How to Construct a Desk Drawer

Measure the space underneath the desk where you want to install the desk drawer. Write down the desired width, depth and height of the drawer. The depth can be as long as the depth of the desk itself. Keep in mind that you need room for your legs when you are sitting at the desk.

Lay the plywood sheet down on the floor, and grab the pencil and measurements from the previous step. Draw two supportive panels for the desk drawer measuring the depth by height measurements with the pencil and ruler. Draw two identical pieces for the drawer's side panels, but subtract 1 inch off the depth measurement to make room for the front drawer panel.

Draw an end panel measuring the height by width, minus 1 inch from the width to make room for the drawer side panels. Use the pencil to draw the bottom panel for the drawer using the full width measurement and the depth measurement minus 1/2 inch for the front panel. Then draw one last rectangle for the front panel measuring the full width and height determined in the previous step.

Cut out all seven pieces required for the desk drawer using the table saw. When done, sand all sides with the medium-grit sandpaper so you do not get splinters when assembling or using the drawer.

Measure the total thickness of the sliding tracks when the tracks are inserted into the base. The total thickness determines how wide apart the drawer and the support panels are from one another. Write the measurement down. Separate the tracks from the bases when done.

Assemble the desk drawer by placing the end panel between the two sides so the side panels overlap the end. Hammer two nails into each side to secure the end piece. Place the bottom panel on top of the U-shaped frame, and hammer it in place using nails around the sides. Turn the drawer right side up.

Apply a line of wood glue around the front of the drawer, and place the front panel up to it. Use the clamp to hold it in place while the glue dries. In the meantime, install the drawer knob or handle using the screwdriver and 1/4-inch screws.

Install the sliding tracks on both side panels of the drawer using the screwdriver and the sliding track installation screws. Ensure they are even on both sides, and line the tracks all the way up to the front of the drawer. Install the base tracks on the two supportive panels in the same manner.

Drill two holes in each of the supportive panels on the thin depth side using the drill and 1/4-drill bit; this is the side that will be installed on the under-surface of the desk. Put some wood glue inside the drill holes and insert the four dowel joints -- one in each hole. Apply pressure. Slide the sliding tracks on the drawer into the sliding bases so the supportive panels become attached to the drawer itself.

Hold the entire drawer and supportive panel up under the desk in the location you wish to install it. Get an extra pair of hands to help if the drawer is heavy. Use the pencil to make four small marks where the dowel joints meet the desk. Remove the drawer from under the desk, and use the drill bit and drill to make four small holes. The holes cannot protrude from the desk's surface. When done, insert some glue into the holes, hold the drawer up to the desk and insert all four dowel joints into the holes. Use an additional clamp to keep the entire drawer unit in place while the glue dries.