March 10, 2010
America's Premier Dovetail Drawer Company
Custom Options > Drawer Bottoms
Drawer Bottoms
   Bottom Thickness
  • B14) 1/4" Bottoms: for light duty drawers (Available in all species)
    1/4" bottoms are let into a 1/4" groove on all four sides
  • B38) 3/8" Bottoms: for drawers over 24" or heavy duty use
    3/8" bottoms are let into a 3/8" groove on all four sides
  • B12) 1/2" Bottoms: for drawers with spans over 36"
    1/2" bottoms are rabbeted into a 3/8" groove on all four sides
   Bottom Placement
  • Standard Bottoms Recess is 1/2" up from the bottom edge of the drawer
  • Other placement options are 1/4" & 3/8" up from the bottom edge
  • Bottoms can also be stapled on or rabbeted in flush upon request
   Bottom Types
B14-12
 B14-38
 B14-14
 B14-R
 B38-38
 B38-12
 B12-F
 B12-14
 B12-12
Using B14-12 as an example, the first set of numbers B14, refers to the bottom thickness, bottom thickness is 1/4". The second set of Numbers, 12, denotes the bottom placement as 1/2" up from the bottom edge.
   Notes on Bottom Placement relative to drawer height.

Standard drawer heights are on 1" increments and are determined by the drawer bottom groove location. In order to conceal the groove for the bottom behind the b ottom tail while maintaining complete dovetails at the top, with a strong half pin at the top and bottom, the following criteria will apply. The maximum dado size to accept any bottom is 3/8". The dado for a 1/2" thick bottom is only 3/8", therefore the dado must be made 3/8" wide and 5/8" up from the bottom edge to achieve a 1/2" recess for under-mount hardware. The 1/2" bottom is then rabbetted to fit into the groove. The standard detail is a beveled rabbet to allow for nailing and gluing the bottoms in. A square rabbet can be ordered upon request if the bottom is exposed. Non-Standard heights can be ordered any size, but a set-up fee will be added to the cost of the job and an up-charge per drawer may apply as well. Non-standard drawer heights will result in the removal of the top dovetail and a set up fee will apply for each non-standard height.



Western Dovetail is known as the leader in quality and innovation for dovetailed drawers.



Outsourcing dovetail drawers offers many advantages for the high-end cabinet shop.
For over 15 years, Western Dovetail has consistently delivered completely assembled and finished dovetail drawers to the finest cabinet shops in America while offering:
  • Expert advice
  • More options
  • More Species
  • Constant Improvements
 This gives your business:
  • Reduced labor costs
  • Reduced down time
  • More Space
  • Less Maintenance
  • Fixed drawer costs
  • Guaranteed accuracy
  • Reduced inventory
  • Increased capacity
  • less special equipment
  • Consistent product
  • Fixed completion dates
  • Increased profit


Drawer Tip
Let this reference be your guide. Almost any question about Western Dovetail’s products and services has been addressed in these pages. Most details have a code that refers to the specific option. Always verify the suggested sizes or procedures with your actual job conditions.