How to Add Drawers to Cabinet – Easy DIY Guide [Step-by-step]
- Under How-To
When you add drawers to cabinets, you have an opportunity to elevate the functionality, organization, and aesthetics of your space. Whether in your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area, the addition of drawers converts inefficient cabinets into purposeful storage solutions.
If you want to know how to add drawers to a cabinet in a DIY-friendly way, this step-by-step guide will tell you everything you need to know. From selecting the right type of drawer to adding sliding drawers to cabinets, you will understand the essential considerations, measurements, and tools required for a successful drawer installation project.
Assessing cabinet suitability
Before you add drawers to cabinets, you must first determine whether your cabinets are suitable. Not all cabinets can have drawers added to them, so be aware of these key factors:
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- Assess the construction quality of your cabinets. Are they sturdy enough to support drawers? Check that the sides and the back of your cabinet are strong enough.
- Measure the interior width and depth of your cabinet. Remember that drawers need some clearance space on the sides, top, and bottom in order to move smoothly.
- Check the cabinet door design. If you have inset or overlay doors, for example, you need to consider how these will affect the drawer specifications or functionality you need.
- Determine the weight capacity. Are you planning on storing heavy items? It is crucial to ensure your cabinets can handle the weight of what you intend to store.
- Decide which type of drawers you want to install, e.g., full-extension, partial-extension, soft-close, etc. Each type has unique requirements that you need to consider before adding drawers to cabinets.
Tools needed prior to adding drawers to cabinets
Installing drawers in cabinets successfully requires the use of proper tools. Make sure to have these ready for a smoother installation process. Here is a list of all the essential tools you need:
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Power drill and relevant drill bits
- Appropriate screws and screwdrivers
- Safety gear, e.g., gloves and eyewear
You may also want to use the following tools to make installation easier and more effective:
- Clamps, for holding pieces in place while you’re installing them
- Cordless screwdriver to speed up the screwing process and reduce wrist strain
- Square tool to ensure corners and angles are square during installation
- Chisel for making minor adjustments to the cabinet so that the drawers fit properly
- Stud finder, if you want to secure drawer sliders to wall studs for extra stability
- Wood screws, if you are attaching drawer fronts and handles
- Masking tape to prevent wood from splintering or chipping as you drill
- Wood glue for added strength when installing drawer sliders or reinforcing joints
- Sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or surfaces after installation
Depending on the type of drawer sliders you have chosen, you will also need specific tools to install them, including brackets and mounting devices. If your drawers accommodate front hardware, remember to find the right sized knobs or handles for attaching to the fronts.
7 steps to installing drawers in cabinets
1. Take accurate measurements
To expertly add drawers to cabinets, you need to take accurate measurements. These will ensure that the drawers fit well and function properly.
Measure the inside of the cabinet, allowing for some clearance space. Be sure to check consistency by taking multiple measurements. Use these measurements to plan drawer placement and ensure everything fits.
2. Determine type of drawer to be installed
Based on your measurements, choose the type of drawer that will be most compatible with your cabinetry. For example, full-extension drawers are ideal for cabinets with a lot of depth and storage needs. Meanwhile, rollout drawers are the best choice if you want to minimize renovation work to your existing cabinetry.
When adding drawers to cabinets, choose high-quality materials and hardware that will keep your drawers strong for years to come. Getting the wood species and grade right is particularly important for the durability of cabinet drawers.
Once you know what you are looking for, buy your materials from a reputable supplier who can guide you through the options.
The easiest way is to order online from The Cabinet Store. Simply browse our range of cabinet products, from drawer fronts and boxes to cabinet hardware, and place your order for our fastest service. For custom or special requests, email us at [email protected].
3. Remove cabinet shelves (if needed)
If your cabinet has shelves, make sure to remove them at this stage. If you have built-in shelves with no visible means of support, use a hammer to tap against the bottom edges on both sides of the shelf. This loosens it from the runner and will allow you to lift the shelf from it.
4. Attach drawer sliders to drawer
Adding sliding drawers to cabinets involves two steps: first you need to attach drawer sliders to the drawer, and then sliding tracks to the cabinet.
After you have assembled your drawers:
- Place the slider on the side of the drawer, ensuring that it is level with the front edge
- Holding or clamping the slider in place, use a pencil to mark where the screws need to go. Do this for the top and bottom edges on both sides of the drawer
- Realign the drawer slider to these markings, drill pilot holes, and then screw into place with the appropriate screws
After attaching the drawer sliders, use a tape measure and level to check alignment and ensure that the sliders are straight.
