Build details
Drawer Construction: What to Compare
Thickness is one detail in a drawer specification. Material, box dimensions, joinery and runner choice also affect whether a drawer suits its intended use.
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Read the whole specification
A number such as 12 mm, 15 mm or 18 mm only describes a stated thickness. It does not, by itself, identify the board material, which drawer component is being measured, the joint design, the runner or the drawer’s permitted load.
Check whether the specification refers to the sides, front, back or bottom of the box. Drawer systems can use different materials and thicknesses in different parts.
Construction details to compare
- Material: Ask for the board type and grade. Do not infer the drawer box material from the cabinet carcass specification.
- Dimensions: Confirm external and internal sizes, usable depth and any clearance needed around plumbing or appliances.
- Assembly: Ask how the sides, front and back are joined and what finish is applied to exposed edges.
- Bottom panel: Confirm its material, thickness, support and position in the box.
- Runner: Record the brand and model, extension type, soft-close option and manufacturer-published load rating.
Compare drawers by intended use
A cutlery drawer, a wide pot drawer and an under-sink pull-out have different dimensions, contents and clearances. Compare each drawer against its purpose and the selected runner’s published limits. Ask for any model-specific restrictions rather than assuming one specification applies to every drawer.
Questions to ask when comparing quotations
- Which material and thickness are specified for each part of the drawer box?
- What are the drawer dimensions and usable internal space?
- What assembly method and edge finish are included?
- Which exact runner model is quoted, and where can I read its manufacturer data?
- Are different drawer sizes or accessories specified separately?