters on the drawer boxes. Follow up with a finer grit to achieve a smooth finish surface. Once sanded, wipe the boxes clean with a damp cloth to remove dust. Depending on your cabinet’s style and needs, you can then apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance; options include stain, polyurethane, or paint.

Step 6: Attach the Drawer Slides

Once your drawer boxes are sanded and finished, the next step is to attach the drawer slides. Start by installing the cabinet-side portion of the slides inside the cabinet. Position the slides so they are level and aligned with your drawer’s intended height, ensuring they won’t interfere with existing cabinet structures or other drawers. Use a pencil to mark where the screws will go, and drill pilot holes before securing the slides with screws.

Next, attach the drawer-side portion of the slides to the sides of each drawer box. Make sure these are level and match the alignment within the cabinet. Attach them using screws, again drilling pilot holes first to prevent any splitting.

Step 7: Test Fit the Drawers

With the drawer slides attached, you can now test-fit the drawers in the cabinet. Carefully insert each drawer box into its corresponding slot within the cabinet, ensuring it glides smoothly along the slides. If you encounter resistance or alignment issues, do not force the drawer. Instead, remove it and inspect for possible causes, such as misaligned slides, uneven surfaces, or obstructions within the cabinet. Make any necessary adjustments, such as repositioning the slides or sanding down edges, until the drawers can be easily opened and closed without binding.

Step 8: Secure the Drawers

Once you are satisfied with the fit and operation of the drawers, it’s time to secure them in place. Extend each drawer fully and check for any unevenness or tilting. Use screws to fix the cabinet-side slides to the drawer boxes at the front and back. This ensures that the drawers remain stable when fully extended. Ensure that the screws do not obstruct the drawer operation by protruding from the sides. Finally, confirm all parts are tightly secured and functioning smoothly. Proper securing will prevent any issues during use, providing a strong foundation for your completed drawer project.

Step 9: Install Drawer Fronts

The final step in your drawer project is to attach the drawer fronts. Start by measuring the dimensions of the cabinet opening where each drawer will reside. Cut the drawer fronts to size, ensuring they are slightly larger than the opening to overlap the cabinet frame for a seamless appearance. With the drawer boxes installed, hold each front in position with the desired alignment, using clamps to secure temporarily. Double-check the spacing between drawers and ensure they are level.

Step 10: Add Handles or Knobs

To complete the installation of your drawers, you will need to add handles or knobs. This not only enhances the functionality of opening and closing the drawers but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your cabinetry. Begin by selecting handles or knobs that match your desired style and the existing hardware in your space. Measure and mark the desired position on each drawer front, usually centered horizontally and vertically. Drill holes corresponding to the hardware’s mounting screws, ensuring the holes are straight and properly aligned. Insert the screws from the inside of the drawer and attach the handle or knob on the outside, tightening them securely but avoiding over-tightening that could damage the drawer front.

By following these steps, you can successfully install drawers in your cabinet project and enjoy the convenience of organized storage space.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Skimping on Measurements: It’s crucial to take precise measurements before starting your project. Inaccurate measurements can lead to unevenly fitting drawers that won’t slide properly and may require rework, wasting time and resources.

2. Ignoring Material Quality: Using substandard materials for your drawer components can result in poor durability and unsatisfactory performance. Always opt for high-quality materials that match your cabinet’s intended functionality and design.

3. Overlooking Weight Capacity: Failing to consider the drawers’ weight capacity can lead to structural failures or damage. Ensure that the drawer slides and the cabinet construction support the intended load.

4. Neglecting Proper Tools: Attempting to add drawers without the proper tools can result in unprofessional workmanship and inefficiency. Ensure to have the necessary measuring tools, saws, and drills to achieve precise cuts and holes.

5. Rushing the Process: Building drawers requires patience and attention to detail. Cutting corners or rushing through the process can lead to mistakes that compromise the functionality and aesthetics of your cabinet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to add drawers to a cabinet calls for careful planning and execution.

Begin by meticulously measuring the available space to ensure a perfect fit for each drawer. Select high-quality materials that align with the cabinet’s design and functionality and account for the weight each drawer needs to support. Equip yourself with the right tools to facilitate professional workmanship, paying close attention to the precision of your cuts and joints. Above all, take your time throughout the process to avoid mistakes and achieve a final product that not only enhances storage but also complements the aesthetics of your space.

You can transform a simple cabinet into a highly functional piece with patience and attention to detail.