I’ve been battling with our kitchen cabinet drawer for what feels like forever… The drawer was loaded up with knives, spatulas, and other heavy kitchen utensils and well.. the bottom of the drawer failed. After numerous attempts to fix it I finally caved, we replaced the entire drawer along with the slides so it wouldn’t happen again!

Items Needed

  • Drawer Slides – I purchased a 10 pair pack on amazon because I will use all the slides eventually and it’s far cheaper than buying one pair. Click Here
  • Lumber – I used scraps I had laying around the shop. Otherwise, you can buy 2 – 1x4x96 pine boards from your favorite big box store and that will be more than enough.
  • MDF Panel– You will need a panel of MDF or Plywood for the bottom of your drawer preferably thicker than the one that came with your original drawers. You can buy hobbyist panels that are smaller or a whole sheet for roughly $12
  • Table Saw or A Router + Straight Bit to cut the groove for the bottom of your drawer.
  • Pocket Hole System– I chose this option because it’s quick, effective, and easy. You can also use screws to screw it together from the outsides, dowels, or glue and nails… the list goes on. Click here
  • Wood Glue

Step 1: Remove the Old Drawer

First you’ll need to empty all the contents of your drawer and then remove the drawer itself.

Step 2: Figure Out Whether You Need New Slides

You may not need new slides but I wasn’t happy with the quality of mine. Since we were already taking the time to replace the drawer, I just went ahead and swapped these out too. Click here for the ones I used.

Step 3: Start Building Your New Drawer

Now that you have all the measurements you need for your new drawer we can move on to building it! I had scraps laying around the shop that worked perfectly for this but if you don’t any big box store will have 1×4’s.

Step 4: Cut The Grooves For The Bottom Panel


I cut these grooves on my table saw with two full passes, and one tiny pass for proper fitment. Cut the groove roughly 1/4″ up from the bottom and 1/4″ deep

Step 5: Test Fit Your Bottom Panel

You want your panel to be snug but still have the ability to slide around slightly.

Step 6: Cut Your Drawer Sides To The Correct Dimensions

The drawer we made was 31 7/8″ x 21″. Your drawer will most likely be the same depth but you will have to find the width. The width of your drawer is very important! It must be right on for everything to go back together correctly.

Step 7: Test Fit Your Drawer Before Final Assembly

Make sure you test fit everything before you start putting it together.

Step 8: Assemble Your Drawer

I used pocket holes to assemble this drawer because they are quick and easy. They also won’t be visible once assembled. Click here to get a pocket hole jig.

Step 9: Install Slides Onto Drawer

Attach your slides to the drawer with the screws provided and insert you new drawer into the cabinet!

Step 10: Add The Drawer Face To Your New Drawer

Transfer your original drawer face onto your new drawer and attach the handle, and some extra screws from the back to secure and that’s it!

You’re Done!

Enjoy Your New And Improved Drawer!