How to Measure and Size Drawer Fronts & Drawer Boxes

Hey friends! After MANY requests to make a video on drawer building, I'm attempting to put together an easy to follow series breaking down the process into four easy to tackle steps:

This first video will discuss how to figure your drawer front and drawer box dimensions.
The second part will discuss how to assemble the drawer box.
The third will explain how to install the drawer slides and the drawer boxes.
And the final part will share some tips on installing the drawer fronts.

I hope you stick around and hit that notification bell so you don't miss when the next parts go live!

This video is a little more "talk to camera" and example based. We won't get into building anything, BUT, getting the measurements is half the work, so it's the foundation for moving into the next steps.

I hope you enjoy it--even if it feels like a math lesson :)

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Some resources you may find helpful:

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Inset Vs Overlay
00:35 Frameless vs Framed
01:40 Determine Drawer Front Height
02:27 Drawer Front Height for Inset
03:55 Drawer Front Height for Overlay
04:51 A Note About Rounding
06:14 Drawer Front Height for Full Overlay
07:13 Determine Drawer Front Width
07:54 Determine Drawer Box Height
08:53 Determine Drawer Box Width
09:31 Determine Drawer Box Length
10:29 Conclusion

[WoodshopDiaries]

I realize I talk with my hands a lot 😂 Please ignore that...but also consider how boring this would be if I stood there and didn't move my arms haha! Hope you enjoy watching!

[AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I’ve got a small bank of cabinets I built. Drawers are made and installed. Today I’m cutting the drawer fronts. I just stared at them trying to figure out where to start. Then I remembered you did this video. Sure helped a lot. Love having this as a reference to come back to.

[brewster]

You certainly have a gift for clear communication... whether by voice or by hand gestures! Around here we call it "putting the cookies on the lower shelf." I absolutely love your "deep thoughts on 32nds"... there's an old saying in the biz - " 'Better' is the enemy of 'good enough' "... your philosophy on chasing 32nds perfectly captures that thought. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[shimcgraw]

Yes girl! EXPLAIN like we are dummies! Please continue to break everything down and don’t be afraid to use your hands! I cant wait to see you explain while doing. Love this video and will be looking for more! Thank you so much for the effort and thought that went into this

[albiesalsich]

This is the best, most comprehensive explanation of cabinets and drawers I've seen. Excellent work. Very helpful. Thank you!

[scottcrawford]

you have given the best explanation for all this math BY FAR! I've been woodworking for years (mostly tables, bookshelves) but I'm just starting to do drawers and trying to figure out all these measurements has been such a headache. I've gone through a few of your videos now and suddenly it all makes sense. Thank you so much for providing these lessons!

[WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a great series you’ve started. Anyone interested in cabinetry can be inspired and learn from this series. All the way with DFHA! That formula alone is worth it’s weight in gold! You’re the best! Thanks Shara and have a great weekend! 😊 BTW, talk with your hands! I see it as an emphasis on the points you’re making. Not distracting at all!

[MzEbony_Luvz]

Well explained, you got straight to explaining no rambling, I'm hooked now. Great video and thank you.

[FritsvanDoorn]

Now that is what I call explaining something clear! And I didnt even noticed that you were talking with your hands. Super!

[recklessfable]

Thank you so much for this video. You've been a huge help answering all of my questions and have taken all of the confusion out of my project, in one video!

[RobertCiotti-wl]

Your projects and videos are awesome. You explain things so clear and simple. Thank you, keep it up!

[marcusjames]

THE. MOST. DETAILED. VIDEO.IVE.EVER.FOUND. Thank you

[augustineschaefer]

Thanks for the maths! Found your drawer series again…cabinets, doors and drawers…and then we have a garage pantry mud corner drop zone all fit to size one step at a time.

[Lutzboater]

This video, and the next ones to come, in this series are definitely going to be put in my" Watch Later" list. This was well explained and and a great reference to retain. Thanks, Shara!!

[diyblueprintdiva]

Shara! Thank you so much. I’ve been researching and rewatching drawer videos for the past year and still too scared to attempt. With everything in one video, detailed to perfection, after watching another hundred times, I think I’ll have them down-packed. I’m going to make sure I have all the dimensions needed for the next video so I’m ready! 💪🏾

[UDNLordzz]

I'm back again watching this series for the 2nd time to help me build my first set of drawers ever. Thank you for this in-depth explanation. You rock!

[NewYorkBorn]

I swear you are like one of the most helpful people, I’ve ever encountered doing videos. Thank you for the videos and the plans that you post.

[Braddock]

One of the best videos I've watched on this topic. Love this channel. So well done.

[mikeandlucky]

Really appreciate this excellent instructional video. "Close enough" are words for woodworkers to live by :)

[suearmstrong]

I have watched so many cabinet building videos and what you just did is NEVER included in those videos! While I have built cabinets with drawers, I've always used the fudge factor not really knowing the "rules!" You have finally done it, you have explained "the rules!" I love you for doing that!!! To truly teach people, you need to address the things they don't know and you have done that in this video so we'll! I cannot thank you enough, FINALLY someone explained how to calculate drawer size and drawer front dimensions! 🎉