Things You'll Need:
- Wood: plywood or oak make good choices
- Table or radial saw
- Small nails
- Hammer
- Drawer guide
- Hardware for handle
-
Step 1
Decide on the function of your drawers, including what they will hold and what kind of look you're going for—functional, elegant, antique. You can go with a simple box-like design or one with a rabbeted front overlapping front.
-
Step 2
Measure the openings for a single drawer or a chest of drawers, including width, length and depth.
-
Step 3
Adjust the measurements of the drawers based on the width of the wood. A common thickness of wood for the front and sides of a drawer is 1/2 inch. Subtract an inch from the width (1/2 inch from each side) and 1/2 inch from the top of the drawer.
-
Step 4
Cut a thinner bottom panel for the drawer, typically half the width of the other drawer pieces. Then subtract the width of the bottom panel from your drawer measurements.
-
Step 5
Choose the type of joints between the front and side drawer pieces. You can simply nail the wood at each joint or use dado joints where the pieces of wood fit into grooves cut in the wood. Dovetail joints require an experienced carpenter, which explains why dovetailing is often a part of classic furniture.
-
Step 6
Purchase metal, plastic or wood drawer guides for easy opening and closing of drawers. You can even make your own drawer guides if you want. Typically, guides run along the bottom center of a drawer or the sides.
-
Step 7
Select hardware for the front of your drawer. Don't skimp as good hardware can make or break the look of your drawer. And after all your work, you want a good looking drawer.
