Measuring for a new dovetail drawer, or when replacing an old one, primarily involves accurately determining the dimensions of the space it will occupy or the existing drawer's size. The key is to "just measure across" the required dimensions, a method that helps "take the math completely out of it" by focusing on direct physical measurement.
Essential Measurements
To measure for a drawer, whether dovetail or other types, you typically need three core dimensions:
- Width: The side-to-side measurement.
- Depth: The front-to-back measurement.
- Height: The top-to-bottom measurement.
These measurements are taken either from the interior of the cabinet opening where the drawer will sit or from an existing drawer that fits correctly.
Measuring the Cabinet Opening
When installing a new drawer into an existing cabinet opening, measure the interior space:
- Width: Measure the distance between the inside walls of the cabinet opening. Take measurements at the front, middle, and back, and use the smallest measurement to ensure the drawer clears any inconsistencies.
- Depth: Measure the distance from the front of the cabinet opening (usually the cabinet face frame or front edge) to the back wall of the cabinet interior. Account for any obstructions or drawer slide requirements at the back.
- Height: Measure the distance from the bottom to the top of the cabinet opening. Again, take measurements at multiple points if necessary and note the smallest.
Measuring the opening directly like this aligns with the idea to "just measure across" the space, simplifying the process and allowing you to "take the math completely out of it" compared to measuring indirect points or complex calculations.
Measuring an Existing Drawer
If you are replacing an existing dovetail drawer that fits correctly, you can measure the drawer itself:
- Width: Measure the outside width of the drawer box.
- Depth: Measure the outside depth of the drawer box from the front of the box to the back of the box (excluding any drawer front attached).
- Height: Measure the outside height of the drawer box.
Be sure to measure the drawer box itself, as the drawer front is typically larger than the box on three sides (or all four depending on the style).
Practical Application
Once you have your measurements, consult with your drawer supplier or follow plans, as they will specify how much smaller the drawer box needs to be than the opening dimensions to accommodate drawer slides and clearances.
For instance, a common approach for slide clearance is to subtract a certain amount from the opening width (e.g., 1 inch or slightly more for side-mount slides) to get the required drawer box width. However, the initial, crucial step is the accurate measurement of the opening or existing drawer itself. This direct measurement approach is what allows you to "just measure across" and avoid complex calculations.
Here's a simple breakdown of what to measure:
| Measurement | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Cabinet Opening (Inside) or Existing Drawer (Outside Box) | Measure across the widest part; take smallest measurement in opening. |
| Depth | Cabinet Opening (Front to Back) or Existing Drawer (Outside Box) | Measure from front edge to back wall/edge. |
| Height | Cabinet Opening (Inside) or Existing Drawer (Outside Box) | Measure from bottom to top; take smallest measurement in opening. |
By focusing on these direct measurements, you effectively "take the math completely out of it" from the initial measurement step, ensuring you have the necessary information to order or build a drawer that fits the intended space.
