Dovetail Drawers & Custom Wood Products

Dovetail drawers are a type of drawer construction that uses interlocking dovetail joints to connect the sides of the drawer to the front and back. The dovetail joint is a strong and durable joint that has been used in woodworking for centuries.

In dovetail drawer construction, the sides of the drawer are cut with a series of angled cuts that fit together with corresponding angled cuts on the front and back of the drawer. This creates a joint that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing.

Dovetail drawers are commonly used in high-end furniture and cabinetry because of their strength and durability. They also have a classic look that is often associated with traditional woodworking techniques.

Strength and Durability: Dovetail joints are interlocking and designed to resist forces that could pull the joint apart. This makes them stronger and more durable than other types of joints used in drawer construction. The joints are less likely to come apart over time or under heavy use, which makes dovetail drawers a popular choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

Aesthetically Pleasing: Dovetail drawers have a distinctive and classic appearance that is often associated with traditional woodworking techniques. The angled cuts and interlocking joints create a visible pattern on the sides of the drawer, which can add visual interest to a piece of furniture.

Easy to Open and Close: The interlocking dovetail joints make the drawer slide smoothly and quietly. The drawers do not stick or bind, making them easy to open and close.

Longevity: Because of their strength and durability, dovetail drawers are likely to last longer than other types of drawers. They are less likely to break or fail, which can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for repairs or replacement.

Quality: Dovetail drawers are considered a sign of high-quality craftsmanship. They are often used in high-end furniture and cabinetry, which can help to increase the perceived value of the piece.

Dovetail drawers and standard drawers differ in their construction method, strength, durability, and appearance.

Construction Method: Dovetail drawers are constructed using interlocking angled cuts, which create a strong and durable joint. Whereas, standard drawers typically use butt joints or rabbet joints, which are simpler to construct but are generally weaker than dovetail joints.

Strength and Durability: Because of their interlocking design, dovetail drawers are much stronger and more durable than standard drawers. The joints are less likely to come apart over time or under heavy use, which makes dovetail drawers a popular choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

Appearance: Dovetail drawers have a distinctive and classic appearance that is often associated with traditional woodworking techniques. The angled cuts and interlocking joints create a visible pattern on the sides of the drawer, which can add visual interest to a piece of furniture. Whereas, standard drawers are typically simpler in appearance and lack the visual interest of dovetail drawers.

Cost: Dovetail drawers are typically more expensive than standard drawers because of the additional time and skill required to construct them. However, the added strength and durability of dovetail construction make them a better long-term investment.

The width of your drawer box is equal to the inside width of your cabinet less 3/8 inch or 10mm. This will be the outside width of your drawer.

When notching front and back, the depth of your drawer box is equal to your drawer slide length(nominal length) less 3/8 inch or 10mm.

Example: Blum drawer slide 5oomm -notch front and back drawer depth is 500 – 10mm or 490mm(19 11/16 – 3/8 0r 19 5/16 inches)

If you are not attaching a drawer front and having scoops on your drawer, or prefer  notches in the back only, then add 1/4 inch or 6mm to the drawer slide length(nominal length)

Example: Blum slide  500mm- notch back only 500 + 6mm or 506mm(19 11/16  + 1/4=19 15/16)