How to Build Drawers for beginners - Don't let them intimidate you!

Don't let drawers intimidate you! Learn three beginner-friendly techniques to build and install the perfect drawers every time.
Check out my jargon-free, beginner-friendly video courses:
New to power tools? You need Power Tool School: anikasdiylife.com/power-tool-...
Need help with pocket holes? Check out Pocket Hole Ninja: www.anikasdiylife.com/pocket-...
Want to learn how to build projects with an immersive course?
The Fearless Woodworker: www.anikasdiylife.com/join
Other helpful tutorials:
- How to use a Kreg 720 - • How to use the NEW Kre...
- How to check for square - • Square - How to check ...
👉🏼 Grab the pocket hole guide here - anikasdiylife.ck.page/3eecf40645
Get your Drawer Size Calculator here - anikasdiylife.ck.page/69b6625b97
Materials used (affiliate links):
- 1-1/4″ pocket screws - amzn.to/3zmJdP1
- Kreg right angle clamp - amzn.to/3t0BeUt
- wood glue - amzn.to/3avQmmG
- Glue dispenser - amzn.to/3NgLtNA
- Plastic shims for spacing - amzn.to/36l2WQ4
- Miter saw - homedepot.sjv.io/LP0A00
- Table Saw - homedepot.sjv.io/15JbEz
- Drill/Driver - homedepot.sjv.io/j9JMe
- Circular saw - homedepot.sjv.io/EadO42
Hearing protection - ISOTunes Pro 2.0 - Get $10 off with code ANIKA10 - bit.ly/2Xydney
Wall Control Metal pegboards - www.wallcontrol.com?aff=59
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Anika’s DIY Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[@susanatoribio1253]

I must say your explanations are very clear. I was looking up on how to put together a dresser from zero. I like to keep busy. So after i saw your instructions, and listened to your tips. I went to homedepot, got all the material, built six drawers, and the body to place these. Was i scare! But i did it. Please keep posting more how to do. Thank you

[@Anikasdiylife]

Wonderful! I'm so proud of you!!!

[@andreaplante1679]

I want to build a cabinet with drawers for our DYI campervan so naturally I turned to KZbin. Most videos require a tablesaw that I don't have. This video was just what I needed. You are so thorough with your instructions and explanations. Feeling very confident that I can do it!

[@Anikasdiylife]

I am so happy to hear this!! All the best with the project! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@sj01]

I came here because I have ADHD, then chose to stay. Fingers crossed I don't go buying power tools tonight.

[@fdort3971]

I have adhd too...there's something about creating something like woodworking that calms me down. Not sure how much you know about it...but if you learn to control your adhd you will be able to multi task like crazy...just remember to write a check list and review it frequently to stay on track. Woodworking would be very good for you.

[@djoso559]

Lol I think I have ADHD too,never been to the doctor for it,@fdort3971 I do the list too,I fix my ac,I weld all 5 styles,fix my electronics,build,mechanic,dj,photography+videographer,ect Im running out of things to learn😂 I can pretty much learn easy but I lose interest easy😂

[@ESan333]

Lmao at least your honest 😆

[@stevenlengyel9701]

I may have some ADHD also, I look at the length of each video before I click on them 🤓

[@user-jv1bm8mz7e]

God, yes! Midnight here... My kitchen is filthy... But, hey... Let's build drawers instead!

[@jennfinan8144]

This is actually the best instructional video I’ve seen on this topic! So many other people over complicate it, but this was perfect. Thank you!

[@Anikasdiylife]

That really means a lot! Thank you!

[@Jkcreswell]

Building drawers has always been intimidating to me but you make it look so effortless! This is the first tutorial that made me think...I CAN MAKE THAT! Thank you Anika!

[@Anikasdiylife]

I'm so glad! you can do it!

