Keeping your drawers organized can seem like an impossible task, especially if you have lots of small items like socks, accessories, or tools. Wooden drawer dividers are a great solution for creating custom compartments to keep everything in its place. Making your own wooden dividers is also a fun woodworking project that allows you to customize them exactly to your needs. With a few tools, some basic woodworking skills, and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create beautiful wooden dividers for your drawers in no time!
Choosing Materials for DIY Drawer Dividers
When deciding what to make your wooden drawer dividers out of, you’ll want to select a material that is thin, lightweight, and easy to work with. Here are some great options to consider:
- Plywood: Plywood panels, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, make excellent drawer divider material. Birch plywood is a popular choice as it has an attractive light finish. Plywood is affordable, easy to cut and drill, and has a nice sturdy feel without being too heavy.
- MDF: Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is another sheet material that works very well for drawer dividers. Opt for 1/4 inch thick boards. MDF is smooth, inexpensive, and simple to work with. The cut edges can be painted if desired.
- Basswood: Thin sheets of basswood have a smooth, knot-free texture that looks great left natural or painted. Basswood is lightweight and easy to cut. 1/4 inch boards are a good thickness for dividers.
- Pine: You can use thin pine boards ripped to width to create a traditional solid wood look. Pine is budget-friendly and stains well. Go with 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick boards.
No matter which material you choose, select boards that are naturally straight or have minimal bowing, as perfectly flat stock will be easiest to work with.
Tools and Hardware for Drawer Dividers
You likely already have the essential tools on hand for this woodworking project. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Saw: A table saw, circular saw, or handsaw will all cut the boards to size smoothly.
- Drill/driver: Any basic cordless drill/driver will work for drilling holes. You’ll also need drill bits.
- Sandpaper: Opt for 120 and 220 grit sandpaper to smooth edges.
- Finishing supplies: Sanding sealer, wood stain and/or paint and brushes may be used to finish the dividers.
- Measuring tape and pencil for marking cuts and divider layouts.
- Safety gear: Safety glasses and a dust mask are important when cutting and sanding wood.
For installing the dividers, you’ll need:
- Wood glue for gluing dividers directly into the drawers.
- Brads or small nails for nailing dividers into slotted drawer sides.
- Screws for attaching dividers to drawer bottoms.
Cutting Wooden Divider Panels to Size
Once you’ve selected your materials, it’s time to measure and cut the panels to size. Follow these steps:
- Carefully measure the inside dimensions of the drawer from front to back and side to side. For accuracy, measure in multiple spots and use the smallest measurements.
- Use those measurements to calculate how many dividers you’d like and how wide each panel should be. Standard divider widths range from 2″ to 5″.
- Cut the panels to the desired widths using a saw. Cut them slightly longer than the drawer depth initially.
- Place the cutoff board against the table saw fence to trim all panels to exactly the same length for a consistent look.
Be sure to make your cuts carefully and smoothly to ensure properly fitting drawer dividers. Sand cut edges lightly to remove sharpness.
Creating Grooves for Drawer Dividers
To install the dividers so they slide smoothly in the drawer, you’ll need to cut corresponding grooves in the drawer sides to receive the panels. Here are two options:
Dado Grooves
A dado groove provides a sturdy housing for the dividers. Use a dado blade on a table saw to cut grooves the same width as the divider panels. Center the grooves across the drawer side boards. Make grooves the same length as the inside drawer depth.
Rabbet Grooves
You can also cut simple rabbet grooves with a regular blade to receive the dividers. Make a pass 1/4 inch deep by the panel width for each divider on the inside of the drawer sides. Keep groove locations consistent.
Installing Wooden Dividers in Drawers
Wooden drawer dividers can be installed in a few quick ways:
Gluing
Applying wood glue into the drawer side grooves and bottom allows you to glue the panels directly in place for a permanent install. Slide panels into position, brace them until dry, and wipe away excess glue.
Nailing
For a removable but secure installation, position dividers over grooves in the sides and drive 3/4 inch wire brads or small finish nails through the outside of the drawer and into the end grain of the panels. You can easily remove the panels later if needed.
Screwing
Adding a couple screws through the drawer bottom up into the divider offers another solid removable option. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. Place screws in inconspicuous areas.
No matter the method, check for smooth sliding action before permanently installing the dividers. Make any adjustments needed to ensure drawers operate properly.
