How to Make a Silverware Drawer Under a Top Cabinet

Lay the two drawer enclosure side boards parallel to each other on their long, thin sides. Position the drawer enclosure bottom board on top of them. Move each side board out to the edge of the bottom board until the outer edge of each side board is flush with the bottom board’s outer end.

Predrill four evenly spaced holes into the bottom board and through into each side board, so that the holes are placed right in the side board’s center. Make eight holes in all. Attach the bottom board to the side boards with 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

Clear out the installation cabinet. Position the enclosure underneath the cabinet and mark the enclosure’s location on the cabinet’s underside. Predrill eight evenly spaced holes through the cabinet’s underside of the cabinet where the enclosure side boards will touch the cabinet. Reposition the enclosure and mark the location of each hole on the enclosure itself by pushing a pencil or screw through the predrilled holes. Predrill each marked location on the enclosure. Replace the enclosure and attach it to the cabinet with wood screws accompanied by washers.

Assemble the side and bottom boards of the drawer the same way. Place the front and rear boards against the assembled drawer and predrill holes every 6 inches where the boards connect. Attach the front and rear boards to the assembled drawer using 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

Insert the drawer and note the best position for the shelf runners based on the runners’ design and packaging information. Position the runners on the enclosure and the drawer, and then attach them with 1/2-inch wood screws. Test the drawer to ensure proper alignment.

Place the drawer front in its intended position and mark its location relative to the drawer. Predrill four evenly spaced holes in a rectangular pattern through the original front drawer board and into the new drawer front. Attach the board in place using 3/4-inch wood screws. Position the drawer pull in the desired spot and mark the location on the drawer front. Predrill the necessary hole through both front drawer boards and attach the drawer pull through the hole.