How to Install Drawer Fronts for a Chest of Drawers
Once a chest of drawers has all the parts in place your have a truly nice looking piece of furniture in your home. One of the last things in the building of these chests is the front of the drawers. Should a drawer become damaged and risk the look of the chest, you can replace it yourself without the help of a furniture restoration service.
Items needed:
- Drawer handles
- Hardware (screws or bolts and nuts)
- Drawer front
- Drill and drill bit
- Glue
- Mark the location of where the handle will be. Typically, this will be just a bit off center on the high side. This will help it to look in the middle, as most people will be seeing it from above the handle. While you are marking the height, also mark the distance in from the side as well. Normally this will be about half the distance from top to bottom of the front itself. Mark where both handle holes will be drilled.
- Align the front on the cabinet exactly in the center of the drawer opening so the overhang on all sides is even. You want the drawer to be exactly in the middle of the front. The best way to do this is to mark on the cabinet front where the overhang will be. With the drawer in the cabinet, place the front against the cabinet and drill through to the drawer once on each side of the front.
- Pull out the drawer with the handles and set on the floor. Remove the two screws and the front. You now have the location for your handles.
- Put the glue on the drawer front and use enough to get a good bond.
- Align the screw holes and screw the front to the drawer again and tighten it down good. This will permanently attach the front to the drawer. Allow the glue to dry for about 24 hours and your front is attached to the drawer.