[@MariaMagana-fx6gg]

My contractor husband started with a skeptic face (typical) but he switched up very quickly lol he loved this video

[@stephenknipe175]

I saw this video and this young woman explained it all. I wasted a full day fumbling around and the. I watched her twice and started fresh. My first drawer is now perfect. I look forward to her other videos because she possesses the ability to explain clearly how to do things I want to do in my woodworking. THANK YOU!!

[@Anikasdiylife]

I am so so glad to hear that!! Have fun building the drawers!!

[@mommom92478]

Thank you. I have listened to many other drawer build tutorials and was left more confused than when I began watching them. But you, on the other hand, are an excellent teacher! Easily understandable and concisely explained. Please continue to record tutorials and to share your outstanding talents, not just in building, but in teaching as well.

[@user-kv4yi4ms7k]

Very cool video, easy to understand, I'm building a storage drawer for my brother so I thank you muchly...

[@TheOfermaimran]

Yes thank you. Building drawers did seem intimidating. But you have dispelled that for me. Thank you!

[@jordana-brito]

you just changed my whole life with this video! explanations are simple, straightforward, and you did not skip any important information. I feel like I can finally get those closets projects started! thank you so much!

[@2logj]

Super, Anika.as always you are inspiring.

[@DavidLee-cf5lw]

Very detailed and clear instructions, wonderful demonstration for a beginner

[@robinNaugust]

Thank you Anika for this video.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You are so welcome!

[@simzoosim6635]

Very clear, thanks

[@pawsitivecultr]

This was super helpful thank you! You explained it so well :)

[@benhaze1010]

What a great instructional video! You are giving me all kinds of ideas how to organize my small workshop.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beckybounds715]

Thank you! Great tutorial.

[@jules2713]

Thank you for this. I need a few simple drawers for my closet & have been procrastinating. This video gives me confidence!

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

You've done an excellent job detailing making drawers!

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you!

[@boggs4896]

Outstanding video! Virtually every other video I've found on drawers is someone flexing their design/process or assuming you already understand the basics of drawer construction. This is Steve Ramsey levels of goodness for beginners/people with limited tools.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Wow thank you! That means a lot

[@miniskooliewanda]

Thank you so much for this!!! I'm going to refer to this tutorial when I'll be making drawers for my tiny-home-on-wheels (in the spring, when she comes out of storage). Very informative and helpful. I think you're awesome!

[@Anikasdiylife]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@fdort3971]

If you have a tiny living...you should pop over to Matthew Peech chanel. He has an amazing shelf/table that in the upright it only takes up 2 square feet as a shelf (I think that's right...either way not much space) but when he brings it down it becomes a long work bench! Pure genius...

[@uhN0id]

I can't express how much I appreciate this video. The fact that you explain things people might not think about like putting the sides on the outside for better durability is awesome. Despite the crazy amount of detail you go into it's incredibly approachable and easy to follow. Thank you! Also tip for anyone without a table saw: you can use a circular saw with the blade shallower than the wood thickness and a guide (like MDF wood) to create your groove for the drawer bottom if you don't want to do the first 2 drawer bottom styles.

[@Anikasdiylife]

ah thanks so much!

[@mushroomgirl6982]

Thank you very simple instructions.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@fed.j.a.9641]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome 😊

[@katbradshaw8369]

This is brilliant! Thank you for making this video❤

[@lgude]

Thank you. None of the metal basket pull out drawers fit my cabinets, so custom sized made of wood is the answer. Using the thinner material (Masonite) was a great tip and you demonstrated exactly how I can use screws instead of a nail gum which I don’t happen to own.

[@daviddarrow4506]

Nicely done. Thank you

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@user-mq1sx4jq7y]

Thank you!

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@Rhubarb2]

Thanks for a great video. Many YT'er stop at making the drawer box. They don't add rails and the drawer fronts or fit them into the cabinet. Very helpful to see the entire process.

