Having drawers in your bathroom or kitchen design is one of the important features. However, not all the drawers do not have to be created equally. If you want to consider dovetail drawers, you are at right place. Here, you will learn what these drawers are, why you should invest in them, and their different types.
What are dovetail drawers?
Dovetail drawer boxes are constructed using dovetail joints. These joints are of higher quality and stronger than other traditional drawer types. The drawers are an excellent option if you want to use them for the kitchen because they can strongly hold the weight of heavy appliances or other kitchen tools. Moreover, the drawers provide high storage space by supporting the biggest drawer size.
What are dovetail joints?
Dovetail joints are well-known for their tensile strength and are commonly used to connect a drawer’s edges to the front. The groove or tail on one board’s end interlocks with pins or tongues cut from the other. A trapezoid-shaped tongue and groove dovetail key joint is formed. After it is attached, a hardwood dovetail joint construction doesn’t require any mechanical fasteners.
Advantages of dovetail joints
There are several benefits of using dovetail joints for constructing dovetail drawers. Some of the common ones are:
· The joint is extremely strong, and the cuts into the sides of the drawers provide a perfect fit.
· These provide beautiful joinery features, especially when contrast timbers highlight the joints.
· Moreover, the joints make the drawers highly strong and long-lasting, and there is no need for mechanical fastenings.
· The joints make the overall look attractive by giving a jigsaw pattern at the joining points.
Types of dovetail joints
Different types of dovetail joints are used to make a dovetail drawer box. Each type has different benefits and will work best per the project.
· Half-blind dovetail joints
If you want to prevent seeing the trapezoid-shaped grooves on the front end of your drawers or cabinets, these are the perfect options. These types of joints conceal the patterned outside trenches.
· Through dovetail joints
These are the most basic and common types of dovetail joints. These connect two wood pieces through a jigsaw interlocking method. If you want to build cabinets, shelves, and boxes, these are the best types.
· Sliding dovetail joints
One board is slipped into the socket of another board at a ninety-degree angle to create a sliding dovetail junction. The protruding piece of wood and the socket have trapezoid shapes to create the dovetail shape and preserve its strength. These connections work well for constructing tables, drawer sides, shelves, and musical instruments.
· Secret mitered dovetail joints
Secret mitered dovetail joints are the highest quality joints. These joints required a high craftsmanship level to conceal the grooves of a dovetail joint both externally and internally. These joints’ most common uses are fine cabinetry, picture frames, and boxes.
How are dovetail drawers constructed?
Dovetail joints are used to construct dovetail boxes as these sturdy joints are strong, long-lasting, and 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 from the wood. A wood craftsperson can create these pins by cutting small divots along 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 mainly made of solid wood. There are also four different types of dovetail joints that you can use to make dovetail drawers.
For high-quality dovetail boxes, contact Eagle Woodworking.
