May 18, 2013
America's Premier Dovetail Drawer Company
Custom Options > File Drawers
File Drawers



Standard File Drawers
F1) Standard "Letter" rails run front to back - (4 slots)
F2) Standard "Legal" rails run front to back - (4 slots)
F3) Standard both "Legal" and "Letter" rails run front to back - (6 slots)
F4) Lateral "Letter" rails run side to side - (4 slots)
F5) Lateral "Legal" rails run side to side - (4 slots)
F6) Lateral both "Legal" and "Letter" rails run side to side - (6 slots)
F7) Double Standard 2 sets of "Letter" rails run front to back - (8 slots)
F8) Double Standard "Legal" rails run front to back - (8 slots)
F9) Double Standard "Legal" and "Letter" front to back - (12 slots)

  • Rail is typically 1/8" x 3/4" for spans up to 24", and 1/8" x 1" for spans over 24"
  • Please specify rail size and if you want us to supply the rail cut-to-size
  • We can provide anodized aluminum rails cut to size
  • Standard height for file drawers is 10 1/8" - 10 1/4"
  • Minimum width for F1 is 14 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 14 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • Minimum width for F2 is 17 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 17 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • Minimum width for F3 is 17 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 17 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • No minimum width for F4, F5, & F6
  • Minimum depth for F4 is 14 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 14 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • Minimum depth for F5 is 17 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 17 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • Minimum depth for F6 is 17 1/16" for 1/2" thick sides and 17 5/16" for 5/8" thick sides
  • To Specify a combination of Standard and Lateral combine two types such as: F1 / F4

The most versatile system is to cut the rails in and hang them from the sides or fronts and backs of the drawer. Always figure on 12 5/16" to the outside of the rails. Add 3" inches for legal size files.

Also available: (for tight spaces where the smallest dimension is required)
  • Embedded black fiber-track rails & Rabbeted Solid wood Rails
    • Letter size file Drawers must be exactly 12 15/16" for 1/2" thick and 13 3/16" for 5/8" thick
    • Legal size file Drawers must be 15 15/16" for 1/2" thick and 16 3/16" for 5/8" thickness
  • Plastic clip-on rails: For 1/2" drawer sides only, must be 13 1/8" for letter, or 16 1/8" for legal
  • Flush bottom file drawers: 9 5/8" height with flush 1/4" bottoms or 9 3/4" height with 3/8" bottoms

Clip on rails require no special machining and can easily be added after the drawer is assembled.


Embedded black fiber track rails can be used in tight spaces. They are glued into a groove during assembly.



Choose from a variety of materials for any project



The Staff at Western Dovetail are Dovetail Drawer Experts.
Each employee is carefully trained, with an emphasis on quality, safety and efficiency. The company provides an opportunity for people interested in woodworking to learn valuable skills in a safe working environment. Many of the employees have been with the company for over 10 years. The sales and customer service staff are trained to handle even some of the most difficult questions. Hans Brede is the National Sales Manager and personally visits custom shops in the surrounding areas. Dana Nunes works at the front desk and handles customer service and inside sales. Matt Moller works at the back desk and handles technical support and job scheduling. Oscar Madrigal handles all the billing and accounting.


Drawer Tip

When using a drawer or hardware product for the first time, do a mock up to familiarize yourself with the installation procedures before placing an order.