Cabinet Drawers

Drawers get a lot of abuse and they tend to be the first thing to fall apart so, opt for cabinets with the best drawers you can afford. It is best if a drawer is "joined" (constructed) with an interlocking corner feature such as dovetails, a locking rabbet, or dowels. All these drawers hold together equally well. Solid wood or plywood drawer boxes made of maple or birch are more durable then drawers made of particleboard. The side of the box should not be less then ½" thick and the bottoms should be at least ¼' thick. Be sure the drawer is constructed with four sides and a drawer front--it is sturdier than only three sides and a front. Avoid drawers that are just glued and stapled together.

Drawer glides are as important as the drawer box. They are classified as either good, better, or best. Materials range from plastic, steel epoxy coated, and steel. Glides can be side mounted, under mounted, or integrated into the drawer box (usually metal sides). Drawers can extend out to three-quarters or to full extension. Full extension allows the user easy access to the back of the drawer. Look for drawer glides that open smoothly and have a self-closing mechanism.