How to build drawer dividers

[CSParnell]

CSParnell

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Difficulty: Beginner

Drawer dividers are a great way to organise your drawers and prevent clutter. They can help you find what you need quickly and easily, maximising storage space.

This simple step-by-step guide shows you how to build drawer dividers using timber lengths. You can customise this project based on your specific needs. We would be happy to help if you need a hand. 

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Steps

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Step 1

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Measure your drawer's four internal walls, then determine how you want to divide your drawer. Make a rough sketch on paper.

Measure your dividing lines and your drawer's depth. 

Add all measurements to get the total length and width of timber that will be required for your drawer dividers.

  

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Step 2

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Construct the longer lengths of your divider frame.

First measure the longest inside length of your drawer. Then measure your timber accordingly. Draw a straight line at the cutting point using a set square and cut your timber to length.

    

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Step 3

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Construct the shorter lengths of your divider frame.

Fasten the longer lengths of cut timber from the previous step to your drawer's sides using a clamp.

Then measure the distance between them and cut your timber length according to this size.
 
After cutting, place all timber lengths in the drawer to make a frame. Trim where required.

  

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Step 4

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Join all the cut pieces to assemble your divider frame.

First place the longer timber length at a right angle against the shorter length. Then drill a pilot hole through the longer length into the shorter length using a 3mm drill bit. Drill around three quarters of the way in of the length of your screw.

Apply wood glue next down the face of the shorter length. Re-position it at a right angle against the longer length and glue together.

Using a Phillips #2 drill bit, drive the 6G x 40mm wood screws into the holes. Make sure they countersink so they are flush against the pieces.

Repeat this for all other sides until your divider frame is ready. Place the frame inside the drawer and ensure it fits well.

        

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Step 5

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Build dividers to create sections in your frame. For this project, we have created seven sections in total.

To create three sections across the long section of the frame, measure the internal long length of the frame and divide it by three. These three points are where you need to fix your two timber lengths to create three sections.

Now measure the short length of your divided sections to determine the length of the remaining dividers.

Cut your timber based on those measurements. Sand the edges using a sanding block and 240-grit sandpaper.

    

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Step 6

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Join all dividers to create sections within your divider frame.

Glue and screw the cut timber pieces inside your frame as explained in Step 4. Trim where required.

Repeat the process to measure, cut and fix all the dividers until you reach your desired layout. Place the assembled drawer dividers in your drawer to ensure everything fits.

  

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Step 7

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Sand the dividers lightly, ensuring no rough edges.

Apply a coat of 4-in-1 primer to prepare the dividers for painting.

Once dry, gap the corners with the gap filler and smooth out with your finger. Wipe clean with a rag.

Now apply two coats of paint on the dividers. You can choose multiple colours for different sections.

      

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Materials

Tools

• Timber lengths
• Zenith 6G x 40mm timber screws
• Wood glue
• 4-in-1 water-based primer
• Gap filler
• Paint
• Sandpaper.

• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Ruler
• Paper
• Set square
• Clamps
• Drill
• Caulking gun
• 3mm drill bit
• Drop saw
• Phillips #2 drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Paint brush.

Images

[Remarka6le]

These look so good @CSParnell , I'll have to consider making some of these for certain drawers in our new kitchen. 

[Tyro]

Yet another winner to add to my growing project list!  Thanks @CSParnell for the excellent procedure.  I'm totally new at DIY-ing with the 'big-boy toys'.  I'm also pathetic when it comes to mathematical calculations, so please tell me how to go about allowing for the saw width and timber width when measuring 😪

[EricL]

Hi @Tyro 

When you've purchased your first saw be it a hand saw or circular saw. I suggest doing a sample cut on an offcut piece of timber. The gap that your saw makes in the timber is called the "kerf". This gap is created by the saw as it cuts along the timber, this prevents it from being pinched in between the material being cut.

Your next step is to place a ruler in front of the kerf to determine how big that space is. For example, if the kerf size is 2mm you must always keep in mind that any cutting guide you make, the kerf line must always be taken into consideration. 

One way around this is to be aware where your cutting blade will be positioned. If for example, you need to cut a piece of timber exactly at 300mm and you forgot to add your 2mm kerf line. You must precisely cut the timber on the outside of the guideline that you placed. Cutting it on the line or inside of it will mean that the timber piece will be short.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric