How to Order Drawers

A Step-by-Step Guide

Ordering custom drawer boxes is straightforward when approached methodically.
Follow the steps below to ensure accuracy, compatibility, and smooth installation.

Step 1: Identify the Application

Before determining size or material, define how the drawer will be used.

Is this:

A standard drawer with an applied drawer front?
A pull-out with an exposed front?
A trash pull-out?
A file drawer?
A deep storage drawer?
A drawer with dividers or inserts?
A specialty or unique application?

Important:
If the drawer will function as a pull-out with an exposed front, it must be ordered as a Pull-Out product. Standard drawers assume an applied front and concealed back.

If the application is unusual in any way, specify it clearly on your order.

Step 2: Select Your Slide System First

Hardware determines drawer sizing.

Before calculating drawer dimensions, confirm:

Slide manufacturer
Slide model
Slide length
Undermount or side-mount configuration

Most common systems include:

Blum® TANDEM
Blum® MOVENTO
Grass®
Hettich®
Accuride®
KV® (Knape & Vogt)

For best compatibility, we recommend ordering your slides with your drawers.

Step 3: Measure the Cabinet Opening Carefully

Accurate measurements are the responsibility of the cabinetmaker.

Measure:

Inside width of cabinet opening
Inside depth of cabinet
Opening height
Any obstructions (hinges, face frames, plumbing, stretchers)

When using undermount slides, confirm required side clearance and bottom notch requirements.

Before placing your order, verify:

□ Opening width confirmed
□ Slide clearance deducted
□ Slide length verified
□ Obstructions checked
□ Bottom recess requirements confirmed

When using a new slide system for the first time, build a mock-up to confirm fit before ordering production quantities.

Step 4: Determine Drawer Dimensions

Based on your slide selection and cabinet measurements, determine:

Drawer width (opening width minus required clearances)
Drawer depth (slide length compatible)
Drawer height (standard increments available from 2 1/4" to 23 1/4")

Standard height increments are one inch plus 1/4".

If ordering tall drawers (over 12 1/4") or heavy-load applications, consider load capacity and consult if needed.

Step 5: Select Material and Thickness

Standard configuration includes:

5/8" solid hard maple sides
3/8" maple plywood bottom

Optional side thicknesses and species are available.

For most cabinet interiors, the standard maple configuration provides optimal durability and performance.

Step 6: Choose Grade

All drawers may be specified as:

NATURAL
Allows natural color variation, mineral streaks, and small closed knots.

SELECT
No knots or stains. Improved grain and color consistency.

PREMIUM
Color-matched material with minimal variation and no knots or stains.

Select the grade that aligns with the visibility and design requirements of your project.

Step 7: Specify Finish

Standard finish includes:

One coat sealer
One coat satin clear topcoat

Premium finish options are available where enhanced appearance or protection is required.

Standard drawers assume an applied front and concealed back. If the front will be exposed, order as a Pull-Out product.

Step 8: Add Hardware Preparation

If required, specify:

Undermount notch and drill
Locking device drilling and installation
Side-mount slide preparation

Hardware machining is completed during production to reduce installation labor.

Step 9: Review Your Quote Carefully

When your quote is emailed:

Confirm dimensions
Verify grade and finish
Check hardware prep
Review special notes
Confirm application type

All details discussed by phone must appear in writing on the quote.

Step 10: Inspect Upon Arrival

When your drawers arrive:

Inspect immediately
Report shipping damage promptly
Remove from packaging
Stack flat on a level surface
Store in a climate-controlled environment

Drawers not inspected within one week may void guarantee coverage.

Proper handling ensures optimal performance.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions at any stage of the process, contact us:

1-800-800-DOVE (3683)

How to Measure and Determine the Correct Drawer Size

This guide explains how to measure cabinet openings and calculate the correct drawer box size when using undermount drawer slides such as Blum TANDEM or MOVENTO.

Quick Navigation

Drawer Width Deduction Quick Table
1. Measure the Cabinet Opening
2. Calculate Drawer Box Dimensions
- Height Calculation
- Depth Calculation
3. Choose Undermount Slides
4. Important Considerations

Drawer Width Deduction Quick Table

The width of the drawer box depends primarily on the thickness of the drawer sides and the type of undermount slide being used.