Finishing Wood Drawer Divider Panels
To give your drawer dividers extra beauty and protection, consider adding a finish. Here are some options:
- Wood stain: For a rich, natural wood tone, wipe on gel stain in your desired shade and wipe off excess for an even penetration. Multiple coats may be needed for your preferred color intensity.
- Paint: For any color you like, paint the panels with interior enamel paint. Opt for spray paint for the easiest application. Add multiple thin coats for best coverage.
- Clear finish: A water-based polyurethane or wood sealant will protect the natural wood while allowing the grain to show. Brush on 1-3 coats.
- Oil: Penetrating oils like Danish oil will waterproof the wood while accentuating the natural pattern and color. Wipe it on liberally with a soft cloth.
Apply finishes according to package directions. Add any finish before installing dividers for best results.
Tips for DIY Drawer Dividers
- Cut panels slightly wide and long, then trim to final size for accuracy.
- Label panels on the underside for easy assembly later.
- Check fit as you go for sliding operation before permanent install.
- Save cutoff pieces to use for smaller compartments.
- Round over divider edges slightly for safety and better durability.
- Use painter’s tape when staining/painting to avoid drips on drawer sides.
- Consider folding drawer liner over divider edges for a polished, protected look.
With the right materials and these simple techniques, you can create functional wooden dividers that keep your drawers tidy in style. Have fun customizing them to your storage needs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Wooden Drawer Dividers
Making your own wooden drawer dividers is a fairly straightforward DIY project. But if you’re new to woodworking, you probably still have plenty of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs about constructing custom drawer dividers:
How thick should the wood be for drawer dividers?
Good thickness options include 1/4 inch plywood, 1/4 inch MDF, or 1/4 – 3/8 inch solid wood boards. Thicker wood will be heavy and potentially obstruct drawer operation.
What is the best wood to use for drawer dividers?
Plywood, MDF, basswood, pine, poplar, and maple all make great drawer divider materials. Choose boards that are flat, lightweight, easy to cut, and attractive for your taste.
What tools do I need to make wooden drawer dividers?
You’ll need basic woodworking tools: a saw (table saw, circular saw, or handsaw), a drill/driver, sandpaper, measuring tape, pencil, and safety gear. Various glues, nails, screws, and finishes are optional.
How are drawer dividers installed?
Dividers can be glued into grooves in the drawer sides and bottom permanently. For removable dividers, nail or screw them into grooves and holes. Make sure they slide freely.
Should drawer dividers be the full depth from front to back?
Yes, full-depth dividers work best for maximum organization from front to back. Cut them precisely to the inside drawer dimensions.
How wide should the slots be for removable drawer dividers?
Dado grooves should be slightly wider than the divider thickness – around 1/8 inch wider. Rabbet grooves can be the exact width of the panels.
How do you keep DIY wood drawer dividers in place?
Glue or nails/screws through the drawer box into the dividers will keep them securely in position and prevent sliding around.
What is a quick way to finish or protect wood drawer dividers?
If you want quick protection without altering the natural wood color, a few coats of water-based polyurethane is easy to brush on. Pine tar is another easy natural option.
How are drawer dividers measured and cut?
Carefully measure the exact inside dimensions of the drawer. Decide the size and number of compartments needed. Cut panels slightly oversized at first, then trim to precise widths and lengths.
Can you stain and seal wood drawer dividers?
Absolutely! Stain, paint, or clear sealants can be applied to customize and finish drawer dividers. Add any coatings before installing panels for best results.
With the right materials and tools, you can create quality DIY wooden dividers tailored exactly to your drawers. Start small and simple, and enjoy developing your woodworking skills on this useful project.
Conclusion
Adding custom wooden dividers is an easy and affordable way to organize your drawers and make the contents more accessible. Whether you prefer a simple design or more intricate segmented compartments, these dividers prevent jumbled messes and keep your drawers tidy.
The best part of constructing your own wooden drawer dividers is being able to size and configure them precisely to your needs. Follow the techniques for cutting panels, sizing grooves, installing the dividers securely, and adding finishes if desired.
Not only do handsome wood dividers make your drawers more functional, but creating them yourself also lets you develop useful woodworking skills. Start with scrap plywood or boards and make basic dividers for deep kitchen drawers or kitchen utensil storage. Once you get comfortable with the process, try more decorative divider patterns or designs for dressing table drawers, office supplies, art materials, and more.
With the right materials and tools, AND these step-by-step instructions to guide you, you can DIY wood drawer dividers to organize any space affordably and beautifully. So unroll those plans and get ready to corral your drawers into shape!