To accurately measure for inset drawers, you'll need to determine the opening size and consider the overlay. Here's how to do it:
Understanding Inset Drawers
Inset drawers sit inside the cabinet opening, flush with the face frame. This is different from overlay drawers, which overlap the cabinet frame. This distinction is key when taking measurements.
Measuring for Inset Drawer Boxes and Fronts
Unlike overlay drawers, the size of an inset drawer front is the same as the size of the opening in the cabinet.
Here is how to measure for inset drawers:
- Measure the Opening: Carefully measure the width and height of the cabinet opening where the drawer will sit. It's crucial to take these measurements from inside the opening. Measure the opening in several places to account for any irregularities in your cabinet structure. Note the narrowest measurement.
- Final Size:
- For inset drawers, the drawer front is made the same size as the opening.
- The drawer box will be slightly smaller than the opening to allow for clearance, typically 1/8" to 1/4" on each side.
Calculating for Overlay Drawers (In contrast to inset drawers)
This process is described in the provided YouTube video excerpt. To calculate measurements for overlay drawer fronts and boxes, here’s the formula:
- Overlay Width: You add the overlay amount to the width of your opening to calculate how wide the drawer front needs to be.
- According to the reference, if you have a half-inch overlay, you take the opening width and add one inch (half-inch on each side).
- For a full overlay, you take the overall cabinet width.
- Important Note: Overlay measurements are different than inset measurements. Inset drawer fronts are the same size as the cabinet opening.
Example
Let's say your cabinet opening measures 15 inches wide and 8 inches high.
- Inset Drawer Front: The drawer front would need to be exactly 15 inches wide and 8 inches high.
- Inset Drawer Box: The box would be approximately 14 3/4 inches wide and 7 3/4 inches high, allowing for clearance.
Key Takeaways for Inset Drawers
- Precision is Crucial: Inset drawers require exact measurements, as there's no room for error like with overlay drawers.
- Measure Multiple Times: Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
- Clearance Matters: Remember to factor in small clearances for the drawer box to slide smoothly.
- Account for Variations: Cabinets can have imperfections, so measure in multiple spots. Use the smallest measurement if there are variations.