Drawer Construction	Typical Side Thickness	Width Deduction from Opening
Solid Wood Drawer	5/8"	Subtract 3/8" (up to 13/32")
Solid Wood Drawer	1/2"	Subtract 5/8" (up to 21/32")
11-ply Birch Drawer	15mm (0.591")	Subtract 7/16" (up to 15/32")
9-ply Birch Drawer	Approx. 0.485"	Subtract 21/32" (up to 11/16")

Example: If the cabinet opening is 15 3/4" wide and you are using 5/8" drawer sides:

Drawer width = 15 3/4" − 3/8" = 15 3/8"

1. Measure the Cabinet Opening

Accurate measurements are critical to ensure the drawer fits properly in the cabinet.

Width: Measure the inside width of the cabinet opening where the drawer slides will mount. Measure in multiple places and use the smallest dimension.
Height: Measure the inside height from the bottom to the top of the opening.
Depth: Measure the inside depth from the front edge of the cabinet to the inside of the back panel. Watch for nailers, stretchers, plumbing, or electrical obstructions.

2. Calculate Drawer Box Dimensions

Once the cabinet opening is measured, determine the appropriate drawer box dimensions based on drawer material thickness and slide type.

For most undermount slides such as Blum TANDEM or MOVENTO, the critical dimension is the distance between the inside cabinet wall and the inside of the drawer side. This measurement is typically 21mm.

The deduction from the cabinet opening depends on drawer side thickness. Refer to the quick table above for common deductions.

If the drawer is slightly narrower than recommended, it will still function but side-to-side adjustment may be reduced. If the drawer is too wide, the drawer sides may rub the slide hardware.

When using 5/8" drawer sides, it is generally safer to round the drawer width slightly smaller rather than larger.

Height Calculation

To allow for proper clearance and slide adjustment, subtract approximately 1" from the cabinet opening height.

This clearance allows space for:

5/8" below the drawer for the slide hardware
1/4" clearance above the drawer
1/8" adjustment range in the slides

As a general guideline, try to leave at least 7/8" clearance per drawer.

Example: If the cabinet opening height is 5 1/4":

Drawer height = 5 1/4" − 1" = 4 1/4"

Western Dovetail standard drawer heights increase in increments of one inch plus 1/4", starting at 2 1/4" (2 1/4", 3 1/4", 4 1/4", etc.). Custom heights are available if required.

Depth Calculation

The depth of the drawer box should match the slide length.

Blum recommends selecting slides that are approximately 3" shorter than the overall cabinet depth.

Example:

Cabinet depth: 24"
Recommended slide length: 21"
Drawer depth for 1/2" drawers: 21"
Drawer depth for 5/8" drawers: 21 1/16"

The inside cabinet depth should be at least 3/4" deeper than the slide length to allow proper installation.

3. Choose Undermount Slides

Proper slide selection ensures smooth operation and durability.

Blum TANDEM slide lengths: 9", 12", 15", 18", 21"
Blum MOVENTO slide lengths: 12", 15", 18", 21"
Heavy-duty MOVENTO slides: 18", 21", 24", 27", 30"

Always match the drawer box depth to the slide length.

4. Important Considerations

Notching for Undermount Slides

Blum TANDEM requires a minimum notch width of 1 3/8".
Blum MOVENTO requires a minimum notch width of 2".
If using another brand of slide, verify the required notch size.

Clearance Behind Drawer

When using rear mounting brackets, allow 1" to 2" behind the drawer.
Less than 1" is too tight and more than 2" may cause alignment problems.

Material Thickness

The thickness of the drawer sides (1/2" or 5/8") directly affects the drawer width calculation.

Full Inset vs Overlay

Full Inset: Requires precise sizing and slide adjustment and may require depth adjustable locking devices.
Overlay: Allows slightly more flexibility in drawer slide depth position since the front will stop at the cabinet face.

Obstacles Inside the Cabinet

Watch for nailers, stretchers, plumbing, or wiring.
If necessary, consider a U-shape drawer to clear obstructions.

By following these guidelines you can ensure that your drawers fit properly, operate smoothly, and maximize storage efficiency.