[@JesalandSonia]

Hi Anika, we used method 2 to build drawers in our camper van renovation! After watching many videos we kept coming back to yours for your practical and clear explanations and examples! Also we appreciated all of the tips, tricks and advice you shared for the faces and slides as well, which really helped! The first drawer was the hardest but you were right, it did get easier as we started building more! We recorded our attempt at the drawers with a video on our channel and I think they turned out pretty good for our first attempt at drawer making. Hopefully we didn’t make too many mistakes 😂

[@reginashelton4696]

This was extremely helpful. Thanks for the great instructions.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrdfwproductions]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@Anikasdiylife]

My pleasure!

[@just4shipra]

Thanks Anika! It was a very helpful tutorial. You made it so simple.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're so welcome!

[@bruceprigge5212]

Thank you! 😊

[@Anikasdiylife]

welcome!

[@nene1964]

This is so awesome and easy to follow!

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JeroenPintelon]

Wow, i love the way you teach in your videos!! Thank you so much

[@Anikasdiylife]

Happy to hear that!

[@Soulvanlife]

You are an amazing teacher! I have looked for a week for the perfect beginning video. Yours is the best! Thank you!

[@Anikasdiylife]

You are so welcome!

[@kkmullin]

Thank you so much Anika. I will be building my own cabinets in the house I am starting. I will probably start with your first method. I will definitely have your video handy for reference when I get my project going. I am a 70YO Nanny who lost my house to Hurricane Ian. I am moving back to NC for my "final" house. People tell me "you can't do that..." but you showed me that "I can make that!" God bless you sweet lady.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You can do it!

[@1252PFC]

Great video. Appreciate the details

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CitiesandTowns1966]

Great video

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@darahijazi7317]

Thanks, very helpful

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@adevans20]

Thanks!

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!

[@SheltiesRule49]

Ty for your very good video!! I’ve always struggled making the drawer slide combination. I’ll keep your video close by while I’m building! Thanks from an East Texas gal.

[@peggywest8371]

This was the best tutorial I e found. You were very detailed. Thank you.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@joshuahorn9906]

This was super helpful! I'm turning an sink counter into a makeup table for my wife and need to make some drawers. I'll be using this for reference! Thanks

[@binyammamo6454]

Thank you you are the best!

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@eeloie2787]

Great job!! I'm about to build a drawer for my workbench and this was just great! Very well explained and demonstrated. Keep up the good work! I will look for your other videos.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@michaelpupach4494]

This was great. You made it seem so easy. Thanks

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ssougnez]

Thanks

[@Anikasdiylife]

Welcome

[@bbykbubbles]

thank you for this tutorial! I totally think I can do this now, thanks to you!!! You're awesome.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You are so welcome! And yes! You can do it

[@Giannina-LoveThemAll]

You're a great teacher, ty for this tutorial and teaching.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're very welcome!

[@comingforyoufl]

Super cool video!!! This video has given me enough confidence to repair my kitchen drawer. Much appreciated!

[@Anikasdiylife]

I love hearing that!!

[@tharcisseilunga6658]

I do feel lucky to have found your videos

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thanks!

[@AnnKMonique]

thank you

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome

[@user-wc6qs1rk8o]

Best!!!!👍

[@Anikasdiylife]

TY!

[@kerbyzamy5820]

Thanks for teaching me so soft and nice

[@Anikasdiylife]

Welcome!

[@johnsonvj1234]

Very good explanation thanks 👍👍

[@Anikasdiylife]

You're welcome!

[@SashaReade]

Im hoping to follow your video next week to build some drawers for a kitchen unit that used to hold a fridge freezer unit. I want to use the drawers to hold all my pantry things like tinned food. With will the first drawer you shared hold a good amount of weight, or will it just fall off?

[@mondujar279]

That’s a great easy to understand explanation. Very helpful 😊

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it helped!

[@avivatias382]

Thankss a really good video!

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad you liked it!

[@julaiketereyy6268]

Nice sharing..tQ❤

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you too

[@1Tibs1]

I love your videos❤️ Thanks for sharing.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You are so welcome!

