Six steps
Measure once, order right.
-
Gather your hardware specs
Decide which drawer slides you will use before you measure. Slide type and brand set how much smaller the box must be than the opening, so keep the manufacturer's installation sheet or template handy.
-
Measure the opening width and height
Measure the inside width and height of each drawer opening to the nearest 1/16 inch. Check in more than one spot, and write each size down as width x depth x height.
-
Measure the depth
Measure from the front of the cabinet to the back wall, and note any pipes, wires, or electrical boxes that could get in the way. Drawer depth normally follows your slide length, so a 21 inch slide means a 21 inch deep box.
-
Subtract the slide clearance
Side-mount slides typically need about 1/2 inch on each side, so the box is roughly 1 inch narrower than the opening. Undermount slides need much less side clearance, and the exact figure depends on the slide brand and side thickness. Always follow your slide manufacturer's specification, and leave height clearance as it directs.
-
Convert fractions to decimal inches
The order sheet takes decimal inches. Use the conversion table below, or type a fraction such as 17 1/2 and the sheet converts it when you paste it into a size cell.
-
Enter sizes and choose your specs
List each size on the order sheet (up to 25), then set the specs once: material, thickness, dovetail pattern, undermount notch, finish, and assembly. Add anything unusual under Special Instructions.
Worked example
A side-mount drawer.
For illustration only. A cabinet opening is 18 1/2" wide and 6" tall, the cabinet is 22 3/4" deep, and you are using 21" side-mount slides.
- Width: 18.5 minus about 1 = 17.5
- Depth: match the 21" slide = 21
- Height: 6 minus about 1/2 = 5.5
On the sheet, that row is 17.5 x 21 x 5.5, plus a quantity.
| Fraction | Decimal |
|---|---|
| 1/16" | 0.0625 |
| 1/8" | 0.125 |
| 3/16" | 0.1875 |
| 1/4" | 0.25 |
| 5/16" | 0.3125 |
| 3/8" | 0.375 |
| 7/16" | 0.4375 |
| 1/2" | 0.5 |
| 9/16" | 0.5625 |
| 5/8" | 0.625 |
| 11/16" | 0.6875 |
| 3/4" | 0.75 |
| 13/16" | 0.8125 |
| 7/8" | 0.875 |
| 15/16" | 0.9375 |
Before you send
Common mistakes to avoid.
Measuring the face, not the opening
Use the inside opening the box must pass through, not the door or drawer front.
Ignoring obstructions
Pipes, wires, and electrical boxes can make a full-depth box impossible. Note them first.
Mixing fractions and decimals
Pick decimal inches for every row so nothing is misread.
Forgetting the notch
Using undermount slides? Select Undermount under Knotch Size so the back is notched.
Skipping the check
We must be told of any discrepancy within 5 working days of receipt, so check sizes on arrival.
Unsure? Ask.
Call (408) 782-1313 before you order. A two minute call is cheaper than a remake.
Next step
Send your sizes. We will confirm the rest.
California Drawers, 16890 Church St. Bldg. 14, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 · (408) 782-1313 · 1-866-74-DRAWER · caldrawerorders@gmail.com · www.california-drawers.com