To calculate drawer spacing, specifically the width of a drawer box when using side-mount drawer slides, you typically deduct a specific amount from the width of the cabinet opening. This deduction accounts for the thickness of the drawer slides themselves and allows for clearance.
According to the reference, "Box spacing determine the width of your boxes." Assuming you are using side-mount drawer slides, you need to "Deduct one inch or a half an inch for each side". This means you deduct a total of one inch from the opening width (1/2 inch for the slide on one side and 1/2 inch for the slide on the other side) to determine the correct width for your drawer box. This deduction is made "to have some dead space," which ensures smooth operation and prevents binding.
Calculating Drawer Box Width
The fundamental calculation for the width of your drawer box is based on the interior width of the cabinet opening where the drawer will be installed.
Formula
The standard formula when using side-mount drawer slides is:
Drawer Box Width = Cabinet Opening Width - Deduction
Understanding the Deduction
The "Deduction" is crucial and depends on the type of side-mount slides you are using.
- For most standard side-mount slides, the required clearance is 1/2 inch on each side. This means the total deduction is 1 inch (0.5 inches + 0.5 inches). This aligns with the reference stating to "Deduct one inch or a half an inch for each side".
This deduction ensures that the drawer box fits properly between the slides mounted to the cabinet sides, allowing the slides to function correctly.
Step-by-Step Calculation
Here's how to calculate the width of your drawer box:
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Measure the Cabinet Opening Width: Carefully measure the inside width of the cabinet or opening where the drawer will be placed. Measure at the front, middle, and back to check for consistency and use the narrowest measurement if it varies.
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Determine the Required Slide Clearance: Identify the type of side-mount drawer slides you are using and check their specifications for the required clearance on each side. For most standard slides, this is 1/2 inch per side.
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Calculate the Total Deduction: Multiply the required clearance per side by two (for both sides). For 1/2 inch clearance per side, the total deduction is 1 inch (0.5 inches * 2).
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Calculate the Drawer Box Width: Subtract the total deduction from the cabinet opening width measurement.
Example: If your cabinet opening is 15 inches wide and your slides require 1/2 inch clearance per side (total 1 inch deduction), your drawer box width should be 15 inches - 1 inch = 14 inches.
Key Considerations
- Slide Specifications: Always check the specific requirements for the drawer slides you purchase. While 1/2 inch per side is common, some slides might require slightly different clearances.
- Measurement Accuracy: Precise measurements are vital for smooth-operating drawers.
- Material Thickness: This calculation determines the outside width of your drawer box. The dimensions of the individual drawer box components (sides, front, back) will depend on the thickness of the material you are using.
Summary Table
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Opening Width | Inside width of the cabinet opening |
| Required Slide Clearance (per side) | Clearance needed for one drawer slide (typically 0.5 inches) |
| Total Deduction | Required Slide Clearance per side * 2 (typically 1 inch) |
| Drawer Box Width | Cabinet Opening Width - Total Deduction |
By following these steps, you can accurately determine the correct width for your drawer box, ensuring it fits and operates correctly with your side-mount drawer slides.