[@1Tibs1]

@@Anikasdiylife downloaded and made the workbench last ninght/today, it was super easy, a huge thank you cause the mess and clutter is driving me crazy. Next is a miter saw stand.

[@Loggie20]

Appreciate the video. Now I feel better about making them.

[@Anikasdiylife]

You can do it!

[@jasminepulley1345]

This made making drawers look so easy! Thank you! I’m curious if you have any tips for how to go about making measurements for the drawers. It seems like there’s a lot of measurements you need to know first, like how far apart all the slides will go, how much space is needed for all the drawer fronts to not touch and have enough space to slide, etc.

[@Anikasdiylife]

I am glad you found this helpful. I share how to measure for drawers in the video at around 3:00 mark.

[@user-kp5ou7ij3q]

Hi, your video was very helpful and friendly. Thanks for the info.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mantibilebetney1024]

Love you mommy 💕 was always stressed about where to start💯💯💯

[@Anikasdiylife]

You got this!

[@wolverinegnr]

Nice very informative and simple to understand video. Thank You

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@umabapat8826]

Amazing video. Can you also share the measurements in detail? Like space between drawers, measurements of each drawer in some web link?

[@rajeshsandal4267]

You made it simple,,,, very nice and informative practically, thanks for such an instructional description, well done and thanks Sister, learned a lot👍

[@Anikasdiylife]

Yay! So happy to hear that!

[@marcxu6173]

Art work, 🎉

[@donnav645]

Great Tutorial. I was looking for the Cheat sheet you said you were putting in the description

[@Anikasdiylife]

Ah! Looks like I totally missed adding that! Thanks for the reminder. It is in the description now.

[@AznVi3tx]

ty

[@NJones-ny3uz]

This video is PERFECT! I am nervous to make my first drawers, but this video put me at ease. One question: do you finish the inside of the drawers with anything? I have had problems with mildew in my home, and I'm wondering if it's standard practice to put a clear coat/stain on drawers, or if most people just leave them raw. Thank you for your awesome content!!

[@ocean2103]

Just recently came across ur channel and this is one of the best tutorials on building drawers! Very informative and simple explanation. Do you have a tutorial on under the stairs storage/draws. Just subbed. Thanks

[@Anikasdiylife]

SO glad you enjoyed it. Which part of the video did you find most helpful?

[@patelkrunal311]

Thanks for the video. Any tips on how to make sure the slides are equal to each other on both sides? Not the bottom drawer, that's easy. But the ones above.

[@whasumara73]

Thank you very much. I will be referring to this video for a project that I'm planning. I subscribed. -Jose

[@Anikasdiylife]

Awesome, thank you!

[@badrinath6059]

Very well explained about drawers assembly, you get more viewership if you add dimensions of your projects in description. Very few youtubers follow this. Please share information on painting the cabinets. Thanks again for best video 🙏

[@fdort3971]

@Anita'sDIYLife thanks for the lessons...just discovered you. The 3rd drawer is the strongest...When I was cleaning for a living...drawer cleaning drove me nuts! I can't tell you how many drawers I had to fix because the builders used brad or finishing nails and the overweight of what people put in would pop the nails! Many times I have had to remove brad/finishing nails either ruined the wood or snap off inside or just a little bit out...

[@fdort3971]

Have you ever done dovetail joints on drawers for a stronger connection?

[@fdort3971]

Very good explanations btw

[@Anikasdiylife]

That had to be so frustrating! There are so many ways to do this but these are the 3 easiest for beginners :D

[@challo213]

Great video. clear and concise but how do you calculate size of the drawer front.

[@Thatoneninja22]

Now for a kitchen cabinet tutorial because I definitely need one for my tiny house 😅

[@Anikasdiylife]

Coming soon!

[@waynetyson3951]

How did you cut out the pocket holes?

