Three Ways to Build Professional Quality Drawers

If you’ve been dreaming of building drawers that glide smoothly, look fantastic, and stand the test of time, you’re in the right place. Michael Alm, an expert woodworker, has shared three distinct methods to build professional-quality drawers. Each approach is tailored to different needs, skill levels, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try your hand at basic joinery or a seasoned woodworker searching for advanced tips, this video guide will help you take your drawer-making skills to the next level.

There’s something timeless about drawers that glide on wooden slides. This classic technique dates back centuries and is perfect if you’re going for a rustic or traditional feel.

With wooden slides, the drawer itself runs along wooden runners inside the cabinet. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity—there’s no need for fancy hardware, and it’s cost-effective. Wooden slides also allow for full removal of the drawer, making it great for workshops or storage systems where drawers might need to be carried around.

If you’re looking for a durable, modern option, side-mounted metal slides might be your best bet. These slides are sturdy and can support heavier loads, making them ideal for kitchen cabinets, tool storage, or other high-traffic areas.

Metal slides offer a smooth glide every time, and many include soft-close features for an added touch of luxury. Alm provides great tips for selecting the right slides for your project, explaining how different weight capacities and extension types (like full-extension or partial-extension) can impact the functionality of your drawers.

Installation can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to hardware. Proper alignment is crucial—just a fraction of an inch off, and the slides may not function properly.

For those who love sleek and minimalist designs, undermount drawer slides are the way to go. These slides are concealed beneath the drawer, creating a clean, seamless look that’s especially popular in modern furniture and cabinetry. In the video Alm used Blum soft-close slides.

Undermount slides provide full access to the drawer, meaning you can pull it out completely without losing stability. This makes them perfect for high-end kitchen cabinets, dressers, or office furniture.

However, installing undermount slides requires precision and attention to detail. Alm used the Jig-IT drilling guide and Undermount Drawer slide jig to simplify the process of installing the drawer slides. While this method might be the most challenging of the three, the results are well worth the effort.

The method you choose will depend on your project’s needs and your skill level:

• Opt for wooden slides if you’re going for simplicity and a traditional aesthetic.
• Choose side-mounted metal slides for durability and ease of use.
• Go with undermount slides if you want a high-end, modern look.

Each of these techniques has its own challenges and rewards, but with practice, you’ll be crafting drawers that combine beauty and functionality in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start building!

Building drawers requires a combination of precision tools to ensure clean cuts, strong joints, and smooth operation. Here’s are some additional tools featured in the drawer builds.

• Rockler Precision Brass Set-up Bars
• Rockler Silicone Glue Brush & Tray
• Drawer Front Installation Clamps
• Rockler Pocket Rule

You can find more great projects and techniques from Michael Alm at his website.