Drawer Quality and Features Guide

Made up of interlocking wedge-shaped elements called pins and tails, dovetail joints are used on front and back corners of drawers for extra strength. This method of joinery is one of the finest, and when done well it doesn't require any fasteners, though adhesives are commonly used for extra protection over time. Easily identified by its beautiful interlocking design, the dovetail joint is a centuries-proven mark of quality and style.

Due to its superior strength and simple design, the mortise and tenon joint has been used for centuries. Typically used to join two pieces of wood at a 90 degree angle, this joint is especially common in drawer construction. There are many variations of mortise and tenon joints, but each style involves a protruding tenon cut at the end of a piece of wood that fits neatly into a mortise, a hole in the corresponding piece of wood, which is then secured into place with an adhesive. Unlike dovetail construction, the mortise and tenon joint is usually hidden from view, though it rivals the dovetail joint in strength and durability.

The butt joint connects two pieces of wood in simple fashion, with one end of a piece of wood flush against the side of another piece of wood, usually at a 90 degree angle. With nothing to keep the two pieces of wood interlocked or connected, this style of joint relies on adhesives and/or fasteners to hold the joint. The most basic of woodworking joints, it is less durable than a mortise and tenon or dovetail joint, and sacrifices style for simple construction, as the end grain on one of the two boards will be visible.

Often made from plywood, drawer bottoms can be especially susceptible to sagging over time. Corner blocking uses triangular-shaped blocks that are glued or screwed into the four corners of a drawer to provide support at the drawer's greatest pressure points. The additional support to drawer bottoms and corners allows you to pack drawers tightly, without having to worry about the bottom falling out or breaking down.

Felt lining is often found in one or two top drawers within a dresser, bedroom chest, or dining server, and is designed to protect both your items and the wood drawer. The felt-lining prevents metal items like jewelry or silverware from scratching the wood, and holds items in place for minimal movement as you open and close the drawer.

The drop front drawer is becoming increasingly common as the need for entertainment storage in various rooms throughout the home has grown. Designed to accommodate media consoles or components, the drawer front can be dropped down by releasing a latch found on the inner sides of the drawer. You can then slide the drawer forward for easier access, or leave the tray with its front down for direct remote accessibility. Often called a media drawer, this drop front drawer allows you to keep consoles discreetly tucked away, yet easily accessible.

While the name of this feature may vary by furniture brand, soft close drawers are easily recognizable. Soft close drawers feature metal glides that work to prevent drawers from rebounding or slamming closed, and require just a pat or bump to activate the mechanism, which then closes the drawer quietly, as if it were closing all on its own. Whether you give it a hard push or a small tap, the mechanism causes the drawer to slow down before shutting completely. An overall impressive feature, soft close drawers and can sometimes require a little more force to open, and may remain open if your tap or push isn't registered.

Dust proofing is used between drawers to prevent dust from falling within a case onto cleanly folded clothing. Typical dust proofing consists of wood or fabric panels that are built into a dresser or chest and separate the top of one drawer from the bottom of another. Along with trapping dust and debris, dust proofing panels also prevent items like socks and t-shirts in stuffed drawers from getting caught when you open or close the drawer above them.