[@ZER0o10]

How do you figure out the size of the bottom for the one with the grooves? Ty

[@vincebaker3384]

Great video!! I have seen many videos on how important it is to make sure that things squar like draws & boxes but I have found that very few show in deatail in there videos how to fix a draw or box that is not squar I owuld love to see you make a detaled video on how to do this even if it is a short video just as long as it is deatled thanks.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you! I actually have a quick video about it. Check out the description for the link.

[@vincebaker3384]

@@Anikasdiylife Thank you very much :-)

[@kurochan94]

This was the clearest drawer making tutorial ive ever seen! Thank you so much! What computer program or app are you using to make the dimentions and measurements for your design?

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thank you!! I am using sketchup for the design. There is a free online version that anyone can use.

[@erkankirca9655]

this is the video what you are looking for. Easy , full details and hidden ones.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Glad you found it helpful

[@ColindeSilva]

Can I ask, what software are you using at 3:43?

[@Flickadasticks]

Such a great video what program do you use to make the templates?

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thanks. I use sketchup

[@mja2239]

What is the software you used at 3:30 for illustrating the measurements?

[@Anikasdiylife]

I used sketchup for the illustrations.

[@AlfredMudau]

I want to know instruments that make holes for screws straight not diverting out sides

[@JS-mq6ve]

Thanks for this.... did I miss the part where you linked the slide hardware?

[@Anikasdiylife]

Skip to "What are the best drawer slides to use?" in this post: www.anikasdiylife.com/how-to-build-a-drawer/

[@jfaysal1971]

Should you put less weighty objects if you use the backer board?

[@Anikasdiylife]

I haven’t had any problems at all in all the years I have been building drawers. I use backer board a lot. Of course, you don’t want to put dumbells in the drawer.

[@nccrchurchunusual7990]

What if the measurements dont match cornerto corner.

[@Santorien]

How do you check square with your tape measure?

[@Anikasdiylife]

Here are the details kzbin.info7VN7F3l8aVE?si=yWP9sIjlYoHNRbfZ

[@lawandafields6022]

What software are you using for your design concept?

[@Anikasdiylife]

I am using Sketchup

[@fdort3971]

@Anita'sdiylife I have a design for small shops. I'm trying to start my own woodworking business (Dusty Wood Adventures-once I'm properly set up I'll find the courage you have to make KZbin channel...lol)repurposing items to keep them out of the landfill...currently space is an issue. Anyway...since you are sharing with us I will share with you. You can make an upright, double sided tool cart on casters! It keeps the tools all in one area and you can move it around!

[@fdort3971]

I've designed mine with the French cleat system but peg board would work well too.

[@rothouse]

What do you do, when your drawer is not square after glueing and nailing ?

[@paulhorner1056]

Abandon it! You might be able to get it apart again to re-use the members, but I suspect that the glue would not allow you to. Chalk it up to experience and start over.

[@FredRose2001]

Thank you Anita for your clear discerption of the projects presented, I’m a weekend warrior (amateur) one question when building draws dos it matter wear the draw slides are placed, at the bottom or half way up the draw ? The only other thing is KZbin goes around the world, I’m not in the US, your old fashioned out dated measuring system that the US uses (imperial) is so annoying (do you know that the US is the only country on the planet that still uses it) so just a request that may be add a caption as to the metric measurements. Thanks from the South Pacific.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video. It doesn’t matter where the slides are placed. I try to place them in the middle of the drawer just because I like that look. And yes, US imperial is very frustrating. I grew up in India and it has been really hard working/thinking in imperial. I still use metric when working with smaller measurements 🤫

[@pconpcs]

Anika, what's the software you're using??

[@Anikasdiylife]

Sketchup!

[@pconpcs]

ah. I used to use that a lot when it was free from Google! @@Anikasdiylife

[@dianevessels2632]

You mentioned a cheat sheet for using pocket holes but I couldn’t locate it. I’d like to have it.

[@Anikasdiylife]

Here you go! anikasdiylife.ck.page/3eecf40645