Construct Drawers and Pull-out Trays
From Under Stair Storage · Step 5 of 7 · Video by Fix This Build That
Showing 3:10–4:31 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
After all drawer and pull-out tray parts are cut to size, use a table saw to cut grooves for the bottom panels. This is typically done by first cutting a full kerf 1/8-inch groove, 1/4-inch up from the bottom edge of the side pieces. Then, adjust the fence and make another pass to widen the groove to accommodate a 1/4-inch plywood bottom. To allow for easy insertion of the bottom panel after assembly, raise the blade and cut off the bottom portion of the back pieces of the drawers and trays. Assemble the pull-out trays and drawers using wood glue and brad nails for the trays, and pocket screws for the drawers (especially for the front and back pieces, as these will have false fronts). Assemble trays upside down to ensure grooves are perfectly aligned. Finally, slide the 1/4-inch plywood bottom panels into the grooves and secure them to the back of each drawer/tray with panhead screws, creating a solid and quickly built storage unit.
Goal: Build all drawers and pull-out trays for the cabinet.
What's used
Tools
- 1/4 inch Plywood
- MDF
- Brad Nailer Ridgid
- Hammer and nails
- Brad Nails
- Clamps
- Band clamps
- Drill Ridgid
- Panhead Screws
- Plywood for Trays/Drawers
- front
- and back of trays and drawers.
- Table Saw
- Wood Glue
About the full video
This project guides you through building a versatile DIY base cabinet, ideal for garage or workshop storage. It features a robust plywood frame, internal dividers, full-extension drawers, and pull-out trays, offering flexible storage solutions. The build emphasizes pocket-hole joinery for strength and ease of assembly, adjustable feet for leveling on uneven floors, and techniques for accurately fitting drawers and doors.
Step 5 of 7: Assemble Storage Units
Assemble the drawer boxes by joining the sides, front, and back pieces using screws, nails, and wood glue. Ensure the boxes are square. If building pull-out carts, assemble the frame and attach the casters. For drawers, attach the drawer slides to the sides of the drawers and to the corresponding location within the under-stair cavity or frame structure.
Other videos for this step
Under Stair Storage
This project involves designing and building custom drawers or pull-out carts to maximize storage space within the often-underutilized area beneath a staircase. The process includes measuring the space, designing the storage units, selecting appropriate materials, cutting and assembling the components, and installing them into the stair cavity.
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