DIY: Dresser Drawers

Measure the dimensions of the dresser drawer openings. Write these down and subtract 2 inches from the depth, 1 inch from the width, and 1 ¼ inches from the height. The drawer must be slightly smaller than the opening to slide in and out easily.

Cut the ¾-inch lumber on a table saw to make two pieces as wide as the modified height measurement from Step 1. Trim these boards 1 inch shorter than the modified width measurement from Step 1. Cut a third piece from the ¾-inch lumber that is 1 ½ times wider and 1 ½ times longer than the first two.

Cut two pieces from the ½-inch lumber that are also as wide as the modified height measurement from Step 1 and trim them so they are as long as the modified depth measurement. Cut a rectangle of ¼-inch lumber to match the adjusted width and length measurements from Step 1.

Sand all of the wooden pieces so that they are smooth to the touch and wipe them down with a tack cloth. A tack cloth is similar to a regular cloth, but has a slightly sticky surface that will grab the sawdust, making it more useful for this task than traditional rags.

Add decorative carving or molding to one side of the largest piece of ¾-inch lumber; this is the drawer front. Build a frame from the other two pieces of ¾-inch lumber and the two pieces of ½-inch lumber. Secure the boards together with 1 ½-inch finishing nails.

Spread wood glue around the edges of the frame and lay the ¼-inch piece of lumber over it so that all of the edges align with the frame edges. This is the drawer bottom. Drive four finishing nails in a straight line along each edge and wipe away any glue that squeezes out with a rag. Wait two hours for the glue to set.

Attach the largest, decorated piece of ¾-inch lumber to the drawer front with wood glue. Make sure that this piece is centered, or the drawer will not fit correctly or look good.

Measure to find the center point of the drawer front. Drill two wood screws through the back of the drawer front, equidistant on either side of this center point. Wait one hour and attach the drawer hardware according to the directions for your particular kit.

Install the track kit to the drawer bottom and the bottom edges of the drawer opening. Follow the directions for your particular track kit, since they will vary among products. Slide the drawer into the dresser opening.