This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a fast, straightforward drawer box build that uses plywood and pocket hole joinery to create a clean, durable result.
Drawer boxes might seem intimidating to new woodworkers, but they’re actually one of the most approachable shop or furniture components you can make. With a few smart techniques and basic tools, you can build strong, square drawers that fit perfectly and last for years.
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Tools and Materials for the Job
For this build, Brady uses a Kreg pocket hole jig and a table saw—two reliable staples in any woodworking shop. These tools speed up the build while helping ensure a tight, square assembly.
The material of choice is plywood: three-quarter-inch plywood for the box itself and quarter-inch plywood for the bottom panel. This combination balances strength with cost and keeps the drawer lightweight and easy to handle.
Measuring and Planning Ahead
Brady begins by measuring the cabinet opening to determine the ideal drawer size. For example, a drawer that is 20 inches wide and 20 inches deep with a 4-inch height will need side pieces slightly shorter to account for material thickness.
Planning the cuts in advance saves time and prevents mistakes. Labeling each panel as “front,” “back,” or “side” before cutting ensures smoother assembly later.
Breaking Down the Plywood
With the measurements in hand, the plywood is ripped down into panels using the table saw. The front and back panels match the full width of the drawer, while the sides are cut slightly shorter to account for overlap at the corners.
Each piece is carefully trimmed to maintain square edges. The use of stop blocks or cut guides can improve consistency, especially when building multiple drawers at once.
Cutting Dados for the Bottom Panel
Brady uses the table saw to cut dados into the bottom edge of the front, back, and side panels. These shallow grooves hold the bottom panel in place and add to the structural integrity of the box.
The blade is set to cut halfway through the plywood’s thickness. Running each board through the saw ensures a snug, consistent channel where the bottom panel will sit.
Joining the Panels with Pocket Holes
Once the dados are cut, the next step is drilling pocket holes into the front and back pieces. These joints are fast, easy, and strong—ideal for drawer construction.
Brady assembles the drawer upside down, which allows gravity to help with alignment. With wood glue at the joints and pocket screws holding everything together, the box takes shape quickly and securely.
Cutting and Installing the Bottom Panel
The bottom panel is measured to fit within the dados, with a slight reduction in size to account for any tight spots. Easing the corners—either by sanding or trimming—makes sliding it into place much easier.
Brady inserts the panel from above while the drawer box is still upside down. Once seated in the dados, it’s secured with screws through the back edge, allowing for future removal or replacement if needed.
Attaching the Drawer Front
With the main drawer box complete, Brady finishes the build by attaching the drawer front. Care is taken to align it flush with the rest of the box, creating a clean face that’s ready for hardware.
Whether you’re making one drawer or a dozen, this step is where aesthetics start to matter. Taking the time to align the front precisely helps the finished cabinet or piece of furniture look sharp and professional.
Installation and Real-World Fit
Once the drawer is built, it’s ready to be installed into its designated space. Brady checks for smooth sliding and square alignment, adjusting if necessary to ensure proper operation.
A good drawer box should glide cleanly and sit flush inside the cabinet. By using pocket holes and dados, this build hits all the right notes for speed, strength, and repeatability.
Why This Method Works So Well
This process is a great example of working smarter, not harder. Pocket hole joinery combined with table saw accuracy produces a drawer box that’s not just easy to build, but also tough enough for everyday use.
It’s also scalable—if you’re outfitting an entire workshop or kitchen with custom drawers, this method allows for quick batches with repeatable results. Each part of the process can be fine-tuned for speed without sacrificing quality.
A Great Project for Beginners and Beyond
Whether you’re new to woodworking or just need a better method for drawer boxes, this project is an excellent guide. It covers all the essential techniques while staying approachable and affordable.
With a few sheets of plywood and some pocket hole screws, you can knock out drawer boxes that look good, function well, and fit perfectly. This build shows how a little planning and the right tools can make even tricky parts of woodworking feel easy.
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