5. Attach drawer sliders to cabinet
Now it is time to measure and mark where you will be placing the sliding tracks on the insides of the cabinet. On the tops and bottoms of either side of the cabinet, mark where the drawer will start and end. Use the drawers to check alignment with the sliders.
Alternatively, you can create a paper template of the location of the drawer sliders. This will make it easy to ensure you are adding your cabinet tracks to the right places. You can then line your brackets and sliders up to the template and use a pencil to mark where the screws will go.
When you are certain everything is lined up, drill your holes and screw the tracks into place, using a level to ensure the slider is perfectly horizontal. But be sure not to tighten all the screws just yet as you may need to make some adjustments.
6. Inserting drawers into the cabinet
Once the sliding tracks are installed, you can start adding sliding drawers to cabinets. Hold the drawer with both hands and align the drawer sliders with the corresponding cabinet sliders. Gently slide the drawer in, ensuring that the sliders engage with each other.
This is your chance to make sure everything is aligned and that the drawers are opening and closing smoothly. The loose screws will allow you to make necessary adjustments while still holding everything in place. When you are happy, tighten all the screws into place.
How to add drawers to a cabinet also depends on the type of drawer you are installing, its unique slider requirements, and the cabinet door design. When adding drawers to cabinets, always check your measurements and markings to avoid any potential challenges.
7. Final touches and testing
After you add drawers to cabinets and have secured everything in place, conduct some final tests to ensure the drawers are functioning properly. Pull them out fully to check their extension capabilities, and push them back in to ensure smooth closing.
Repeat this step a few times. You want to ensure that the drawer sliders move without causing any binding, i.e., encountering resistance. If this does occur, try:
- Checking the alignment
- Inspecting the sliders for any debris
- Using specially designed lubricant to reduce friction on sliders
- Making sure the mounting screws are not too tight
- Checking that the drawers themselves are not warped
- Removing some of the weight if the drawer is heavily loaded
- Fine-tuning the adjustment screws on the drawer slides if present
The last step on how to add drawers to a cabinet is adding any final touches, like installing handles or sanding down any rough edges. If any of your sliders are not fitting right, you can also add shims behind the problem slider until the drawers fit perfectly.
DIY vs. professional installation
When you want to add drawers to cabinets, you are faced with two options: DIY-ing it or going with professional installation. Deciding between the two depends on your skill level, budget, and the complexity of your installation.
In general, installing drawers in cabinets yourself saves a lot of money because you are not paying for labor. It also gives you full control over the process, empowering you with unlimited customization options and the freedom to work to your own schedule.
On the other hand, hiring a professional to add drawers to cabinets guarantees quality, efficiency, and precision. While it is more expensive up-front, you are also paying for safety, adherence to industry standards, and a warranty in case something goes wrong.
Unless you are highly skilled and knowledgeable, DIY-ing cabinet drawer installation can actually cost you more in the long run because, if mistakes are made, you might end up spending more to fix them.
When to choose DIY:
- You have experience in woodworking or similar DIY projects
- You are confident in your skills and have the necessary tools
- Your budget is limited and you are willing to invest time and effort
- You are comfortable troubleshooting and solving any issues that arise
When to choose professional installation:
- You lack experience in woodworking or don’t have the necessary tools
- The project is complex or requires special expertise
- Time is a constraint and you need the installation done quickly
- You are looking for a high-quality and hassle-free installation
- You want to ensure safety and longevity in the installation
Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store
Adding drawers to cabinets is a simple yet effective way to marry functionality with visual appeal and enhance your living space. Proper installation is key to ensuring that your cabinet drawers function smoothly, look great, and have a long lifespan.
Whether you want to add drawers to cabinets yourself or hire a professional, you need durable materials. At The Cabinet Door Store, we stock a range of high-quality cabinetry parts that will elevate your project, from drawer fronts and boxes to cabinet doors.
All of our high-grade wood species are also available in a variety of wood stains and paint colors. Whether you want the sumptuousness of the Royal Cherry or the sleekness of the Chantilly Lace, our range allows you to create the mood you want.
Place your order online today for quick service, or email us about your project so that we can provide you with personalized support.