How to build drawer dividers

CSParnell

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.

Steps

Step 1

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.

1.1 Measure the internal walls of your drawer.png 1.2 Add up all measurements.png

Step 2

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.

2.1 Measure longest length of drawer.png 2.2 Use a set square to draw straight line.png 2.3 Cut timber lengths using a drop saw.png

Step 3

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.

3.1 Fasten timber lengths to drawer sides using a clamp.png 3.2 Place all timber lengths in drawer to make a frame.png

Step 4

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.

4.1 Drill pilot holes.png 4.2 Place cut lengths at right angles.png 4.3 Glue edges.png 4.4 Drive screws into corners.png 4.5 External frame of drawer divider.png

Step 5

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.

5.1 Measure internal lengths of the frame to build rows and columns.png 5.2 Create two dividers across the short length of the drawer..png 5.3 Measure across sections to determine length of remaining dividers.png

Step 6

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.

6.1. Create divisions within frame.png 6.2 Place drawer divider in drawer.png

Step 7

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.

7.1 Sanding edges.png 7.2 Use a gap filler.png 7.3 Paint your dividers.png 7.4 Use your drawer dividers.png

Materials

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

Tools

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

1.1 Measure the internal walls of your drawer.png 1.2 Add up all measurements.png 2.1 Measure longest length of drawer.png 2.2 Use a set square to draw straight line.png 2.3 Cut timber lengths using a drop saw.png 3.1 Fasten timber lengths to drawer sides using a clamp.png 3.2 Place all timber lengths in drawer to make a frame.png 4.1 Drill pilot holes.png 4.2 Place cut lengths at right angles.png 4.3 Glue edges.png 4.4 Drive screws into corners.png 4.5 External frame of drawer divider.png 5.1 Measure internal lengths of the frame to build rows and columns.png 5.2 Create two dividers across the short length of the drawer..png 5.3 Measure across sections to determine length of remaining dividers.png 6.1. Create divisions within frame.png 6.2 Place drawer divider in drawer.png 7.1 Sanding edges.png 7.2 Use a gap filler.png 7.3 Paint your dividers.png 7.4 Use your drawer dividers.png