What are Dovetail Drawers
In a nutshell, it’s a locking joint that firmly holds the walls of your drawers together. Ensuring a tight grip that will probably last longer than most of us will. These joints are made to last and are found in most well built cabinetry, like the cabinets at S&W Cabinets.
The dovetail ‘locking joint’ is constructed from wedge-shaped channels cut into the wood, that interlock with one another from either side of the door frame or drawer, creating a box. The wedge-shaped pieces are called ‘tails’ and ‘pins,’ and provide a very strong joint that is very resistant to force once the two sides are joined.
Drawers with Dovetails can normally hold much more weight than a joint that is only glued making this an excellent choice for your kitchen drawers.
What are the benefits of having Dovetail Drawers?
This is one of our most asked questions and the answer is quite simple. Dovetail drawers provide longevity. This type of joint is able to withstand much more than the average everyday use. When you consider your cabinet drawers will be opened and closed at least 8 times a day, or over 3,000 times a year, you’ll want joints that will hold up for years and years after you purchase them.
There are quite a few variations of dovetail joints, here are three of the most common types.
1. The “Through Dovetail” exposes the ends of both pieces. Seeing the end grain makes it obvious that the joint is a dovetail.
2. The “Half-Blind Dovetail” can be recognized by the visible end grain on the side but not from the front.
3. The “Blind Dovetail” does not expose any end grain. These are much more difficult to find.
Ever wondered what soft closing doors and drawers were? Find out HERE