How to create a wooden chest of drawers with soft-close glides

Creating a wooden chest of drawers with soft-close glides is a great woodworking project that requires planning, precision, and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials & Tools Needed

Materials:

• Hardwood or plywood (oak, maple, birch, or pine)
• Soft-close drawer slides (side-mounted or undermount)
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (120–220 grit)
• Wood stain or paint
• Drawer pulls or handles
• Wood filler

Tools:

• Table saw or circular saw
• Miter saw
• Router or jigsaw (for details and recesses)
• Power drill
• Clamps
• Chisel and hammer (if needed for fine adjustments)
• Measuring tape
• Square and level
• Screwdriver

Step 1: Design & Planning

• Sketch out the design of your chest of drawers, considering the dimensions. A standard chest is around 36–60 inches wide, 30–48 inches tall, and 16–20 inches deep.
• Decide on the number of drawers and their heights.
• Choose whether you want a face-frame or frameless design (frameless is more modern).
• Determine the type of soft-close slides—side-mounted (visible when open) or undermount (hidden but require precise drawer bottom sizing).

Step 2: Cutting the Wood

1. Cut the frame pieces (top, bottom, sides, back, and center dividers if needed).
2. Cut drawer fronts, sides, backs, and bottoms.
3. Ensure all pieces are square and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Chest Frame

1. Attach the sides to the bottom using wood glue and screws or pocket hole joinery.
2. Add the top panel, making sure everything is aligned.
3. Attach the back panel (plywood works well for this).
4. If using a face frame, attach it now.

Step 4: Assemble the Drawers

1. Use box joints, dovetail joints, or pocket screws for strong drawer construction.
2. Attach the drawer bottoms (plywood).
3. Sand all edges smooth.

Step 5: Install Soft-Close Drawer Slides

1. Measure and mark slide positions inside the chest and on the drawers.
2. Attach slides to the inside walls, ensuring they are level.
3. Attach the corresponding part of the slides to the drawers.
4. Insert the drawers and test the soft-close mechanism.

Step 6: Attach Drawer Fronts & Handles

1. Align the drawer fronts with small gaps (1/16″–1/8″) between them.
2. Secure them temporarily with double-sided tape or clamps.
3. Screw the drawer fronts into place from inside the drawers.
4. Attach handles or knobs.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

1. Sand the entire piece thoroughly.
2. Apply wood stain or paint, then seal with polyurethane or lacquer.
3. Let it dry completely before use.

This method ensures a sturdy, smooth-functioning chest of drawers with soft-close glides. Would you like specific dimensions or adjustments for your project?