Dovetail Drawers Guide: Everything You Need to Know

By: Andrew Saladino | 3 min

Drawers are an important feature in any kitchen or bathroom design. However, not all drawers are created equal. If you're considering using dovetail drawers then you've come to the right place -- we've got you covered with all the information you need to know before making your purchase.

So what do we mean by dovetail? Keep reading to learn how this type of joint is used for dovetail drawers, the advantages of investing in them, and how they're constructed. We even go over the most frequently asked questions people have when researching these drawers.

What Are Dovetail Drawers?

Dovetail drawers are constructed using dovetail joints, which are some of the strongest and most high-quality joints available. There are many advantages, including being considered higher quality than other traditional drawer types.

These types of drawers are perfect for kitchens because they're strong enough to hold the weight of heavy appliances, dishes, or other kitchen tools without straining the joints. Dovetail drawers also offer the most storage space by supporting the biggest possible drawer size.

What Are The Benefits of Dovetail Drawers?

There are lots of advantages to choosing dovetail drawers in your bathroom and kitchen design, including: being extremely strong and long-lasting, that they don't require mechanical fastenings, having multiple versions that can be tailored to your particular project, and finally they look attractive with a jigsaw pattern at their joining points.

How Are Dovetail Drawers Constructed?

Dovetail joints are used to construct dovetail drawers. These sturdy joints are strong and long-lasting, but are much more difficult to carve than other joints.

Dovetail joints hold two pieces of wood together by connecting them with small trapezoid-shaped pins that protrude out of the wood. A wood craftsperson can create these pins by cutting small divots along the side of each piece of wood.

There is an option to add glue for extra security. After applying glue, there's no need for additional mechanical fastening once they are connected. Dovetails are typically made of strong woods such as plywood, maple, oak, or aspen.

It's easy to recognize dovetail drawers by looking at the outside corners of the drawer where it connects at a 90-degree angle. The connecting point should look like puzzle pieces joined together at the edges.

Types of Dovetail Joints

There are four different types of dovetail joints that you can use to make dovetail drawers. Each type of joint has different advantages and will work best depending on the project.

Through Dovetail Joints

Through dovetail joints are the most common and basic type of dovetail joint. This type of joint connects two pieces of wood through a jigsaw interlocking method. These types of dovetail joints are best for building boxes, shelves, and cabinets.

Half-blind Dovetail Joints

If you want to avoid seeing the trapezoid-shaped grooves on the front end of your cabinets or drawers then half-blind dovetail joints are a great option. This type of joint hides the patterned outside trenches by housing the pins in sockets at the end of the piece of wood to conceal the joint. This method is typically used for constructing drawers.

Secret Mitered Dovetail Joints

One of the highest quality joints is a secret mitered dovetail joint. This joint takes a high level of craftsmanship and conceals the grooves of a dovetail joint internally and externally by forming an outer edge that hides the joints inside. This is commonly used for picture frames, fine cabinetry, and boxes.

Sliding Dovetail Joints

Sliding dovetail joints are joined together by sliding one board into the socket of another board at a 90-degree angle. The socket and protruding piece of wood are both shaped like a trapezoid to make the dovetail shape and maintain its strength. These types of joints are great for building shelves, tables, sides of drawers, and instruments.

Dovetail Drawers FAQs

Are you thinking of investing in dovetail drawers for your kitchen or bathroom? To make sure you have all of the information you need, we've included a list of answers to the most common questions people have about dovetail drawers.

What Is a Dovetail Drawer?

Dovetail drawers are drawers made with dovetail joints. These drawers are made by joining two pieces of wood together with trapezoid-shaped pins and divots that fit together like a puzzle.

Are Dovetail Drawers Better Than Other Drawers?

Dovetail drawers are known as being superior to other standard drawers that use pocket joints, rabbet joints, or butt joints. They are strong, long-lasting, and are a mark of exceptional craftsmanship.

How Do You Make Dovetail Drawers?

To make dovetail drawers, choose the type of dovetail joint you want to use and cut out the dovetail pins and tails by hand or with a dovetail jig and router. Assemble the drawer by attaching the tails and pins together.

Why Is a Dovetail Joint Good For Drawers?

Dovetail joints are a great option for drawers because they’re strong, don’t require mechanical fastenings, and look attractive in your living spaces.

At Kitchen Cabinet Kings, we exclusively use dovetail joints for drawer boxes to give you the highest quality and level of craftsmanship you can find. Whether you go with RTA or pre-assembled cabinets, you'll get amazing drawers that are built to last.