Home Garden

How to Make Drawers With Glides for Workbenches

Many workbenches come with an elaborate system of drawers, but if you're making your own or have opted for a more basic version, you can install your own in relatively little time. The shallowness and width of your drawer ultimately depends on its intended purpose and the workbench framing.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • 1-inch by 4-inch wood
  • 3/4-inch plywood or solid wood
  • Wood glue
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • T-square
  • Drawer glide kit
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Drawer pull or knob and hardware
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance between the crossbeams on the underside of your workbench to determine the drawer's width. Measure the depth of the bench to determine how long the drawer will be. Subtract 1 3/4 inches from the depth measurement to account for the thickness of the drawer sides.

    • 2

      Cut two pieces of 1-inch by 4-inch wood to the measured width. Cut two additional pieces to the appropriate depth.

    • 3

      Glue the corners of the four pieces together in a rectangle, placing the front and back planks on the outsides to allow for the subtracted 1 3/4 inches. Nail the corners in place using a t-square.

    • 4

      Measure the length and width of the drawer from outside edge to outside edge of the front, back and side panels. Cut a plank of 3/4-inch thick plywood or solid wood for the drawer bottom.

    • 5

      Glue and nail the plank to the bottom of the drawer, using a t-square for a square fit.

    • 6

      Attach glides to either side of the drawer measuring the same depth as the drawer itself. Follow manufacturer instructions, and use guide holes to screw the glides to the drawer.

    • 7

      Screw the attachment brackets to the glides per manufacturer instructions.

    • 8

      Cut a drawer face 1/2 inch longer and taller than the front drawer piece. Attach it to the front of the drawer by nailing or screwing it from the inside front panel.

    • 9

      Drill holes for a drawer pull or knob per manufacturer instructions. Screw on the hardware, and tighten it.

    • 10

      Hoist the drawer up under the workbench, and screw the glide brackets to the crossbeams on either side of the drawer. Test for a smooth glide when opening and closing the drawer. Tighten screws for a secure hold.