Build snug drawers for potting benches and sheds. No guesswork, just clear measurements every time. Print a cut list, then start assembling confidently now.
Sample inputs and outputs for quick reference. Always confirm hardware requirements.
| Opening (W×H×D) | Side clr | Vert clr | Back clr | Thickness | Outside (W×H×D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 × 6 × 20 in | 0.5 in | 0.25 in | 1 in | 0.5 in | 17 × 5.75 × 19 in |
| 450 × 150 × 500 mm | 12 mm | 6 mm | 20 mm | 12 mm | 426 × 144 × 480 mm |
Drawer boxes used in potting benches, seed cabinets, and shed organizers benefit from repeatable sizing. This calculator converts an opening into outside dimensions by subtracting slide and vertical clearances. By standardizing measurements, you reduce rework, protect tools, and keep supplies accessible during seasonal tasks. Documenting one successful drawer makes matching replacements simple.
Side clearance depends on the hardware system and the expected environment. Outdoor-adjacent garden spaces can swing in humidity, so allow room for seasonal movement and debris. Enter clearance per side, plus total top and bottom clearance, to prevent binding while maintaining a stable, square reveal. When in doubt, test one drawer and lock in the clearance as a shop standard.
Thickness drives the inside cavity and the length of the front and back panels. Butt construction sets front and back to the inside width. Rabbet or dado joinery increases panel length by the selected capture depth, improving glue surface and alignment. Keep joinery depth within the side thickness for strength. Consistent thickness selection also simplifies purchasing and reduces layout errors on sheet goods.
Garden drawers often store soil additives, fasteners, or watering parts, so a captured bottom helps resist racking. The calculator sizes the bottom using inside dimensions plus groove depth on each side. Pair this with a durable panel and appropriate sealing to limit swelling and extend service life. If loads are heavy, consider a thicker bottom or a center support to reduce sag.
After calculating, the cut list is formatted for quick transfer to marking and cutting stations. CSV supports batch planning and material optimization, while the PDF is convenient at the bench. Apply a waste factor to account for kerf, defects, and test cuts. Consistent documentation improves repeatability across builds. Store your export files with project photos so you can replicate drawer sets years later.
Measure the clear inside width and height where the drawer box will fit, plus the usable depth to the back stop. Avoid face-frame overhangs and trim that do not affect the box cavity.
Use the requirement from your slides or runners. If you build simple wooden runners, include extra space for finish and seasonal swelling. Enter the clearance per side, not the total.
Rabbet and dado styles seat the front and back into the sides. That capture adds length equal to twice the joinery depth, increasing glue area and helping keep the box aligned during assembly.
Choose a groove depth that provides reliable capture without weakening the sides. A common approach is a shallow groove within the side thickness. The calculator limits groove depth to practical values.
No. Bottom offset is included as a planning note so you can position your groove or fasteners consistently. The bottom panel size is based on inside dimensions plus the groove capture.
Rounding adjusts displayed cut sizes to match common measuring tools. For final fabrication, verify with your hardware and test-fit scrap. Keep the calculator unrounded if you want full precision outputs.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.