What Are Dovetail Drawers? Everything You Need To Know

By: Andrew Saladino | 5 min
Last Updated: May 25th, 2024

Dovetail drawers are constructed using dovetail joints, which are some of the strongest and most high-quality joints available. Dovetails are made by joining two pieces of wood together with trapezoid-shaped pins and divots that fit together like a puzzle.

Drawers are an important feature in any kitchen or bathroom design. However, not all drawers are created equal. Maybe you've heard about dovetail drawers but aren't sure if they're right for your space. If that's the case, 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 are dovetail drawers? Keep reading to learn about dovetail joints and drawers, the advantages of investing in them, how they're constructed, and considerations to keep in mind.

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.

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 types of wood, 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.

Benefits of Dovetail Drawers

There are many advantages to choosing dovetail drawers in your bathroom and kitchen design, including:

• Strength: Dovetail joints are among the strongest, highest-quality drawer joints available. The interlocking pieces create an extremely strong structure that can hold considerable weight.
• Durability: Because of their strength and quality construction, dovetail drawers are incredibly durable. They can withstand heavy use without the need for regular repairs or replacement.
• Customizability: With several different types of dovetail joints, drawers can be tailored to your particular project needs.
• Value: Choosing high-quality dovetail drawers and cabinets means adding value to your home.
• Aesthetic: In addition to their functionality, dovetail drawers look attractive with a jigsaw pattern at their joining points.

Dovetail Drawer Considerations

Once you've decided to use dovetailed drawers, there are a few other factors to consider that affect the functionality and aesthetic of your cabinetry.

Types of Dovetail Joints

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

	Through Dovetail Joints These are the most common and basic type of dovetail joint. This type of joint connects two pieces of wood through a jigsaw interlocking method. Best for: Boxes, shelves, and cabinets
	Half-Blind Dovetail Joints 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. Best for: Cabinet drawers
	Secret Mitered Dovetail Joints This is one of the highest-quality dovetail joints. 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. Best for: Picture frames, fine cabinetry, and boxes
	Sliding Dovetail Joints These joints connect 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. Best for: Shelves, tables, sides of drawers, and instruments

Material

Material is an important factor in the quality of your dovetail drawer boxes. They're typically made from solid wood or plywood, as these materials are strong and durable, increasing the longevity of your drawers. Avoid less durable materials, like particle board or medium-density fiberboard.

Finish

Dovetail drawers can be stained or painted to complement the rest of your kitchen or bathroom aesthetic or left in their natural state to match unfinished cabinets. Different types of wood take to stains or paint better than others, so consider the material when choosing a finish.

Hardware

Sturdy dovetail drawers made with high-quality wood would be incomplete without the perfect hardware. When choosing cabinet hardware, consider the style of your space — sleek handles work well with modern or industrial style kitchens and bathrooms, for example, while knobs complement a more rustic or classic design — as well as functionality.

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 answers to the most common questions people have about dovetail drawers.

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.