How to Make Drawer Slides Using Wood

DIY: Make Your Own Wooden Drawer Slides – An Alternative to Metal

I have to be honest, this is the first time I’ve tried this. I tend to get nervous when trying something new… I don’t want to make mistakes and waste material! I am thrilled to report that this project went very smoothly and turned out great! So now I will share with you how to make drawer slides using wood!

As much as I love using metal drawer slides, they were just not in the budget for this project. Since this technique worked so well for me, I will probably use it in most of my future projects and incorporate this technique in my plans.

Normally when I draw drawer boxes, the last pieces to be attached are the box front and back. I decided to change it up a bit by attaching the front and back first and the sides last. Before I attached the sides, I cut a 1/2″ deep by 7/8″ wide dado in the box sides, then attached a 3/4″ square strip of material inside the cabinet. The drawers rest on these runners and with a coat of paste wax, slide very smoothly.

Here’s how it is done:

Step One:

I used the table saw to cut the dado (a router can also be used). I set the rip fence 3″ from the blade, and the blade height at 1/2″ so it wouldn’t cut all the way through the material. I removed the splitter so I could run the piece through.

Step Two:

I made the first “cut” then moved the rip fence in 1/8″ increments seven times (7/8″).

Step Three:

Any slivers left over were chiseled out.

Step Four:

I then cut strips of 3/4″ material at 3/4″  wide. I cut them a tiny bit shorter than the length of the drawer box sides, then drilled three countersunk holes in each piece.

Step Five:

I had previously marked the position of the wood slides but due to an, um “error”, I had to change the position of the slides. The goal is to place the slides so that the top of the dado rests on them and the drawer bottom clears the lower stretcher by at least 1/8″.

Step Six:

I used a tape measure to make sure the slides were level and an equal distance from the bottom of the sides.

The drawer fits perfectly! I am so excited!

Now that I’ve shared how to make drawer slides will you make your own? I really think I will!

Originally posted 2013-11-19 08:00:33.