Let’s talk drawers. Not the ones in your dresser, though those count too. But the kind that make shop (and indoor) furniture a whole lot more useful.
Metal drawer slides are great, but they’re not always cheap. So in my latest project, I tested out five different types of wooden drawer slides that are not only easier to install but also more budget-friendly.
And you know what? They actually work really well.
A couple highlights for you:
1. Raised Drawer Box: Just glue thin strips of plywood to the bottom and top of your cabinet opening and boom, you’ve got functional slides. This worked great on my Simple Mobile Workbench.
2. Slideless: No slides, just a rabbet-style drawer box and you've got a winner. Simple, easy, and less materials because the drawer front is also the face. I use dthis method on my King Size Miter Saw Station.
3. Bottom Slides: My current favorite method for shop furniture. The drawer bottom doubles as the slide, so no extra grooves or material. Plus, all the screws are hidden. Feels fancy, but still shop-friendly.
4. Groovy Slides: Cut a groove in the side of the drawer, secure a hardwood runner in the cabinet interior, add a little paste wax, and you’ve got yourself smooth-sliding drawers that feel almost luxurious.
5. Middle Slides: 1" plywood slides 2 1/2" up from the drawer bottom and Bob's your uncle. or Jerry. Or whatever your uncle's actual name is.
So yeah, drawer slides don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With some scraps, a little planning, and maybe a deck of playing cards (seriously, they’re great for spacing drawer faces), you can build smooth, reliable slides without spending a dime on metal hardware.
👉 If you want to see all five methods in action, plus the tricks I use to get perfect reveals every time, you can check out the full video here: Watch on YouTube
Happy building,
- Thomas Gojkovich
Thomas Custom Woodworks