Plans

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a Base Cabinet Drawer

07.05.11 By //
Project Image

Our Kitchen Series continues with the Basic Drawer for the Base Cabinet. We will elaborate on the False Front throughout the week with different styles and techniques, so for now, this plan is the basic drawer construction with a slab drawer front. It indicates the size of the false front, but not the styling. Of course a slab front is a styling, but I am insinuating, that for our purposes it acts as a placeholder letting us know how large it should be and how to attach it, rather than the details of it's appearance.

I am designing this series in a pick and pull format, so we will cover the basic construction of each unit, then the styling of those units will follow.

Tools 
  • Tape Measure
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Drill
  • Saw

**Kreg Jig – optional, can be done without…but honestly not sure why you would want to. This tool simplifies the building process exponentially.

Lumber 

The materials listed for the base cabinet cover the materials needed for the drawer.

**You can sub for 1×4's for the sides to make the drawer a bit easier to build if you so desire!

 

Materials 

**Kreg Jig Owners: 1″ Pocket Hole Screws

  • 1 1/4″ Screws
  • 1″ Brads
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Finishing Supplies
Cut List 
  • 1 – 1/4″ Ply at 23 1/8″ x 13 1/2″ Drawer Bottom
  • 2 – 1/2″ Ply at 23 1/2″ x 3″ Drawer Sides
  • 1 – 3/4″ Ply at 2 1/2″ x 13 1/2″ Back
  • 1 – 3/4″ Ply at 3″ x 13 1/2″ Front

**1 – 3/4″ Ply at 4 3/4″ x 15 1/4″ False Front (you can also use a 1×9 cut in half for a solid wood false front)

Instructions 

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Step 1 

The Diagram below indicates how the cut pieces should fit together. Use your Pocket Hole system to fasten together, set for 1/2″ stock. Use 1″ Brads to secure the bottom to the sides and underneath to the back. Use your screws from inside the front to fasten on the False Front.

**To use boards rather than plywood for the sides and back, you can move up in height a bit and use a 1×4 or you can move down in height and use a 1×3. This gives you a bit more flexibility here so you can skip having to carve out so many pieces from plywood!

 

 

Step 2

Step 2 

Fasten the Drawer Slides to the Sides. Be sure they are level on both sides and that you are installing them at the bottom of the sides so that they wrap the bottom slightly. Be sure they fit precisely into the Guides you installed in your Base cabinet and adjust if necessary.

Finishing Instructions 

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.