How to Build Hidden Drawers

Building a secret drawer is a surprisingly easy project that creates a secure hiding place for small goods. The key to building a secret drawer is to find a desk or cabinet with a space capable of housing a drawer without being conspicuous to the naked eye. A secret stubby drawer works well in a compartment that is deep and that has a solid top, such as a cubbyhole in a desk. The secret stubby drawer is pushed to the back of an open compartment and appears to be the back of the desk. Simply press either side of the drawer to dislodge and remove the drawer.

Measuring tape
3/8-inch wood stock
Table saw
Calculator
Sandpaper
1/4-inch plywood
Pencil
Wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width and height of the opening of your desk for your secret drawer. The front of your drawer will fit exactly flush within the compartment. Cut the front of the drawer from 3/8-inch stock using a table saw.
- 2
  Subtract 2 inches from the width and 1 inch from the height of your drawer front to determine the measurements for the back of your drawer. Cut the back of your drawer using 3/8-inch wood stock. Use your table saw to slightly round the corners. Sand the corners to smooth the wood. Smoothly rounded corners will make removing the drawer easier.
- 3
  Determine the depth of your secret drawer before you build the sides and bottom of your drawer. A secret drawer is usually only a few inches deep in order to not appear obvious to the naked eye.
- 4
  Use the height of the back section and your depth measurement to cut two sides for your drawer. Build the sides from 3/8-inch stock with your table saw.
- 5
  Cut the bottom of the drawer with ¼-inch plywood. To determine the measurements of your bottom, use the depth of the drawer side and the width of back of the drawer.
- 6
  Take the front section of your drawer to measure and mark two 1-inch margins down the width of the front. The 1-inch spaces allow you to push the sides and remove the drawer from the compartment.
- 7
  Apply wood glue down the your margins and along the bottom of the front section. Press both sides and the bottom section into the glue. Allow the glue to dry before continuing to build the drawer.
- 8
  Spread glue along the edges of the sides and the bottom of the secret drawer. Line up the back of the drawer so the edges are flush with the sides and bottom sections. Press the back section into sides and bottom. Allow the drawer to dry completely.
- 9
  Place your secret stubby drawer into the compartment with the front facing outward. Press either side to remove your secret drawer.

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